Don't know what a word means?
Click on the letters below to find out more.
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Talking Stage
A period where people are talking before they are officially dating. This might involve getting to know someone more online via text, video calls, social media etc.
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Tampons
Small tubes made of soft cotton that you put inside the vagina to soak up blood during a period.
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Testicles
Two small round organs in a pouch (called the scrotum) under the penis. They make sperm and the hormone testosterone.
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Testosterone
A hormone made mainly in the testicles, but also in the ovaries. It plays a big role in puberty, like causing facial hair or a deeper voice. This may be taken by people who are medically transitioning to make their features more male.
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Thrush
A genital infection caused by a fungus. Anyone can get thrush, but it's more common for those with a vagina. It causes soreness and itching in the genital area. Thrush is often easy to treat with antifungal medications available from pharmacies, but if it persists visit your GP.
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Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an infection. It can happen when using a tampon or menstrual cup, or from an infected wound. Symptoms develop quickly and urgent treatment is needed.
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Transgender (Trans)
A word for people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were given at birth. This can also be used as an umbrella term. Some transgender people might call themselves non-binary, gender queer, or other terms. Not all transgender people choose to change their name, body, or appearance.
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Transitioning
When a trans person starts to live as the gender they know they are. This can include changing their name, clothes, or body - or not, it's different for everyone. If people are medically transitioning this may involve taking hormones, voice training, surgeries etc.
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Tribbing
When two people rub their vulvas together for sexual pleasure (though anyone can do it, no matter their genitalia). It’s a type of sex that doesn’t involve penetration. Tribbing is also sometimes called scissoring, which involves two people interlocking their legs (like scissors).
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Trichomoniasis
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause unusual discharge from the penis or vagina. It's often green or yellow and may smell. It’s easily treated with medicine.
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: