www.talk4teens ' The team' aims to provide free, confidential health advice to young people. The medical advice we are providing is as accurate and as comprehensive as possible but this is only general advice and this should not be used as a substitute for advice as a patient you receive on consulting your own doctor.

'The Team' welcome all ages, and we are confidential. That means we wont tell anyone about your visit to our site, unless you ask us to (remember you don't have to give us your real name).

Young people under 16 are equally entitled to a confidential service.

Everything you ask and the questions you post onto the bulletin board are confidential. This is the same however old you are - even if you are under 16.

We do not tell your parents or your school or your doctor or your boyfriend or girlfriend that you have contacted us, if you give personal information this will be removed (remember you don't have to give us your real name).

In some circumstances (e.g. if you told us your at risk or could be in danger) we might need to inform someone else. We would tell you and ask your permission first before doing so. We can only do this if you tell us who you are, or give info that helps identify you, like the name of your school or street.

THE 'TEAM' WHO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

'The Team' giving advice and answering your questions on our site have official guidelines to follow about providing you with advice and information. They will always ensure you get the most up to date at the time you ask for advice or a question 16

Many young people are mature enough to make their own decisions about their lives. Things are usually easier for young people if they can discuss their concerns or questions with their parent(s) or who looks after them, and parent(s) or who looks after you, can be very understanding and supportive. Unfortunately, things are not always like this, and we are sure that it is up to you to decide whether or not to tell anyone about the advice or question you've asked 'The Team' or your visit to our site. 'The Team' can help you think about ways you might talk to your parents about various issues or problems you may be having, just ask us.
Remember: We are here to help not judge. The Service is free and is Confidential!

I get bullied a lot and this makes me depressed what should I do?

You need to talk to someone as soon as possible, a parent\carer\adult you trust. This will help ease the situation and they will be able to find you the right support and advice to get you through this situation. If you feel you cant talk to anyone face to face ring or use the Internet to get help and advice. These professionals are there to help young people. Look at our static page ‘feelin Bored’ for further information and contact details.

Do I need my parents’ permission to go to the doctors or a Clinic?

No you can go to see the doctors or visit a clinic without your parents permission but the doctor or health professional would encourage you to talk about issues with your parents\carers when ever possible.

Do I have to see a doctor to get contraception?

Not always, specially trained nurses and other health professionals can advise you and give you some types of contraception including condoms. You will find these nurses at Family Planning Clinics, doctors’ surgeries and some health centres or Young People ‘healthy’ drop in sessions.

Can a doctor or nurse give me contraception if I am under 16?

Doctors, nurses and any health professional have to follow guidelines if you are under 16. They will encourage you to talk to someone at home eg parent\carers, older brother\sisters etc. Even though you are under 16 the doctor, nurse or health professional including the receptionist still has to keep anything you tell them private unless in exceptional circumstances. Such as if you are at risk of being seriously hurt in some way.

How old should u be before u start your periods?

Periods will start when your body is ready. Usually when you are 11 to 13 yrs old but you could be as young as 8 or as old as 17. You can’t make them start or stop them from starting.

Does using a tampon hurt?

It shouldn’t if inserted correctly. If it is hurting you should remove it straight away and maybe try again with a new one. Some young girls find them very easy to use but others need practice to be able to feel confident in using tampons and them to feel comfortable. There are many different types of tampons available you may need to try a few different types to find the one which best suit you and your lifestyle.

Can u get pregnant if you have not started your periods?

Yes possibly it may be that the egg has started its journey to start your periods and if you have unprotected sex and the sperm meets the egg it could still fertilise and you could get pregnant.

Can u get pregnant the first time u have sex/standing up /in the bath?

Yes, if you don’t use any contraception. These are what we call myths, things people hear and believe. Using contraception correctly every time you have sex will reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Young men on average produce 300MILLION sperm when they ejaculate (come) and it takes only ONE to make you pregnant. The sperm can live in your body for approx 5 – 7 days so pregnancy is possible at virtually any time in your cycle.

I think I may be pregnant and don't know what to do?

