Here are some previously asked questions from young people worried about their Private Parts and Sex.
Question
What does a young man do if he has trouble getting an erection?
Answer
When a young man becomes sexually aroused, an erection of the penis is normal part of the body's reaction. However, if someone is anxious about it, maybe because they are concerned about body image, been teased, or had problems once or twice getting an erection, then it often plays on their mind and can affect this. If the person is quite young then their body may not be mature enough yet, so be patient.
If the couple are in a trusting, loving relationship, then it is important not to rush the having sex bit and let things happen at their own pace, spending time with plenty of other types of stroking, caressing and kissing. If it is really causing problems then they need to first talk to their doctor to make sure there isn't a medical problem and then they may be able to get some psychosexual therapy. However, this is rarely needed with young men.
Question
Is it normal to bleed during sex if you have finished your period a few days before and you have been on the pill for years?
Answer
Hi thanks for your question, sometimes people do bleed during sex, a common reason for this is an infection called Chlamydia. It is difficult to say what may have caused this, so I suggest you come to see us in one of our sexual health clinics and we can chat about it and send off a Chlamydia swab for you.
We can also talk about your pill, and make sure it is still suitable for you.
Question
How do you tongue?
Answer
This intimate activity takes place between people who are in a sexual relationship. It is something that people do to give pleasure to each other. Talk to your partner and chat about what you would both like to do. Don’t forget that it is still possible to get a sexually transmitted infection when any close sexual activity is happening. So using condoms is always a good idea to help stop infections.
Question
How long can a penis grow to?
Answer
Thanks for your question. The size of a penis varies from person to person. Just as people have different size hands, they have different sizes of penis.
Question
How do you have sex?
Answer
Thank you for your question, this is difficult to answer on a website. It is a good idea, to talk to someone who you trust. Sex should be about having a close, intimate relationship with someone special, with no fear or worries. If you are in a relationship and you think you would like to have sex with someone, talk to them about it, and maybe see someone who can advise you on how to keep safe, and to make sure this is the right thing for you to be doing at this time in your life.
Question
Why is my penis so small?
Answer
What are you comparing it with? Boys go through puberty at different times and ages, even if your friends have had some body changes and you haven't, there is nothing wrong with you. Be patient and you will develop normally.
Question
Does sex hurt the first time?
Answer
You don't say if you are male or female.
If you are male: men do not find it painful usually unless there is any medical condition like an infection which may make things painful anyway.
If you are female: having sex for the first time is not always painful and many girls find the Hymen (the thin membrane stretching across most of the entrance to the vagina) has already been stretched or broken because of things like sporting activities or using tampons. If you are relaxed and happy, are sure that having sex is really what you want to be doing, the man does not rush things and you both make sure you are well lubricated (use extra lube if needed) then it should be enjoyable. If you are tense, nervous, worried about infection or pregnancy or rushing things, then it may not go so well.
First time sex is often not a brilliant experience. It takes time to learn about each others bodies, what feels pleasurable and what doesn't. Good sex is part of a loving stable, trusting relationship.
Don't have sex if you are not sure about it, make sure you agree to be able to stop at any time if something isn't going so well and make sure you are protected from pregnancy and infection. If you are this worried about it then I would say you are probably not ready yet.
Question
Hi when I perform oral sex with my girlfriend it tastes well I assume normal. She is on the pill but a week dose to control her period. But every mouth around the time she is about to have her last pills there seems to be thick white stuff and it taste really bitter is this normal. I thought I may be something to do with her menstrual cycle?
ANSWER
All women produce vaginal discharge and mucous at the cervix (the entrance to the womb). This does change throughout the month and is sometimes different again when taking hormonal contraception pills. I don't think anything is wrong.
Question
I have dimple like lumps on my penis ( The underside). They appeared a couple of years ago before I had ever had sex, so it cant be a STI, I am very insecure about it and don’t know what it is or how to get rid of them?
Answer
It is very likely that these are just glands or something called Fordyce Spots. Both of which are normal and are part of you. If they have been there since before you were sexually active then they are not a sexually transmitted infection. However if you want more reassurance, then go down to a Genito-Urinary medicine clinic where one of the specialist nurses or Doctors will be able to advise you.
Question
Normally after my and my boyfriend finish having sex he complains his penis hurts? Why could this be?
