Frequently Asked Questions

It’s controversial. There isn’t a distinct place in the vagina known as the G-spot, and the exact region can vary from person to person. However, it is considered a pleasure point that stimulates powerful orgasms in those with a vagina, and has the potential to cause vaginal ejaculation. The G-spot can be located inside the vagina by inserting a finger, and using a ‘come here’ motion; although, not everyone likes this area to be touched (hence why there’s controversy over whether the area truly exists or not).

This depends a lot on how you define sex. Sex is not just vaginal intercourse. It can include the following activities and more: vaginal sex anal sex hugging kissing any sexual touching oral sex exposing your body to another person showing somebody pornographic images and more! Sex is pretty much anything that feels sexual. The sex you personally find ‘easy’ will vary across individuals. Different positions within each type of sex may require more flexibility or strength than others which could make them ‘hard’ but there’s plenty out there to suit everyone’s abilities and needs so do some research! Stigma and pshychological elements can also effect what feels easier/more difficult. To find what is ‘easy’ may require experimentation with yourself, with sex toys or with a partner. At the end of the day, if you’re finding a type of sex difficult (and therefore not enjoying it) – whether it's vaginal, anal, oral or any other type then talk to your parnter about how you feel and decide whether you want to try again at another point or explore other options. Check out The Sex Wrap podcast and Sexplanations Youtube videos (linked on our Resources Page) for more advice and tips!

There is this misconception around anal and vaginal sex; that the first time hurts. Sex doesn't ever have to be painful, even if it’s your first time. When aroused, the clitoris and penis get hard and the vagina walls smooth out and stretch. With regards to penis (or sex toy etc.) in vagina sex, if the person with the vagina is not relaxed this smoothing and stretching of the vagina won’t happen. Hense, sometimes vaginal sex might be painful. Using a water-based lubricant can help increase pleasure. Some people use saliva as their lubricant, but it is more watery than slippery and dries out quickly. One surprising benefit of a bit of lubrication? It can prevent infections. Friction from lube-less sex causes heat which encourages bacterial growth; so the less friction (and the more lube!) the better. Speaking of, less friction means you're less likely to break a condom, so lube can help prevent an "oops" moment later on. With anal sex, this again should not have to be painful first time. However, it is unlikely that you’ll be able to go straight in with a penis, toy or finger without forcing it which can be very uncomfortable. Instead you should work your way up, relaxing the anus, breathing and exploring with a pinky finger after a soapy shower. Again, the more lube the better!

An orgasm is a feeling of intense sexual pleasure. An orgasm can also be called ‘coming’ or ‘climaxing’. For people with a vagina, during an orgasm, their genital muscles will have contractions. They can also have multiple orgasms close together. For people with a penis, the penis muscles also have contractions when orgasming, and semen ejaculates out of the penis. However, they’ll have to wait a little while before they can have another. Some fun facts from Medical News Today: Orgasms have multiple potential health benefits due to the hormones and other chemicals that are released by the body during an orgasm. Orgasms do not only occur during sexual stimulation. People of all genders can experience orgasm disorders. An estimated 1 in 3 men have experienced premature ejaculation. Trans people are able to orgasm after gender reassignment surgery. Medical professionals and mental health professionals define orgasms differently. We recommend you look at Bish's article "Why Can't I Orgasm" if you're concerned. https://www.bishuk.com/your-questions/ask-bish-i-cant-orgasm-at-all/ We also recommend exploring Sexplanations's YouTube videos on orgasms here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mV6JVo0w9s&list=PL_zdi3TflN9LsQPiDoYj0nzL6HV5lOdYR

The most enjoyed type of sex is different for every person. Different people like different things and so it may take a bit of experimenting in a trusting, consensual way until you find what you personally enjoy the most.

Oral sex is anything involving contact with a mouth and another’s genitals. It includes sucking and licking of the anus/vagina/penis. To prevent the spread of STIs, a dental dam (a sheet of latex) should cover the genitals. NOTE: it’s important to know, despite the name ‘blowjob’, that blowing into a penis can actually be damaging.

There’s lots of ways to have sex with a girl without having a penis! By law, both you and your partner must be over 16 and consent to the sexual activity. Sex isn’t just ‘penis in vagina’. It’s lots of other things too. For example, sex can involve sex toys, fingering, stroking, kissing, touching, licking, and much more. You don’t have to have a penis in order to perform oral sex on someone else. You can also have sex with a partners vagina, or anus using fingers and toys.

There is no need to be embarrassed! Lots of people have sex and use sex toys, both by themselves and with others. However, if you are feeling a little shy (or don’t want people to question why you were seen walking into THAT shop) have no fear :) There are lots of online shopping options. For example, Ann Summers have a website which offers a wide range of sex toys for the individual, couple, or goup. On top of this, the packaging is discrete, so even when it gets delivered, they’ll be no way of knowing what’s inside or where it came from.

Certainly! Ask your teachers about getting us back to your school for more workshops, and even suggest the topics you'd like to learn about. In the mean time, check out our Resources Hub (https://warwicksexpression.wixsite.com/studentcompanion/resources-hub). There’s lots of helpful links to guide you to the answers yourself. In brief though, oral sex involves the mouth on another person’s genitals. On a penis this if often referred to as a blowjob, on a vulva it is often called licking out, and on an anus: rimming. Anal sex can be anything from a finger(s), sex toy, or penis inserted into the anus. Similarly, vaginal sex is stimulating an individual by inserting a finger(s), sex toy, or penis into the vagina. Masturbation or "doing yourself" involves touching yourself in a way that makes you feel excited. This doesn’t have to mean touching your genitals though, lots of other places on your body can make you feel good too.

Information from https://www.fpa.org.uk/factsheets/law-on-sex In England and Wales, having sex under 16 is against the law. It is an offence for anyone to have any sexual activity with a person under the age of 16. However, Home Office guidance is clear that there is no intention to prosecute teenagers under the age of 16 where both mutually agree and where they are of a similar age. This is because, according to the law, consent can only be given by someone who has the capacity to give it. Anyone under the age of 16, in the eyes of the law, does not have the capacity to consent, as they may not fully understand what sex involves and what they’re agreeing to. The various sexual offences laws in force in the UK do not affect the ability of professionals to provide confidential sexual health advice, information, or treatment. Each specifically states that it is not an offence to provide information, advice and/or treatment if it is in order to protect the young person’s sexual health, physical safety or emotional wellbeing. ______________________________________________________________________________ It is an offence for a person aged 18 or over to have any sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 if the older person holds a position of trust (for example a teacher or social worker) as such sexual activity is an abuse of the position of trust. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 provides specific legal protection for children aged 12 and under who cannot legally give their consent to any form of sexual activity. There is a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for rape, assault by penetration, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The law for sending nudes, protects young people from sexual exploitation and child pornography. Those who are 18 and over are considered an adult; therefore, it is assumed that they understand the risks associated with sending nudes. 18-year olds are still vulnerable to revenge porn, but the spread of their nude images around the world would not be considered child pornography, as they are now adult.

All information below is extracted and summarised from the Prison Reform Trust's "Information booklet for people on licence for a sex offence" (October 2015) - http://www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/sex%20offender%20information%20booklet.pdf The sex offender notification requirements, or "sex offenders register" was introduced in 1997. It requires convicted sex offenders, who have completed their prison/community sentence to give or regularly update their personal details and abroad travel arrangements with the police. In terms of limitations, these are actually separate licencing conditions for sex offenders who are released on licence (which accompanies the sex offender notification requirements). Licence conditions for released sex offenders dicatate what they can, or cannot do. These include standard conditions: To be of good behaviour and not commit any offence To keep in touch with your supervising officer To permanently live at an approved address, and get permission if staying 1 or more nights at a different approved address Only do work that is approved by your supervising officer Not to travel outside the UK without permission There are also additional licence conditions, which either restrict, or require you to do something. These can vary depending on several factors e.g. seriousness of offence, length of sentence, time since the offence etc. below are some examples: Restrictions on using the internet Restrictions on using mobile phones and cameras Not permitted contact with the victim, or anyone under 18 Not permitted to enter places where there are children Not permitted to contact other known sex offenders, or prisoners Not permitted to work/volunteer in a place that involves a person(s) under a certain age To take part in a sex offender programme To attend polygraph testing To tell your supervising officer of new relationships To stay at home between certain hours To report to a police station details of any car you use To attend appointments with a mental health professional In terms of working with children, this would be subject to an assessment of the risk a sexual offender presents. This is managed in the community by the Multi-Agency Puplic Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) and considers some of the following (not exhaustive): Risk factors Opportunity and access to potential victims Sexual interest in children Thinking about sex a lot Seeing other people as a problem Not managing your feelings Thinking rules don't apply Drinking alcohol or taking drugs Supportive factors Having friends Commitment to not offending again Having a partner may be a positive factor Having a job or being active in the community Using this risk assessment framework, MAPPA can also disclose information on a sex offenders convictions. This can involve sharing information with various agencies e.g. local authority, social services, housing, children's services, employers, and health services. Disclosures can even involve telling those that are considered to be directly at risk, e.g. a neighbour with children living in the same building as a child sex offender.

No, each country may have different laws in regards to the age of consent and sexting/nudes. In the UK, the age of consent is 16. Below is a brief list of the differing ages, or conditions of consent by country. Afghanistan: must be married Albania: 14 years old Angola: 12 years old Argentina: 18 years old France: 15 years old Ireland: 17 years old Japan: 13 years old

Sex is sex whether it's vaginal, anal, or oral. Therefore, the laws regarding consent apply to all types of sexual activities, which includes oral sex. However, provided the sexual activity is consensual, the age gap between those participating is the same or similar, and there’s no reason for anyone to think it’s unsafe for the individuals involved, then its unlikely anyone will be prosecuted.

Contraception methods are used to prevent unwanted pregnancies; however, condoms can also protect people from STI’s. According to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/ here’s how they all work - Methods for those with a penis Male condoms Note: these are condoms that go on a penis, not all users will identify as male. Work as a barrier, stopping semen (the fluid that is ejaculated containing sperm) from coming into contact with a sexual partner. Vasectomy Works by stopping sperm getting into the ejaculated semen. Tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut, blocked, or sealed off with heat. The sperm is unable to mix with the semen in the penis, so the ejaculated fluid contains no sperm; preventing fertilisation if contact with a vagina's egg is made. This is a method of permanent contraception, and cannot be reversed. Methods for those with a vagina Female condoms (Femidom) Note: these are condoms that go in a vagina, not all users will identify as female. Worn inside the vagina, working as a barrier to prevent semen getting to the uterus and fertilising an egg. Contraceptive diaphragm or cap Covers the neck of the womb (cervix), blocking sperm from entering the womb (uterus), and preventing an egg from being fertilised. Combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) Contains artificial female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which women produce naturally from their ovaries. Oestrogen prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). Where as progesterone thickens the mucus in the cervix, and thins the lining of the uterus. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. Progestogen-only pill (POP) Contains only progesterone hormone (hence the name), which thickens the mucus in the neck of the cervix, and thins the lining of the uterus. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. Desogestrel containing POPs can also stop ovulation. Vaginal ring Is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks, then removed for a week of bleeding (menstruation), with a new vaginal ring inserted for the next period cycle. It steadily releases oestrogen and progestogen hormones into your bloodstream; working the same way as the COCP. Oestrogen prevents ovulation; where as, progesterone thickens the mucus in the cervix, and thins the lining of the uterus. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. Contraceptive implant A flexible rod, placed under the skin of the arm, which constantly releases progesterone hormone into your bloodstream, and lasts 3 years. It thickens the mucus in the neck of the cervix, thins the lining of the uterus, and also prevents ovulation. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. Contraceptive injection Steadily releases progestogen hormone into your bloodstream, and lasts 8-13 weeks (brand dependent). It thickens the mucus in the neck of the cervix, thins the lining of the uterus, and also prevents ovulation. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. Contraceptive patch Releases a daily dose of oestrogen and progesterone hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. It works in the same way as the COCP. Oestrogen prevents ovulation; where as, progesterone thickens the mucus in the cervix, and thins the lining of the uterus. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. Intrauterine system (IUS) Placed in the uterus by a medical professional and left for 3-5 years (brand dependent), it releases progestogen hormone into the uterus. This thickens the mucus in the neck of the cervix, and thins the lining of the uterus; making it harder for sperm to penetrate the uterus and reach an egg. It is also more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant into the uterus lining for growth. For some persons with vaginas, it can also prevent ovulation, but most will continue to ovulate. Intrauterine device (IUD) Placed in the uterus by a medical professional and left for 5-10 years (brand dependent), it slowly releases copper into the uterus. This alters the cervical mucus and decreases sperm survival, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg alive. It can also stop a fertilised egg from being able to implant itself. Natural family planning Involves identifying the signs and symptoms of fertility during your menstrual cycle so you can plan, or avoid pregnancy. The 3 different fertility signals you can monitor and record are: the length of your menstrual cycle, daily readings of your body temperature, changes to your cervical mucus. If you're interested in natural family planning, make sure you're taught by a qualified fertility awareness teacher. Female sterilisation Note: not all under going this procedure will identify as female. Works by preventing eggs getting into the uterus. Fillopian tubes that communicate between the ovaries and the uterus are cut, blocked, or removed. The eggs are unable to meet sperm, so fertilisation cannot happen. Eggs will still be released from the ovaries, but are absorbed naturally into the woman's body. This is a method of permanent contraception, and cannot be reversed.

Prices of condoms are based on the types of materials used (latex, lambskin, polyurethane and polyisoprene), as well as quality. Using a cheaper condom, as opposed to a more expensive one, may increase the risk of pregnancy or STIs. It is important to check before buying that a CE mark or BSI Kitemark is present on the condom packet. This means they've been tested to high safety standards, even if they cost you a bit more money. It is also important to check the expiry date as well, regardless of price, if they’re out of date they will be more likely to break. Don’t forget though; you can get high quality condoms for FREE from sexual health clinics. A higher quality condom should be less likely to break, and so be a more effective barrier method. However, even the most expensive condoms cannot be more than 98% effective even with perfect use. It's also important not to let the condom get too dry, and using water-based lubricant to prevent breakage. Equally, it's important a penial condom isn’t too loose on the penis (no matter its quality), so that it doesn’t slip off during sex.

Flavoured condoms are condoms with flavoured lubricant on them. Lots of flavours are available and lots of condom brands do them. For example, Durex offer apple, banana, orange and strawberry. People tend to not like the latexy smell/taste associated with the common non-flavoured condom. Therefore, flavoured condoms are so people are not put off from using them all together as they are the only contraception that can protect people from both pregnancy and STI’s. Also, they make oral sex more enjoyable. Lots of condom brands make lots of different flavours. Taste and scent are subjective to the individual and so it’s down to personal preference to what the ‘best flavour’ is. Some people may prefer a chocolate flavour whereas others may prefer something fruity such as strawberry. However, don’t stress if you can’t find a flavoured condom you like – lubricants come in lots of flavours too! Just add a flavoured lubricant to a condom for the same affect. Note: remember to make sure the lubricant is water-based before using it with condoms as other types, such as oil-based, can break down the condom.