It is important you seek help as soon as possible. First try and talk to your parents\carer who will be able to help or you can talk to your GP, School Nurse, Midwife, any family planning clinic, a sexual health outreach worker, (click here to find your local contacts www.health-promotion.org.uk/youngpeople. They will be able to give you advice on what, where and the support to help you go to the right service. You can get a free pregnancy test at any Family Planning Clinic and doctors surgery.

How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted infection?

You don’t always know. Anyone who has had unprotected sex (including oral sex) can have a sexually transmitted infection. You can’t always tell by looking. You may get discomfort or soreness when you pass urine or have an unusual or unpleasant discharge from your vagina or penis, but many infections including Chlamydia often have no signs so the infection can stay hidden form many years. A check up is a good idea at a Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic. See our static page ‘About Sex’ to find out more information and the number of your local clinic. A simple test will determine whether you are or not infected. All treatment is free and confidential. REMEMBER YOU CAN CATCH A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION THE 1ST TIME YOU HAVE SEX!

How do I know when I'm ready to have sex?

The law says you should be 16 before you have sex but some teenagers are already sexually active by the time they reach that age. When thinking about having sex for the first time it is important to consider whether this is really the right choice for you. Some teenagers rush to have sex and sometimes regret it, later. Others take their time and wait for the ‘right’ partner to come along. Never be pressured into having sex, always say NO if you don’t feel ready and spend more time exploring all the other possibilities (kissing, touching, masturbating) Remember if you choose to have sex with someone ALWAYS practice safe sex using a condom to protect you against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. It may not be perfect the 1st time. Remember IT’S YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICE, AND YOUR RIGHT TO SAY NO.

How do I get condoms and are they free?

Condoms are free from most local GP surgeries (you don’t have to go to your own GP), from local family planning clinics. These services may ask you to have an appointment so ring first but some do offer a drop in service or young persons clinic, ring first to find out. Your local area may have a condom distribution scheme where you can get free condoms. These can be based in colleges, youth centres or local drop in settings find out if you have one by asking your youth worker.

I'm frightened to use condoms I think my penis is to small

Please talk to someone about your concerns, a practice nurse, family planning clinic will be happy to discuss your fears. Young men often think that their penis is smaller than anyone else’s. This is unlikely. Adult sizes do vary, but not as much as you might think. Remember condoms come in different sizes and shapes. A selection can be given to you so you can find one that feels comfortable.

I feel attracted to one of friends we are both male what should I do?

Having ‘feelings’ for someone of the same sex is very common and does not mean you are gay\lesbian, but you may be sexually interested in other men\women, or even men and women. It is not a problem; your body is yours to share with whomever you choose. Check out our static page ‘Who luvs who’ for further information and other useful websites.

Is it wrong to touch yourself?

Most males and females masturbate (rubbing themselves for pleasure). It is completely harmless. You don’t need to feel guilty about exploring your own body. It helps you to know your body better and what you like and don’t like.

