Don't know what a word means?
Click on the letters below to find out more.
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Abortion
Abortion means ending a pregnancy. It can happen naturally (called a miscarriage), or medically through a procedure. The type of abortion depends on how far along the pregnancy is, and earlier abortions are usually simpler, mostly involving an abortion pill. In the UK, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
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Abstinence
This means choosing not to have sex (or certain kinds of sexual activity). People may choose abstinence for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, or just because they don't feel ready.
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Ace
Ace' is a word used to describe people who feel little or no romantic or sexual attraction. This includes a wide range of experiences, such as being asexual (not feeling sexual attraction), aromantic (not feeling romantic attraction), demi (only feeling attraction after a close bond), or grey-A (only feeling attraction rarely or in specific situations).
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Adolescence
The time between childhood and adulthood, usually between 10 and 19. It's a stage of growing up, trying new things, and learning more about life and yourself.
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Ally
Someone who supports and stands up for the rights of a group they are not a part of - for example, a straight person supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.
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Anal Sex
Sex that involves the anus. This can include penetration (with a penis, fingers, or a sex toy) or other kinds of touch and stimulation. There's no "right" or "wrong" kind of sex, what matters is consent, pleasure and safety. Anal sex carries a higher risk of STIs, so using condoms and water-based lube can protect you and make it more comfortable. It can also help to go to the toilet beforehand.
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Anus
Also called the bum, bottom or arsehole. This is the opening at the end of your digestive system where poo leaves your body.
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Asexual
A person who doesn't feel sexual attraction. Some asexual people (like grey-sexual or demisexual people) might feel sexual attraction only rarely or after getting to know someone very well. These identities are also part of the "ace" community.
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Assigned sex
The sex a person is labelled with when they're born, usually based on their body. This is sometimes referred to as 'biological' sex. People may use the acronyms AFAB (assigned female at birth) and AMAB (assigned male at birth).
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: