A-Z of sex word meaning

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Don't know what a word means?

Click on the letters below to find out more.

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U

U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

People living with HIV who take their medication as prescribed can reach a point where the virus is undetectable in their blood. This means the amount of HIV is so low it can't passed on through sex - this is called "Undetectable = Untransmittable" or U=U.

Unplanned Pregnancy

A pregnancy that happens when someone wasn't planning or wanting to become pregnant. It can feel confusing, upsetting or stressful - support is available to help you decide what to do.

Unprotected Sex

Having sex without using any protection like condoms or other contraception. This increases the risk of pregnancy and of passing on or transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Urethra

The tube that carries urine (pee) out of the body. It also carries semen out of the body during ejaculation. Everyone has a urethra, but its length and position are different depending on your body.

Urine

Another word for pee or wee. It’s made by the kidneys and gets rid of extra water and waste from the body.

Urine Sample

Pee collected in a clean container to be tested by a doctor or nurse. It can help check for infections, including some STIs like chlamydia.

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Holding hands

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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Kissing teenagers

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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Condoms

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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