Don't know what a word means?
Click on the letters below to find out more.
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Gay
Another word meaning homosexual. Someone who is sexually attracted to members of their own sex. Sometimes referred to also as queer.
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Gender Dysphoria
Used to describe when a person experiences discomfort, distress and/or anxiety because there is a mismatch between their sex assigned at birth and their gender identity. This is also the clinical diagnosis for someone who doesn’t feel comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth.
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Gender Identity
A person’s sense of their own gender. This could be male, female, or something else (for example someone who is non-binary or agender). Some people align themselves with more than one gender identity.
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Gender Stereotypes
The ways that we expect people to act in society because of their gender. This can also be what is commonly accepted as ‘normal’ for someone of that gender.
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Genital Examination
When a doctor or nurse examines the vagina, the penis and/or the testicles. This is to check your body for any signs of STIs or other health issues.
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Genital Warts
Small growths on or around the genitals caused by a virus.
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Genitals
Reproductive organs on human beings.
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Ghosting
When someone cuts communication when they are dating someone.
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Gonorrhoea
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be easily treated with antibiotics. This can get serious if it is left untreated. See our STI page for more information.
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.
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: