Don't know what a word means?
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Ectopic Pregnancy
When the egg gets fertilised outside of the womb, usually in the fallopian tubes. A pregnancy is not safe unless it is in the womb and an ectopic pregnancy usually has to be terminated. This is often diagnosed by medical staff, so if you think you could be pregnant, please make sure to seek healthcare support.
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Egg
The egg is known as a female reproductive cell. This is what is released every month if someone has a period (menstruates). If a sperm fertilises an egg, this is what can grow into an embryo.
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Ejaculate
Ejaculation is fluid produced from the penis or vagina. This often happens as the result of having an orgasm, but it can happen without an orgasm. If someone with a penis ejaculates, this will come out of the end of penis. This is called semen and this liquid contains sperm. People with a vulva can ejaculate, but the fluid is different, and can be of varying amounts.
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Embryo
A fertilised egg becomes a ball of cells called an embryo. An embryo describes the early stages of pregnancy, until eight weeks of development and before it becomes known as a foetus.
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Emergency Pill
The emergency contraceptive pill, sometimes called the morning after pill, can stop a pregnancy happening after sex without contraception or if contraception fails. It needs to be taken within 5 days (or 120 hours) after sex. The emergency pill is free of charge to young people from a range of local services. It’s also known as Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC). For more information see our Emergency Contraception page.
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Endometriosis
A disease affecting people who menstruate. This occurs when the tissue that normally lines the womb grows on other organs outside of it, and can cause heavy bleeding. It can also cause extreme pain and discomfort, as well as fertility issues. If anyone suspects they may have endometriosis, please go to your GP.
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Erectile dysfunction
When someone is having problems maintaining an erection. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as being tired, stressed, drinking, medical conditions etc.
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Erection
When someone with a penis is sexually aroused, their penis will swell (with blood) and become hard or erect. If you are going through puberty, this can happen involuntarily, or in your sleep. Also referred to as a boner or a 'hard-on'.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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: