A disease usually caught from contaminated food or water but also through sexual activity that brings the mouth into contact with faeces e.g. anal sex.

A rubber contraceptive in the shape of a small dish that sits at the neck of the womb to block sperm from reaching a girl's eggs.

Cancer of the cervix is a life-threatening disease, but it can be treated and cured if it is discovered in the early stages. Cervical cancer is most common in women over 50 but it can affect females of all ages.

A test to check for cervical cancer. Cells are taken from a girl's cervix using a speculum (a small metal or plastic instrument), which goes inside the girl's vagina. The test isn’t painful but it might be a little uncomfortable. Females should have a smear test every three to five years once they are 25 – 65 years.

The neck of the womb. consisting of a narrow passage leading to the vagina.

A very common sexually transmitted infection which, if untreated, can cause infertility in girls.

Circumcision is when the foreskin on a boy's penis is removed by a doctor during surgery. The operation can be done on babies for religious reasons, but it can happen at any time in a boy's life if there is a problem with his foreskin. It's a safe operation and makes no difference to a boy's sex life.

The nub of skin at the front of a girl's vulva which produces feelings of intense sexual pleasure when stimulated.

A contraceptive device usually made of plastic or copper, also known as an IUD. It is inserted into the womb and stops fertilised eggs from settling and growing.

A scabby or crusty sore patch, usually found near the mouth or nose, caused by the Herpes virus.

A contraceptive pill that prevents pregnancy by stopping a woman producing eggs.

A slang term for sperm.

When someone makes it public that they are gay.

Also known as a Family Planning clinic. A nationwide network of clinics where you can go for free and confidential advice about sex and contraception.

A thin, rubber sheath (cover) worn over the penis, it is the best contraceptive that can protect against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

If something is confidential then it’s secret. Even if you are under 16 you have same right to confidentiality as adults. This means that doctors and nurses should not pass on any information about your visit unless they think you are in serious danger and even then they should discuss the issue with you first.

Another word for permission.

The word for any method used to prevent pregnancy.

Lice that live in the pubic hair and can be spread from person to person during sex or close contact.

When someone uses their mouth to stimulate a woman’s genitals.

Talking about sex with someone on the internet, in a chat room or by email.

An infection caught through close physical contact like kissing or unprotected sex.