If you have a question to ask then click the button below to ask. ASK A QUESTION If you have already asked a question and want to see if an answer has been posted then click below. GET YOUR ANSWER Frequently asked questions I get bullied a lot and this makes me depressed what should I do? You need to talk to someone as soon as possible, a parent\carer\adult you trust. This will help ease the situation and they will be able to find you the right support and advice to get you through this situation. If you feel you cant talk to anyone face to face ring or use the Internet to get help and advice. These professionals are there to help young people. Look at our static page ‘feelin Bored’ for further information and contact details. Do I need my parents’ permission to go to the doctors or a Clinic? No you can go to see the doctors or visit a clinic without your parents permission but the doctor or health professional would encourage you to talk about issues with your parents\carers when ever possible. Do I have to see a doctor to get contraception? Not always, specially trained nurses and other health professionals can advise you and give you some types of contraception including condoms. You will find these nurses at Family Planning Clinics, doctors’ surgeries and some health centres or Young People ‘healthy’ drop in sessions. Can a doctor or nurse give me contraception if I am under 16? Doctors, nurses and any health professional have to follow guidelines if you are under 16. They will encourage you to talk to someone at home eg parent\carers, older brother\sisters etc. Even though you are under 16 the doctor, nurse or health professional including the receptionist still has to keep anything you tell them private unless in exceptional circumstances. Such as if you are at risk of being seriously hurt in some way. How old should u be before u start your periods? Periods will start when your body is ready. Usually when you are 11 to 13 yrs old but you could be as young as 8 or as old as 17. You can’t make them start or stop them from starting. Does using a tampon hurt? It shouldn’t if inserted correctly. If it is hurting you should remove it straight away and maybe try again with a new one. Some young girls find them very easy to use but others need practice to be able to feel confident in using tampons and them to feel comfortable. There are many different types of tampons available you may need to try a few different types to find the one which best suit you and your lifestyle. Can u get pregnant if you have not started your periods? Yes possibly it may be that the egg has started its journey to start your periods and if you have unprotected sex and the sperm meets the egg it could still fertilise and you could get pregnant. Can u get pregnant the first time u have sex/standing up /in the bath? Yes, if you don’t use any contraception. These are what we call myths, things people hear and believe. Using contraception correctly every time you have sex will reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Young men on average produce 300MILLION sperm when they ejaculate (come) and it takes only ONE to make you pregnant. The sperm can live in your body for approx 5 – 7 days so pregnancy is possible at virtually any time in your cycle. I think I may be pregnant and don't know what to do? It is important you seek help as soon as possible. First try and talk to your parents\carer who will be able to help or you can talk to your GP, School Nurse, Midwife, any family planning clinic, a sexual health outreach worker, (click here to find your local contacts www.health-promotion.org.uk/youngpeople. They will be able to give you advice on what, where and the support to help you go to the right service. You can get a free pregnancy test at any Family Planning Clinic and doctors surgery. How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted infection? You don’t always know. Anyone who has had unprotected sex (including oral sex) can have a sexually transmitted infection. You can’t always tell by looking. You may get discomfort or soreness when you pass urine or have an unusual or unpleasant discharge from your vagina or penis, but many infections including Chlamydia often have no signs so the infection can stay hidden form many years. A check up is a good idea at a Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic. See our static page ‘About Sex’ to find out more information and the number of your local clinic. A simple test will determine whether you are or not infected. All treatment is free and confidential. REMEMBER YOU CAN CATCH A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION THE 1ST TIME YOU HAVE SEX!   How do I know when I'm ready to have sex? The law says you should be 16 before you have sex but some teenagers are already sexually active by the time they reach that age. When thinking about having sex for the first time it is important to consider whether this is really the right choice for you. Some teenagers rush to have sex and sometimes regret it, later. Others take their time and wait for the ‘right’ partner to come along. Never be pressured into having sex, always say NO if you don’t feel ready and spend more time exploring all the other possibilities (kissing, touching, masturbating) Remember if you choose to have sex with someone ALWAYS practice safe sex using a condom to protect you against sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. It may not be perfect the 1st time. Remember IT’S YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICE, AND YOUR RIGHT TO SAY NO.   How do I get condoms and are they free? Condoms are free from most local GP surgeries (you don’t have to go to your own GP), from local family planning clinics. These services may ask you to have an appointment so ring first but some do offer a drop in service or young persons clinic, ring first to find out. Your local area may have a condom distribution scheme where you can get free condoms. These can be based in colleges, youth centres or local drop in settings find out if you have one by asking your youth worker.   I'm frightened to use condoms I think my penis is to small Please talk to someone about your concerns, a practice nurse, family planning clinic will be happy to discuss your fears. Young men often think that their penis is smaller than anyone else’s. This is unlikely. Adult sizes do vary, but not as much as you might think. Remember condoms come in different sizes and shapes. A selection can be given to you so you can find one that feels comfortable.   I feel attracted to one of friends we are both male what should I do? Having ‘feelings’ for someone of the same sex is very common and does not mean you are gay\lesbian, but you may be sexually interested in other men\women, or even men and women. It is not a problem; your body is yours to share with whomever you choose. Check out our static page ‘Who luvs who’ for further information and other useful websites.   Is it wrong to touch yourself? Most males and females masturbate (rubbing themselves for pleasure). It is completely harmless. You don’t need to feel guilty about exploring your own body. It helps you to know your body better and what you like and don’t like.

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