According to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/ Different contraceptives will suit different bodies and personal preferences. It might be useful to talk to a doctor if you're not sure which contraceptive is best for you. Only condoms, femidoms and dental dams help protect against STIs. Other contraceptive methods will help to prevent pregnancy. In most cases, there are no medical side effects from using condoms. Some people may be allergic to latex, plastic, or spermicides, but you can get condoms that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. There are no serious health risks or side effects associated to using a contraceptive diaphragm or cap – it’s just a circular dome made of thin, soft silicone that's inserted into the vagina before sex. However, the latex and spermicide can cause irritation in some people and their sexual partners. Furthermore, cystitis (bladder infection) can be a problem for some people with vaginas who use this method although it can be caused by sex in general – with or without a diaphragm/cap – so always remember to wee after sex! For the combined pill, it has positive side effects such as usually making your bleeds regular, lighter and less painful, it reduces your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon, it can reduce symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), it can sometimes reduce acne. It can, however, cause side effects, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings. It can also increase your blood pressure and has been linked to an increased risk of some serious health conditions, such as thrombosis (blood clots) and breast cancer. We recommend listening to episode 11 of The Heavy Flow podcast if you're considering using the pill: http://amandalaird.ca/episode-11-making-informed-choices-about-hormonal-birth-control-with-holly-grigg-spall/ The contraceptive implant may reduce heavy periods or painful periods. However, side effects during the first few months include: headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings. Periods may be irregular or stop altogether and you may get acne or your acne might get worse. The contraceptive injection may reduce heavy, painful periods and help with premenstrual symptoms for some women. Periods may change and become irregular, heavier, shorter, lighter or stop altogether – this can carry on for some months after you stop the injections. Some people may put on weight when they use Depo-Provera or Sayana Press contraceptive injections. They may also experience side effects like headaches, acne, hair loss, decreased sex drive and mood swings which can continue for as long as the injection lasts (8 or 13 weeks) and for some time after. The contraceptive patch can make your periods more regular, lighter and less painful. It can help with premenstrual symptoms and may reduce the risk of ovarian, womb and bowel cancer as well as reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease. However, it can cause skin irritation, itching, and soreness. Some people get mild temporary side effects when they first start using the patch, such as headaches, sickness (nausea), breast tenderness and mood changes. With the Intrauterine device (IUD), there are no hormonal side effects, such as acne, headaches or breast tenderness. There's no evidence that an IUD will affect your weight or increase the risk of cervical cancer, cancer of the uterus or ovarian cancer. However, your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, though this may improve after a few months. The Intrauterine system (IUS) may cause periods can become lighter, shorter and less painful – they may stop completely after the first year of use. There's no evidence that an IUS will affect your weight or increase the risk of cervical cancer, cancer of the uterus or ovarian cancer. However, your periods may become irregular or stop completely, which may not be suitable for some people. And some people will experience headaches, acne and breast tenderness after having the IUS fitted as well as changes in mood and libido. An uncommon side effect of the IUS is that some women can develop small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries – these usually disappear without treatment. Natural family planning or fertility awareness has no side effects as it involves a menstruator monitoring and recording their cycle so that they know when they’re likely to get pregnant or not. This isn't recommended as a reliable method for teenagers as their body is still developing. The progestogen-only pill is generally well tolerated, and side effects are rare but include: acne, breast tenderness and breast enlargement, an increased or decreased sex drive, mood changes, headache and migraine, nausea or vomiting, small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on your ovaries – these are usually harmless and disappear without treatment. These side effects are most likely to occur during the first few months of taking the progestogen-only pill, but they generally improve over time and should stop within a few months. The vaginal ring may make period-type bleeding lighter, more regular and less painful. It can have additional health benefits, such as reducing the risk of some cancers and has no long-term effect on your fertility. However, you can have spotting and bleeding in the first few months and it may cause temporary side effects, such as increased vaginal discharge, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes. Sterilisation won't affect your sex drive or your hormone levels. There's a very small risk of complications, including internal bleeding, infection or damage to other organs, if you get pregnant after the operation, there's an increased risk that it will be an ectopic pregnancy. Sterilisation for people with penises, also known as a vasectomy, doesn't affect your hormone levels or sex drive. However, it’s possible complications include a collection of blood inside the scrotum (haematoma), hard lumps called sperm granulomas (caused by sperm leaking from the tubes), an infection, or long-term testicle pain (you may need further surgery).

The penis and testicles grow rapidly over approximately two years during the later stages of puberty. Although, the penis isn’t actually fully grown until the age of 21. The average size of a fully-grown erect penis is roughly 5.5 inches. However, for some their size will be bigger and for others it will be smaller. The length of a flaccid penis can vary a lot – for example, being in a cold room can decrease its size. Most men's penises are around 3.75 inches long when not erect, but it's normal for them to be shorter or longer than this. It is important to know that you can’t make your penis larger or smaller with exercises or medication no matter what people try and sell you on the internet. However, if you are worried about your penis size, with regards to whether it will satisfy your partner, there’s no need to be! Studies have shown most partners are more interested in personality traits than penis sizes, such as whether you’re romantic or sensitive.

