Your Questions Answered
We will answer selected questions as soon as we can. Simply send in your question using the ask a question form and then come back to this page a few days later to see whether your question has been selected. We can't guarantee all questions will be answered, questions will be selected at random. And don't worry, all questions are anonymous and we don't ask for any personal details.
Just one other thing, we can't answer specific personal questions as it's always best to ask these face to face. Take a look at Your Area to find details of your local clinic where you will be able to ask your question. Please also remember not to be rude in the questions you ask. Just as you wouldn't put up with offensive words, neither will we.
Click on a question to see our answer...
Q: Can you get pregnant while you are on your period?
It is very unlikely you could get pregnant if you have sex when you are on your period, but it's not impossible! For that reason it's best to protect yourself from getting pregnant by using a condom.
Click on the area you live in from the list below to see where you can get Free Condoms.
Find where to get FREE condoms
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Croydon |
Kingston |
Merton |
Richmond |
Sutton |
Wandsworth |
See how to use a condom with pictures here.
This answer was kindly supplied by staff at KU19 young people's clinics in Kingston.
KU19 @ Connexions @ Argyll House
KU19 @ The Hook Centre
KU19 @ YMCA Surbiton
KU19 @ Hawks Road Clinic
Q: Is it possible to have 2 STIs at the same time?
It is possible to have more than one STI at a time- in fact it is quite common. That is why it is so important to go to a GUM or sexual health clinic to be tested if you have had unprotected sex.
Most STI's can be treated and it’s usually best if treatment is started as soon as possible.
STI's can be passed from one person to another after unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex, or intimate contact. Using condoms every time you have sex will offer you good protection against STI's.
To find your nearest clinic where you can be tested and treated for STI's, click your borough from the list below.
Wandsworth
Croydon
Sutton
Merton
Kingston
Richmond
This answer was kindly supplied by staff at KU19 young people's clinics in Kingston.
KU19 @ Connexions @ Argyll House
KU19 @ The Hook Centre
KU19 @ YMCA Surbiton
KU19 @ Hawks Road Clinic
Q: Can you get an STI without having sex?
STI's are usually passed from one person to another by sexual contact-this can be oral, vaginal or anal sex, or intimate skin to skin contact. Some STI's can also be passed on by sharing syringes if someone is taking drugs. You cannot catch a sexually transmitted infection from a toilet seat! Using condoms will greatly protect you from catching STI's.
Q: Does taking the morning after pill hurt as it works on you?
Taking the morning after pill is very safe and does you no harm. It doesn't hurt when you take it, but a very small number of girls who take it feel a bit sick afterwards. If you have unprotected sex, you can take the morning after pill up to 72 hours afterwards, but the sooner you take it the better chance it will work. Taking the morning after pill can disrupt your periods and your period could be early or up to a week late.
If you are taking the pill correctly, and don't miss any tablets, you are protected against getting pregnant all the time- even in the 7 day break.
Q: Do condoms completely protect you against STI's?
Condoms are the only protection against STI's and are 98% effective. Using them allows you and your partner to relax and enjoy sex whilst keeping yourself safe. No type of contraception is totally 100% safe, as sometimes people don't always use them properly and also accidents can happen. Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted by oral sex and other very close physical body contact as well as full sexual intercourse.
Condoms are only safe if they are used properly. See the How To Use A Condom page for advice and pictures on how to put a condom on and some of the problems to avoid.
Q: How do you know when you are in love?
That's a tough question and not an easy one to answer! What feels like love to one person can be different for another. It is not based on physical attraction alone (this would be lust) but things like caring, friendship, respect, commitment and trust. You can feel different types of love for different people like your family, friends or your boy/girl friend. In a relationship two people should feel good about themselves and each other. There should be no place for violence, abuse or taking advantage of each other.
Q: How should one approach talking to their parents about sex?
Most surveys show that young people want to talk to their parents about sex and relationships. They can be a really great source of information and advice. It is best to pick a time when your parent isn't stressed or busy doing something so you know they will have the time to speak to you. Talking about sex can be embarrassing so if it feels easier you could use things happening on soaps, TV programmes, adverts or magazines to get the conversation started.
Q: What happens if you have sex before you are 16?
The legal age someone can agree or consent to have sex in England is 16. This is the same whether you are gay, straight or bisexual. The laws are there to protect young people from abuse or from having sex before they are ready. The age at which someone feels ready to have sex can differ. Before having sex for the first time think carefully about whether it’s right for you. Lots of people who have sex too young say they regret it later. Even if you are under 16, you can still get free and confidential advice from your GP, local GUM or family planning clinic.
Click on your area from the list below to find out where your nearest services are.
Masturbation is touching your own or someone else's genitals for sexual pleasure. It can be part of foreplay with your partner or a natural and normal way of exploring your own body so you know what's pleasurable for you.
The best place to go to is a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Staff are fully trained and friendly and there is no need to feel embarrassed as they are used to dealing with sexual health concerns all day, every day. You can be treated for all STI's and you only need to pee in a pot or give a swab so it's simple and painless.
In South West London there are GUM clinics called 'The Point' which are only for under 18's so you can choose one of these if you would rather only be there with people your own age. All 'The Point' clinics are drop-in so there's no need to make an appointment and you can also get advice, free condoms and pregnancy testing as well if you want. Click on your area below to find where 'The Point' and other GUM clinics in SW London, such as 'Be Wize' in Richmond, are located.
Q: What would be the best way to ask a girl/boy out?
There isn't one way that always works it depends very much on the person you want to ask out, how well you know them and how easily you can approach them. Try finding a shared interest like a film or favourite band you can talk about. Get to know one another and try and get a sense of whether the other person likes you too. It can be scary but if you get a feeling you both feel the same be brave and just ask.
Q: When is the right time and how will you know?
The right time is different for everyone. The most important thing is that you don't feel pressured into having sex. There can be quite a lot of pressure to feel like you should be having a sexual relationship but it can be a bigger step than people think. Click on Are You Ready? for a few questions you can ask yourself which will help you decide whether you are ready. If you have any doubts or think you will have regrets then it may be better to wait. In this section, you will also find a list of ways some young people we talked to suggested you can show someone you love them without having sex.