Answer
The penis could hurt after having sex if the foreskin is slightly tight. It could also be the type of sexual activity. Have you tried using aquagel or lube? It would be worth going to the sexual health clinic and getting all your bits checked out by the staff there, to ensure there is no infection.
Question
I’m 14 and should be going through puberty, yet my penis is still rather small, any answers?
Answer
There is no set age for going through puberty and some young men don't start any changes until they are 16 or even older. Stop worrying, your body will develop at its on pace.
Question
What if u have a lump in your scrotum?
Answer
Any unusual lumps, pain or swelling in your scrotum or on your testicles need to be checked out, so you do need to go and see your doctor.
Question
How can you catch coronal papilae, what is it?, is it a STI???
Answer
You don't catch coronal papillae, they are not an infection. They are glands just beneath the head of the penis that produce a small amount of oil which works as a lubricant. They sometimes look like small white bumps and seem to be more noticeable in the teenage years. Please don't try to scrub them away or anything like that. They are a normal part of your anatomy. Just make sure you wash your penis properly and regularly, pulling the foreskin down gently when you do so.
Question
Will coronal papillae go away or stay??
Answer
These may always be around and visible, but they are more noticeable during puberty.
Question
My penis hurts after masturbation. Have I got a problem??? I have never had sex before so I can’t have an STI can i??? Please help.
Answer
You won't have an STI but you could be making yourself sore by your technique. If you do something and it hurts, stop doing it. Use lubrication, calm down, treat yourself and your private parts gently and if it is still a problem go and see a doctor.
Question
How long is a 14 year olds penis when aroused fully?
Answer
Look around at your mates and classmates. Young People at this age will all be at a different stage in their development. This means that there is no standard size or shape. Everyone is different. Some boys don't finish growing and developing until they are 18 or 19.
Question
I am 17 years old and I have never had sex or have had oral sex. Every time my girlfriend goes down on me I ejaculate before it has even started. I also have a slight problem with pre-cum. I don't know what to do about this, can you help me?
Answer
Hi. You are not alone, coming early is common in boys of your age. It is called premature ejaculation. Many people have done research on this and some of the suggestions include; whilst masturbating practice stopping and starting; masturbate before you see your girlfriend. Perhaps one of the most important things for you to do is to talk about this with your girlfriend and may be you can find a solution together.
As always DO NOT FORGET TO USE A CONDOM.
Question
Hello, My boyfriend has recently noticed that he has little spots on the end of his penis. He says it doesn't hurt and they are not sore but I'm worried. Because he has got the little spots I won't have sex with him. Please help????
Answer
Good for you for discussing this with your boyfriend and looking after yourself. It is impossible to know what these spots are without them being diagnosed by a doctor. It is also important to remember that genital warts are very infectious and are painless. However, if your boyfriend hasn't had any other sexual relationships it is unlikely to be warts. Always remember to use condoms.
Question
I've just had sex with my girlfriend but during having sex I could not keep my penis erect. Is there anything wrong with this?
Answer
You have just proved that you are normal. What you experienced most men go through at some time no matter how many times they have had sex. Do not worry, if you can talk to your girlfriend about this it may help.
Question
Should you be able to pull back your foreskin when your penis is erect?
Answer
For most males it is possible to pull back the foreskin when the penis is erect. The foreskin is pulled back naturally during masturbation or having sex. However, there are many cases where this is not possible and it is recommended that if you are unable to pull back your foreskin or if it is painful to attempt this when your penis is erect, visit your GP who will advise on the best treatment.
Question
When I'm putting the condom on it really hurts my foreskin. What can I do to stop this?
Answer
First check that you are putting the condom on properly and on an erect penis. It is easy to get them inside out. Try practicing when you are not under any pressure for example on your own in bed. If this is still a problem visit your GP, talk to your school or go to a young person's clinic where you can also get free condoms.
Question
I've never been able to pull back my foreskin and to be honest have never really thought it to be a problem. Only recently have I began to doubt this and become concerned it may cause problems during sex. Please help me out.
Answer
You are not alone with this problem but you have done what many do not and that is sort it out before it becomes a problem. A foreskin that cannot be retracted is also called phimosis and if this what you have you need to make a visit to your GP or young persons clinic to ensure that you are in good working order. Do you think we should put a page on this website on how to make best use of your GP?
Don't forget that you can get free confidential help and advice from the clinics on this website.