A wet dream is medically defined as a "nocturnal emission" and is often associated with adolescent people with penises. It is when a person with a penis ejaculates in their sleep after having a sexual dream. This is a normal part of growing up. Adults may have wet dreams as well. They may wake up because of the ejaculation or sleep through it. The cause of a wet dream is the increase in testosterone those born with a penis have during puberty. The increase of the hormone testosterone causes the penis to erect through out the day such as at school or watching TV. This can cause a build up of semen which is then released at night during ejaculation caused from a wet dream. Not everyone with a penis can get a wet dream – only those whose testes can produce sperm. And even if your testes can produce sperm it’s perfectly normal if you never have a wet dream. Some people with vaginas also can have wet dreams. For people with vaginas, the experience is less “wet” but still intense. The sexual dreams may lead to vaginal lubrication and orgasms (often called "nocturnal orgasms"). They can happen during adolescence and throughout adulthood. Unfortunately, these orgasms during sleep have not been widely studied. In 1953, sex researcher Alfred Kinsey estimated that about 70% of women had had sexual dreams at some point in their lives. By age 45, 37% of the women in his study group had had a sexual dream that brought them to orgasm. The women who had nocturnal orgasms tended to have them about three or four times a year. A 1986 study in 'The Journal of Sex Research' found that most women who had nocturnal orgasms had their first one before the age of 21. Reaching orgasm during sleep is more common among people with penises than people with vaginas. But people with vaginas should not worry if they have nocturnal orgasms or not. If they occur, that’s normal. If they don’t happen, that’s normal, too. Still, people who are concerned about nocturnal orgasms shouldn't be afraid to speak to their doctor. Information from https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/do-women-have-wet-dreams/

According to ‘Adolescent and Young Adult Health Care: A Practical Guide’ by Dr. Lawrence Neinstein below is the approximate ranges of a non-erect penis by age. However, we recommend you listen to this Podcast "Does Penis Size Matter" by The Sex Wrap before getting out your ruler! https://www.acast.com/thesexwrap/episode38-doespenissizematter- Please note that penis sizes vary greatly – if yours is bigger or smaller, that's not a problem! Age 10 to 11: 1.6 to 3.1 inches Age 12: 2.0 to 4.0 inches Age 13: 2.0 to 4.7 inches Age 14: 2.4 to 5.5 inches Age 15: 3.1 to 5.9 inches Age 16: 3.9 to 5.9 inches Age 17: 3.9 to 6.3 inches Age 18: 4.3 to 6.7 inches

A variety of microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi etc.) exist throughout our bodies. These are fundamental for our growth and health, with colonized (living in/on our bodies) microbes providing commensal (non-harmful) and mutualistic (beneficial) relationships with our own cells and bodily processes. However, it is important to practice good hygeine, as this protects ourselves from pathogens (disease causing microbes), or pathological (unhealthy) growth of our friendly microbes. Good hygeine also has positive social (e.g. around friends or family) and psychological (self esteem, body image etc.) implications. As it is such a big topic, we have noted a number of resources, which may help with your query below: Aimed at teenagers: Dental health - https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Teens-12-17 Hygeine basics - https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/hygiene-basics.html Combatting poor hygeine in teens - http://www.hygieneexpert.co.uk/CombatingPoorHygieneTeens.html More general: The importance of good personal hygiene - http://www.hygieneexpert.co.uk/importancegoodpersonalhygiene.html

Unfortunately, there is no defined reason behind the age differences in these two laws. However, discussion pages on this topic have a few common themes we'll discuss here. For one, porn is very unrealistic and has been known for giving young people the wrong impressions about sex. For example, porn rarely (if ever) shows people actually giving consent, penis’ are generally large, and boobs are often fake. Therefore, for some people the two-year age gap is important to allow people to experience sex for themselves before they’re thrown into a world of unrealistic expectations. Secondly, certain categories of porn, sometimes referred to as "hardcore porn," appear very rough and sometimes painful to the viewer. Sex is never meant to hurt anyone, so for people who have not yet experienced it, or do not fully understand it, this can be a very distressing site. Due to this potential for harm, it is not something society wants young people to be exposed to.

Porn can affect people of all ages. For example, anyone can become addicted to it. Porn makes you feel pleasure and enjoyment, so if someone wants to feel this way often they may start to increase the amount of porn they watch. This increase in porn watching can start to impact the person's life negatively (e.g. interferes with normal daily responsibilities and behaviours); yet, they continue to watch it excessively.

Technically, pizza is not related to sex. However, porn tends to depict stereotypical occupations such as a pizza delivery guy, pool cleaner, gym instructor, or maid that "get sex" on the regular while at work. Realistically, this is unlikely to be true: the pizza delivery guy does his job delivering pizza, rather than have sex with the fake-boobed, skinny waisted woman who ordered the pizza. This is a prime example of how unrealistic porn can be, leading to false ideas of what real life sex is like. Conversely, porn can be used positively, helping individuals explore what sex they may/may not like, without having to actually perform it.

Written consent is a form of consent, however, if you are referring to sexual consent then this should be spoken. You/your partner can ask: "Are you enjoying this? Am I okay to do this? Would you like me to keep going?" You/your partner can then answer "YES" "keep going" "that feels good" "I preferred what you were doing before" "I’m happy to have this kind of sex with you!". This is the best, direct way to know that everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. Body language and moans are also another way to tell if someone’s having fun, but it's best to check verbally, so that you’re both absolutely sure you're on the same page. Check out this video for more info on consent!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JwlKjRaUaw

This would not be consent. A key part of what we teach young persons in our workshops is that consent must be given EVERY TIME they have sex. Consent must be on-going. In the same way a person might decide half way through drinking a cup of tea (even if they had previously said they wanted to drink a full cup of tea), they no longer want to finish it. You cannot force the person to drink the tea. The same concept applies to sex. Consent can be given at the beginning of sexual activity and then, half way through having sex, you are entitled to change your mind and stop. If you are drunk, you cannot consent to sex. Therefore, it would be illegal to carry out a sexual act on a person under the influence of alcohol regardless of what they may have said previously when they were sober. Check out these YouTube videos for more information on consent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JwlKjRaUaw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZwvrxVavnQ&t=6s

Yes! Relationships can be non-monogamous meaning an individual is involved with more than one person; although, this doesn’t always mean sexually. In an open relationship the people involved agree on the types of relationships that they can have with other people, e.g. romatic, intimate, sexual. They also establish any rules, such as wanting or not wanting to know about the activities the other person is doing with these other people. Polyamory is slightly different to an open relationship in that an individual is in a loving relationship with multiple partners, which may include a sexual relationship. These can be viewed as a hierarchy; where some partner relationships are considered more important than others, or as equal. It’s all down to personal preference.

For a person to become pregnant naturally the two reproductive organs are needed – testis and ovary, and the two sex organs – vulva (including vagina) and penis. This is because the sperm is generated in the testes and ejaculated out of the penis into the vagina where fertilisation of an egg then occurs in the fallopian tubes. HOWEVER, this does NOT mean that all people involved in gay relationships can’t become pregnant. For example, a person might decide to use a sperm donor. This is where people donate sperm so that those with ovaries can become pregnant. Donated sperm can be used in IVF treatment where an egg is removed from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, called an embryo, is then returned to the womb to grow and develop. For male gay relationships, however, they can’t become pregnant themselves but can have a surrogate mother or adopt! So, to summarise, gay people can become pregnant and have children!

Good question! It shows that you understand that one way to not get pregnant is using a condom, which also protects from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, if you want to get pregnant without getting an STI it is important for both you and your partner to go to a sexual health clinic, or order a ‘do it yourself’ kit online, and get checked for an STI. If the results come back clear, you can have all the consensual sex you want without a condom. If you or your partner do have an STI, don’t panic. Most can easily be managed with a course of antibiotics, which you must complete and then you can get on your baby-making way! It is vital you and any partner get STI checked before having any unprotected sex. Even more so if you want to have a baby, as STIs can cause infertility, or be passed on to the foetus.

One non-binary person may have a pronoun preference different to another non-binary person. So, if you’re unsure what their preference is, just ask them! Most would rather you do that, than get it wrong. Some may prefer pronouns such as them/they/their/theirs/themselves, tey/tem/ter/temself, ey/em/eir/emself, thon/thon/thons/thonself, ze(or zie)/zir/zirs/zirself etc. - the list is not exhaustive. Others may prefer that you refer to them with no pronouns at all; only their name.

OF COURSE YOU CAN :) Speak to your school about having us back, we’d be more than happy too!