Don't know what a word means?
Click on the letters below to find out more.
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Ick
This might be something that puts someone off liking someone. This could be a dealbreaker, like we do not have the same values, or a preference in dating styles.
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Implants
Contraceptive implants work in a similar way to contraceptive pills. With an implant the hormone is in a small, plastic rod, which a specially trained doctor or nurse inserts under the skin of someone's arm (who is assigned female at birth). The implant works for three years and is 99 percent effective at stopping pregnancy. To find out more visit our Contraception page.
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Intersex
This is a general term used for a variety of situations in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the binary terms of ‘female’ or ‘male’. This variation is natural. This is not seen as a disorder.
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Irregular Periods
Irregular periods are periods that change each month. This means someone may not have a regular 28 day cycle. Periods are controlled by hormones and irregular ones are usually part of the normal changes that happen to young people.
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IUD
The IUD (Intrauterine Device) is another name for the coil. It is a small device usually made of plastic or copper. It is inserted into the womb and stops fertilised eggs from settling and growing. It lasts up to five years and is 99% effective at stopping pregnancy. See our Contraception page for more information.
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IUS
The Intrauterine System (IUS) is a small, plastic T-shaped device containing hormones. It sits in the womb and works for five years. It is more than 99 percent effective at stopping pregnancy. See our Contraception 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: