Your questions
Am I ready to have sex?
Am I ready to have sex?
Generally I would say that you should know if you are ready. The fact that you have asked the question indicates to me that you are unsure. If you are unsure then I would say "you are not ready to have sex."
Have you and your partner talked this over? Do you both want to have sex? Have you decided what type of contraception you would use? Do you know where to get contraception? Do you want to talk to your parents about this? These are just some of the things you need to talk about before you go ahead and have sex. Whatever you decide make sure you do not have sex because you felt pressurised into doing it.
Am I homosexual?
Am I homosexual? I think I am because I looked at a male and got an erection.
Erections can occur at any time and do not have to be in response to looking at someone. Wet dreams (erections) can occur even then you are sleeping.
From JG age 13 | May 02, 2008Am I a lesbian?
I am really fat and think I'm a lesbian. What can I do about it.?
There is no connection between being a lesbian and your body size. If you are concerned about your weight take a bit more exercise. Try walking to school, always use the stairs rather than lift or go to your local sports centre or join an after school club that offers exercise or physical activities.
At your age a lot of people are unsure about their sexuality. unless you want to go involved with someone right now, wait and see if you still feel the same in a few months. If in a few months you still feel the same you can contact a local group to meet other people who feel the same as you.
Am I gay?
Am I gay because I masterbate to pictures of nude boys?
It is prefectly normal for people to masterbate. Some people masterbate and others do not, everyone is different. Lots of people look at or think about all sorts of things while they do it. At your age young people can still be unsure about their sexuality. You are still developing and changing and can experience a whole range of feelings.
From Con, age 13 | May 02, 2008Where is the drop-in centre?
Where is the drop-in centre? I'm not sure from the website whether it is a Family planning clinic, or a youth centre.
The drop-in centre refers to the website. The website lists places where young people can go for more information regarding sexual health this can be youith clubs, clinics or pharmacies. They can go to the place that suits them best. By using the website they should have access to up-to-date opening times and any new venues as soon as they are open.
From Pete | April 07, 2008Can I be pregnant?
I have had tests for being pregnant but they show I am not, but all the signs say I am. I have had no periods for 3 months. Can you give me some advice. I am on a lot of pills, can this be a reason?
You need to speak face to face with a health professional. This can be your doctor- who gives you the pills you are on or you can go to the Family Planning service. If you live in Fife look at the website under FIFE CLINICS to see where you can go. The lack of periods may be related to the tablets you are taking but the only way you will find out for definate is to speak to a doctor or nurse.
From Zann | March 20, 2008Contraceptive injections
I've been on the Depo jab for a good few months now, I'm actually due up a jab in two weeks. The thing is, I've been feeling nauseous (which comes on suddenly any time of the day) on and off for about a month now, I've also had heartburn most days, for well over a month. I know the chances of getting pregnant whilst on Depo are very low and I know I don't have any "symptoms" but I'm still worried. Can Nurses carry out Pregnancy Test? And also, if someone were pregnant and received the Depo jab, what affects would/could this have on the baby?
Nurses can carry out pregnancy tests.
You can call the doctor or nurse who does your injections and ask them to do it. If you are due to see them in 2 weeks you can get a test done at the same time. If you are very anxious phone and speak to them as soon as you can so that they can re-assure you and advise you what to do.
You are right though that the depot injection is one of the safest methods of contraception.
From Rachel age 19 | March 18, 2008Access to emergency contraception
Me and my girlfriend had sex but the condom burst. The thing is we do not know what to do as she has been grounded and she can't get to Emergency Contraception.
Your girlfriend would have to go and get it for herself. You can go with her but the Doctor, nurse or pharmacist will only give it to her. She may be asked to swallow the tablet before she leaves so that whoever gives it to her knows that she has taken it. It is a free confidential service from doctors surgeries, family planning clinics and from some pharmacies. Look on this website for more details of where to go. A girl can get the Emergency Contraceptive pill even if she is under 16.
I am pregnant - need help
I have recently just found out I'm pregnant. I have taken 3 pregancy tests and I'm worried? I don't know where to go for help or to tell my friends.
If you are pregnant you must go and speak to a Doctor or Nurse. If you live in Fife go to the home page on this site and look under "list of Fife clinics" to find out where you can speak to a Family Planning Doctor or Nurse, you can also go to your own GP at your local surgery.
If you live outside Fife speak to your doctor or nurse at the surgery or look up Family Planning services in the phone directory.
The Doctor or Nurse that you speak to will advise you of your options and next steps.
Even if you are unsure about being pregnant it is better to go and speak to someone for advice rather than just worrying about it.
From Laura, 15years | February 26, 2008Parents rights
Could you please tell me how a 12 year old girl can go to a drop-in centre, be fitted with an implant when she is not having sex nor has her monthlys started and parents are not contacted by the drop-in centre. The drop-in centre takes the word of a 12 year old- what right's have parents got -in our eyes this is breaking the law.
In Scotland there is no minimum age in terms of legal capacity to consent to medical treatment. This means that age is not the only relevant factor considered. What is relevant is that the young person meets the "Fraser Guidelines." If young people are deemed competent and meet the Fraser Guidelines they can be provided with confidential sexual health services. The Doctor or Nurse assessing the young person must ask them to inform their parents but it remains the young persons decision to do this. For more information on Fraser guidelines look it up on the internet.
Could I be pregnant?
I had unprotected sex in September, I took the morning after pill and since then have had two regular periods and two negative home pregnancy tsets. However I'm late now and terrified in case I am in fact pregnant although I know that is a very slim chance I need to know if it is still possible.
If you have not had sex since September you will not be pregnant. If you have had sex since your last period it may be possible. If you are in a sexual relationship it is advisable that you use two different methods of contraception to increase the level of protection and reduce the chances of contraception failure. See "Clinics" on the website to find out where to go if you wish to access contraception.
Age of consent
Why is it that for two men to consent to have sex they have to be 16, when consented sex between two women can happen before the age of 16 legally?
As you say there is no legal statute in Scotland relating to consensual sex between two women. However in practice legal authorities would look at it as being the same as for consensual sex between men which would be 16.
For more information on this contact:
Scottish Child Law Centre 0131 667 6333
Smear test and STI testing.
When you have a smear test do they check for STD at the same time?
In Fife if you are getting a Cervical Smear done by the Family Planning service (now called CASH service) you should be offered the chance to get a Chlamydia test done at the same time.
The test offered is only for chlamydia, not other sexually transmitted diseases. If you are discussing chlamydia tests with the Doctor or Nurse it gives you the opportunity to discuss lifestyles and sexual behaviour and if necessary you can be reffered on for further tests.
Does chlamydia treatment affect periods
I was treated for chlamydia about 2 months ago. The next day I had my period but I have not come on since. I have had sex since this time but with condoms and have not noticed a break or tear in them. No sperm has come into contact with my vagina either to the best of my knowledge. Is it possible the chlamydia treatment has affected my periods or could I be pregnant?
Chlamydia infections may cause irregular bleeding so what you thought was your regular period may be due to the infection. It sounds as if you have been very carefull since you had the treatment. If you have still not had a period it is advisable to get a pregnancy test just to make sure. I might be easiest to go back to where you got your treatment and speak to them.
From Hannah age 17 | October 03, 2007Percentage of people in UK with an STI
What is the percentage of the UK Population that will contract an STI in their life time?
I don't have an overall figure to give you. Try some of the search engines on-line.
One example I can give is that in Fife the numbers of cases of chlamydia over the whole age range has increased from approx 250 cases a year to approx 800 over the last 10 years. This represents an increase of over 300%. Within the figures the rates are even higher for specific age groups.
What I can say is that some people can go through their life without getting an STI if they are not sexually active. People who are sexually active can reduce the risk of catching an STI if they limit the number of partners they have and use a barrier method of contraception e.g. condoms.
Unprotected sex
I had unprotcted sex on the Tuesday but had my period on the Wednesday night, could I still be pregnant?
No. If you had a normal period you should not be pregnant. As well as a risk of becoming pregnant through unprotected sex you may have put yourself at risk of catching a sexully tranmitted infection.
This may be a good time to consider asking a health professional about contraception that suits your needs. Look at the list of clinics available in Fife on the website to find where you can go. You can also speak to a Doctor or Nurse at your Health Centre.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
What is am STI?
An STI is a sexually transmitted infection. There is a group of infections which can be passed on during sexual intercourse with an infected partner. A lot of people who have an STI don't show any signs or symptoms and can pass on an infection without knowing they have it.
The best way to protect yourself and your partner is to use a condom if you decide to have sex.
Look on the website under "Infections" for more details about individual infections.
From ellise | April 30, 2007Sexually Transmitted Infections
What is an STI?
An STI is a Sexually Transmitted Infection. They are a group of infections which can only be passed on during sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Many people who have an STI don't have any signs or symptoms so the best way to protect youself is to use a condom if you decide to have sex.
Look at the website under "Infections" for more information.
From miss ellise | April 30, 2007Sexualy Transmitted Disease
Could I have an STD?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are now called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). It doesn't matter what you call it as it is the way that you can catch it that is important. STIs are infections that you can pick up by having sex with an infected partner. The sexual contact can be oral anal or vaginal. Using a barrier method of contraception e.g. a condom can help prevent it being passed from person to person.
Look on the website under "infections" for information on different types of Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Contraceptive injection
I had the injection a few days after my last day of my period. The Doctor said it might not work straight away. I don't know why but my body is acting as if I am pregnant. I've been feeling sick, headaches, tiredness, bachache, sore gums, going to the loo a lot, could I be pregnant?
You may be suffering from side -effects of the injection. You didn't tell me how long you have been feeling like this. It may pass. Depending on when you got the injection the Doctor may have advised you to use condoms if you were planning to have sex within 7 days of getting the injection, provided you stuck to this you should not be pregnant. If you are unsure about this or you are still suffering go back and discuss this with the Doctor.
Following treatment for chlamydia
I recently had a chlamydia infection and received treatment. It has now gone passed the seven days treatment course and I still notice a funny smell what should I do?
Did you take the course of tablets as instructed by the doctor or nurse you spoke to? If you followed this properly you should be free from the infection.
Did you have sex without using a condom during the seven days? If so you may have picked up the infection again from an infected partner. If so or even just to clear your own mind go back to the Doctor / nurse who perscribed the treatment and speak to them.
Could I have an STD?
When I was 10 I woke up one day and my dog was licking my vagina. I immeadiately pushed him away, but is it possible that I might have an STD?
The only way you can get a STD (now called Sexually Transmitted Infections) is by having sexual intercourse with another human being who has an infection.
Can I pick up an infection from a dog
Can you pick up a Sexually Transmitted Infection from a dog?
Sexually Transmitted Infections are passed on from person to person during sexual intercourse. Touching dogs or any animals can pass on infections to people BUT not the types of bacteria or viruses that cause Sexually Transmitted Infections.
From D age 18 | December 13, 2006Could I have had chlamydia for 5 years
Can someone have chlamydia from having sex 5 years ago? No sex for 5 years but now tested positive.
Yes it is possible.
The majority of people who have chlamydia do not have any signs or symptoms. All you need to do to pick it up is to have unprotected sex (ie sexual intercourse without using a barrier method of contraception eg condom) with an infected person. You can pick it up the first time you have sex.
Because the majority of people do not have signs you can have it for years and not realise it. The most important thing to do now that a positive result has been obtained it to ensure that the necessary treatment it taken. This should have been prescribed when the positive result was given.
Opening times
What are the opening times of the clinic?
