Don't know what a word means?
Click on the letters below to find out more.
-
D is for Demisexual
Demisexual people only feel sexually attracted to someone after they have developed a stronger emotional bond with someone they are dating/getting to know.
-
Dating
This is a period when you are romantically getting to know someone. You might go out on dates and spend time seeing if you are a good match for each other.
-
Dental Dam
A small sheet of latex which acts as a barrier between the vagina or anus and mouth, used during oral sex.
-
Dildo
An object that is shaped like a penis, usually made from rubber or plastic. People might use these for themselves or with partners to achieve sexual pleasure. Sometimes these are more realistic than others, and some might vibrate. You have to be over 18 to buy these in a shop.
-
Discharge
Wet liquid type stuff that can come out of a penis or a vagina. If you have a period, this will happen from puberty through to menopause. This is produced by little glands in the vagina and the cervix. It will change colour and consistency during the month. If this is a different colour than usual (yellow/grey) or smells unpleasant, you should visit your local sexual health clinic or GP. For those with penises, discharge is not usual and this quite likely indicates an STI. You should aim to get an appointment as soon as you can, especially if you have any possible symptoms of an STI. To find a clinic near you, visit our Services pages.
-
Doggy style
A sexual position where the someone is kneeling on all fours and the someone else is penetrating them from behind. This could involve vaginal or anal penetration with a penis or a sex toy.
-
Dry humping
This is when people might act out penetrative sex, but keep their clothes on. This also involved the rubbing/humping of bodies.
-
DTF
Short for 'Down To Fuck' this is a term people use to describe someone who wants to have sex.
Click a button below to find a list of local services in your area if you need help or advice.
Are you ready to have sex?
It can be difficult to decide whether it's the right time for you to have sex. You should know that whatever anyone else might say, the decision to have sex for the first time or anytime is YOURS. It might feel ok to do it or it might not feel ok. You need to trust your instincts and do what is right for you.
Possible pages that this section could link to
Be clear on consent
It is important that sex is always consensual. This means being conscious enough and safe/comfortable enough to say yes to any type of sexual contact, whether that's talking about sex, touching, or taking part in sexual acts. It's about both parties feeling actively excited and comfortable in a sexual situation. Remember you can change your mind at any point, whether that means saying "no" or stopping any kind of activity.
Possible pages that this section could link to
Contraception choices
If you are thinking about having sex and you don‘t want to become pregnant then you need to use a method of contraception. Most methods of contraception will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections so whatever method you choose you also need to think about protection (avoiding getting a sexually transmitted infection). For this you'll need to use condoms.
Possible pages that this section could link to
Do you need more help or advice?
If you still have unanswered questions, you can go to a service in your area for information & advice: