Don't know what a word means?
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Oestrogen
One of the female hormones that controls reproduction.
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Oral Sex
Using the mouth and tongue to pleasure and stimulate the penis or the outside of the vulva (and the clitoris). There are contraceptives that can be used as a barrier to avoid the transmission of STIs through oral sex. Also known as going down on someone or 'eating/licking someone out'.
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Orgasm
Known as the peak of sexual pleasure. The feeling can last for a few seconds, and someone may ejaculate/come. Orgasms are different for everyone and not everyone has an orgasm every time they have sex.
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Ovaries
Ovaries are the female reproductive glands. They hold and develop eggs. They also make hormones called oestrogen and progesterone.
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Ovulation
For people with a female reproductive system, the ovaries produce eggs. This usually happens in the middle of the menstruation cycle. For instance, if someone has a 28-day cycle from the first day of their period to the next, ovulation will be around day 14.
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: