| Frequently Asked Questions |
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If I use a sexual health service will my parents or carers find out?
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| Sexual health services are confidential. No information will be passed on about you unless you or someone else is at risk. |
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What do I do is someone is pressuring me to have sex or behave in a sexual way?
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If someone is putting pressure on you to do sexual things or is behaving in a sexual way that makes you feel uncomfortable this could be sexual abuse. You may feel that this is your fault, or that you deserve to be treated like this. No one has the right to touch you in a sexual way or behave sexually around you if it’s not what you want.
If you are being sexually abused or think you are, you should find someone to talk to, even thought it is a difficult thing to do. If you can’t think of an adult you know who might be able help you, you should contact Childline (Tel: 0800 1111, www.childline.org.uk)
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Can I get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) without having sex?
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Some sexually transmitted infections such as pubic lice (crabs) and scabies can be passed on by close physical contact (but they can’t be passed on through clothes). Some other infections (such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Herpes) can be passed on by oral sex (blow jobs or going down on someone). Condoms and dental dams can be used to reduce the chance of infections being passed on through oral sex.
See Sexually Transmitted Infections for more information. |
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Everyone is doing it apart from me!
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Sometimes it feels as if everyone else is having sex. This isn’t usually the case. The average age of losing virginity is 17 in this country. Quite often people lie or exaggerate about the sex that they are or aren’t having.
It is important that you have sex when you feel happy and comfortable, not just because you think all your mates are doing it.
See R U Ready for more information. |
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What if I change my mind about having sex?
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Although it can sometimes be a difficult thing to do, it is fine to change your mind about sex at any time. If you don’t feel comfortable say “no” and say it clearly.
See Saying No for more information. |
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How will I know if I’ve got an STI?
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It is not always obvious if you have an STI. It is important that you get checked out if you notice any changes to your private parts. See the pages on STI’s for more information.
Using condoms is the best way to protect yourself against infections.
See Sexually Transmitted Infections for more information.
Get Treatment |
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If I haven’t had sex by now does that mean that there’s something wrong with me?
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No! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the person that you are having sex with. If you haven’t met the right person that’s fine! Some people don’t have sex until they are in their 20’s or older.
You may choose not to have sex with someone of the opposite sex because you are gay, or are unsure about your sexuality. Who you have sex with and when you do it is up to you. |
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My religion says that I shouldn’t have sex until I am married.
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Many religions/cultures believe that it is wrong to have sex outside of marriage.
If your family has strong religious views there could be serious repercussions if you decide to have sex. If you have religious beliefs yourself you shouldn’t feel pressured by those who don’t.
If you decide that you are ready to have sex, whether you are married or not, it is important that you and your partner talk about it beforehand and protect yourselves against unplanned pregnancy or infections. |
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Can I get pregnant the first time I have sex?
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| If you use contraception properly then you are very unlikely to get pregnant. If you don’t use contraception then you can get pregnant, even if it is your first time. |
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Condoms don’t feel good. Do I need to use them?
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Condoms come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. There should be one to suit every couple. Some people are sensitive to latex, which most condoms are made of. You can get latex free condoms.
Condoms are the best way of protecting against sexually transmitted infections and a good way of preventing pregnancy.
See Sexually Transmitted Infections for more information. |
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Who provides this website?
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The Respect Yourself website is produced and maintained by Warwickshire's Respect Yourself Campaign Partnership Advisory Group. The website is based on the original Respect Yourself Leaflet designs produced by Warwickshire's Respect Yourself Partnership with thanks to Alison Boffin, Warwickshire PCT, Public Health and the Warwickshire County Council eCommunications Team.
Some images provided courtesy of Youth Support Service, Nottinghamshire County Council. |
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