Here are some commonly asked questions. Just click on the question to jump to the answer or scroll down the page. You may also want to check out the previously asked questions in the 'Just ask us' section.
Can I go to a family planning clinic?
The simple answer to the question is YES. Anyone can go to the family planning clinic no matter what their age or sex if they want contraceptives or advice on sexual health matters.
It's free and confidential.
That means that what is discussed is kept private, unless it is harmful to yourself or another person, but this will be discussed with you first.
You can take your partner or friend with you. It is not necessary to talk to your parents but it is a good idea if you can.
What is contraception/birth control?
Contraception or birth control is what is used by couples to prevent a girl getting pregnant.
Types of contraception include condoms, the pill and injections.
It is important to remember that a condom is the only form of contraception that also protects against sexually transmitted infections. So whatever form of contraception you choose, ensure you use a condom as well.
How does a girl get pregnant?
A girl becomes pregnant by:
When a boy and girl have sex the boys hard (erect) penis is put into the girls vagina, when the boy has an orgasm and ‘comes’ (ejaculates), sperm (from the boys penis) are deposited into the vagina. Some sperm may leak out before the boy ‘comes’ therefore it is not safe to assume you will not get pregnant if the boy does not ‘come’ inside your vagina. The sperm then travels up the vagina and through the girls womb (uterus) into the fallopian tubes. If the sperm comes into contact with an egg, then it may fertilise the egg, causing pregnancy. Both eggs and sperm can live for several days after they are released.
Am I too young to have sex?
There is no right age to start having sex, what matters is that it is right for you. It is very important not to feel pushed or pressured into having sex when you don't really want to. Your friends may boast about having had sex but may just be trying to impress you when really they haven't and are just as frightened as you. If you have any doubts or you think you will regret it, why not wait. Remember that only one third of people under the age of sixteen have had sex - that means that two thirds have not!
The law states that it is illegal to have sex under the age of sixteen.
Do I need to tell my parents?
No, you do not need to tell your parents if you want to see a doctor or nurse for contraceptive advice (anything you may tell them will be kept confidential, unless it may cause harm to yourself or someone else in which case it will be discussed with you first)
It can be helpful to talk about feelings with a grown-up you trust.
Hiding the fact that you're having sex from your parents can be very stressful, so talking to them or another adult can make life a lot easier. Talking about sex and your feelings can be difficult but remember the response you get can often be very helpful and understanding.
How do you know if someone has a sexually transmitted infection?
You do not know if someone has a sexually transmitted infection, and often nor do they. People very often do not have any signs that they have an infection and only find out if their partner tells them or they develop some signs.
Remember for safer sex use a condom. To get FREE condoms why not join our C Card scheme, it's easy confidential and FREE.