If you mean the opening times of the dropincentre it is only an information line on the website. It can tell you where to go if you need information about local clinics or meeting points for outreach workers (see under Fife clinics or outreach workers on the opening page.) It aslo gives information on contraception and sexually transmitted infections.
If you are unsure about any of the clinics listed let me know which one and I will get back to you.
From Tasha | July 03, 2006I got drunk
I got drunk one night and was in the bathroom with a lad for quite a long time but can't remember what I did. It was three months ago what do you think?
When people drink too much alcohol they often do things they would not normally do. The problem with drinking too much alcohol is it makes you forget what you did. I presume you are worried in case you had sex and may have become pregnant or picked up an infection. It is possible that nothing hapened.
Have your periods been normal since then? If so, it is unlikely that you will be pregnant. If you had sex without using a condom you may have picked up an infection. You do not always get signs or symptoms when you have an infection so it might be better to go to your Doctor or a clinic (see GUM or Family Planning clinics under Fife clinics on this website). All advice and information from Doctor or clinics is free and confidential even if you are under 16 years old. Go along and speak to a doctor or nurse to set your mind at ease.
When you go out and have a drink try to make sure that at least one of the people in the group stays sober to keep an eye on the others to try to prevent this happening again.
From Sophie 15 | July 03, 2006Late period
I have not had sex but feel pregnant, my period is a week late and feel ill. I don't know what it could be, please e-mail back and give some advice
A woman may become pregnant without having sexual intercourse. If there was close intimate contact between both the man's and woman's gential areas sperm may have been passed over from the man's penis to the woman. However unless you had this level of touching you will not be pregnant. If you are worried about this contact your Doctor or Family Planning clinic-details of where to go in Fife on website.
Your period may just be late and you feeling unwell may be due to something else completely.
From Aimee | June 27, 2006I think I have genital warts
I think I have genital warts, I am on my period and think the warts are blocking the flow, should I worry about this too? I am going to a clinic on saturday once my period has stopped. I am also worried about cervical cancer as I've only just noticed the warts and may of had it for about a year.
The only way you will know for definate if you have genital warts is to be seen by a specialist at the Genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Please make an appointment to go and discuss your concerns with them. They can also advise you about a cervical smear if that is necessary. Genital warts are quite common and treatments are available. Don't put it off any longer make that appopintment as soon as you can. Contact details for the clinics in Fife are on the website, if you are outside Fife look the numbers up in the phone book.
From Elaine 25 | June 21, 2006Could it be genital warts?
I recently found a lump and think it could be genital warts, how is it treated and if treated will it come back? Is there anything else it could be?
The first thing you have to do is find out what this lump is. It may be genital warts, but until you see your Doctor or a specialist at your local GUM clinic you can not be sure what it is, so make an appointment. The contact numbers and opening times for the GUM clinics within Fife are on this website. Contact your own GP if you prefer. If it is genital warts it can be treated by ointments or freezing. Genital warts can come back again after treatment but the Doctor or nurse that treats them will tell you all about this.
From Sarah 19 | May 16, 2006Chlamydia test
What kind of test for chlamydia?
They can test for chlamydia from a sample of urine (pee in a bottle). Tests for other infections may require blood or swabs to be taken but if you are being tested for Chlamdia only, and nothing else, a urine sample is enough.
Is it normal?
I think about sex all the time and I always want to have sex, is this normal?
A lot of magazines, TV programmes, videos and music aimed at teenagers are filled with sexual images and sexual language. This may leave you thinking that sex is all around and that everyone is doing it, but not everyone is. Young people spend a lot more time doing things that are not about having sex. Don't feel pressurised by what you see or hear. A sexual relationship is between you and someone very special and will happen when you are ready.
Should I get tested?
I have been releasing discharge every day it smells quite foul and is white. It feels like every day I am on my periods. I have had unprotected sex but I used to have this before these times. What could it be and should I go get tested?
I cannot say what it is, but I advise you to get it investigated. If you had unprotected sex it may be a sexually transmitted infection. The only way to find out is to get an appointment at your Health Centre or go to the GUM Clinic. Ask about a supply of condoms as they can protect against infections.
Details of opening times for the GUM can be found on the web-site under Fife Clinics (Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline).
From Nicky | April 04, 2006Where is the GUM in Kirkcaldy?
Where about is the gum clinic in kirkcaldy?
At present the clinic is in the Victoria Hospital beside the outpatients department. If you are unsure phone before you go and ask for directions. The service will be moving shortly but the details will be put up on this page of the site.
From Fiona | April 04, 2006Long term effects of chlamydia?
How long can you have chlamydia for and still be safe? eg not be affected in the long term.
You would need to discuss this with a specialist from the GUM clinic. If you are concerned speak to an Advisor at the clinic in Dunfermline or Kirkcadly. Contact details on the website under Fife clinics.
From Ellie | April 04, 2006Can chlamydia recur?
I was treated for chlamydia a couple of years ago after breakthrough bleeding. I've suddenly had breakthrough bleeding again as well as lower abdominal pains. Can this STD recur? Please advise.
Once chlamydia is treated it should not re-occur unless you have picked up an infection again. If you have had sex without a condom (or a condom burst) with an infected partner you may have picked up another infected.
It is advisable to make an appointment with your Doctor, Local Family planning clinic or GUM clinic The opening times for clinics in Fife are listed on site.
From B | April 04, 2006Can I come to the dropincentre?
I can't remember if I took out my last tampon and I'm worried. Can I come to the drop in centre or do I have to make an appointment with my GP?
The dropincentre is only for information. If you are still concerned phone your Health centre and ask to speak to the practice nurse for advice.
We weren't too careful ...
I am currently on the loesrine 20 pill (the blue 1) and on my last break I didn't get my period! Instead I got a very very light brown discharge. I haven't had sex but have had oral sex with my boyfreind and am worried we weren't too careful with the cum. Can you please tell me if I should be worried or if it is reccommended to pop into the clinic?
Hi Rose. The best thing is to get a pregnancy test done just in case. If you have not had sex since your last normal period you should be OK. You can go back to the nurse or Doctor who gave you the pill and ask for a test. It might also be worth thinking about using condoms as well even for oral sex as extra protection.
From Rose | April 04, 2006My pals have all had sex ...
All my pals say they have had sex with girls. I haven't and feel left out.
Hi Robert, You should not feel you have to do things because your pals "say" they have done it. Many people say things because they think it is what they are expected to do when really they haven't. Everyone is different; when you meet someone special you can decide together if you are ready to have sex.
From Robert | April 02, 2006Will the doctor tell my parents?
I have heard that if you ask for a Chlamydia test the Doctor will tell your parents, is this true?
Hi Mary, NO. This test is confidential and they do not tell parents about the results EVEN if you are under 16. You are being responsible by going to get help. The Doctor or Nurse may ask you to tell your parents but it is up to you. No one else can tell them without your permission. If the Doctor or Nurse thought you were in a situation where you were being abused they would discuss this further with you before they did anything.
From Mary | April 02, 2006Where can I get the pill?
Do I need to go to my Doctor to get the contraceptive pill?
Hi Ann, No you do not need to go to your Doctor. Your Doctor can give you the pill but you can also get it from nurses at Family planning Clinics or some young people's drop in services (look up Fife clinics on the home page) for more details.
From Ann | April 02, 2006My girlfriend might be pregnant ...
My girlfriend says she might be pregnant. What should I do?
Hi Mike, If your girlfriend thinks she is pregnant it is better for you both to find out rather than worrying about it. Arrange to go to a young people's drop-in, Family planning clinic or a Doctor as soon as you can (look up Fife clinics on the home page). The health worker there will tell you if a test is needed and will carry it out for you FREE of charge.
From Mike | April 02, 2006