HI, firstly, try not to worry, from what you’ve described, it is not possible to become pregnant from someone rubbing your back, hips, thighs, or touching your bottom through clothing. Pregnancy can only happen if sperm comes into contact with the vagina, which hasn’t happened in this situation.

That said, if you’re starting to explore being close or intimate with someone, it’s really important to understand that things can sometimes move on quite quickly. Taking things at your own pace and feeling comfortable and in control is what matters most.

I also gently need to mention that in the UK, sexual activity under the age of 16 is considered unlawful, so it’s important to be informed and look after yourself. If you have questions or want advice without any judgement, organisations like Brook or your local sexual health clinic are really supportive and completely confidential, you can ask them anything.

You’ve done the right thing by asking, and it’s always okay to check something you’re unsure about 💛

Hi ,this is completely normal. Around your age, your brain and body start to change as part of growing up, and that can include feeling curious about things like relationships, bodies, and how babies are made. Even if you haven’t had lessons at school yet, having questions or new thoughts isn’t something to be worried or ashamed about, it just means you’re developing and learning.

It’s really important, though, to get your information from safe, reliable places. You might try talking to a trusted adult like a parent, carer, nurse, or school staff member, or looking at reputable educational websites or books made for your age group. You can even come to me with any questions you may have and it's one of the reasons we created this page and our Teens' blogs.

You don’t have to figure everything out at once, learning about your body, feelings, and relationships should happen step by step, in a way that feels comfortable and respectful to you.

Hi E 💗 this is a great question, and don’t worry, this is actually really simple once it’s explained!

What condoms do
A condom is a thin stretchy cover that is worn over the penis during sex.

Its job is to catch sperm (ejaculate), stop sperm from entering the vagina, and help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, making condoms a very useful product to know about. By doing this, they help prevent pregnancy and act as a barrier between bodies, which also helps protect against STIs.

How they work (step by step)

• The condom is rolled onto the penis before any sexual contact
• During sex, it stays in place
• When ejaculation happens, the sperm stays inside the condom
• The condom is then removed and thrown away after

Why they’re important

They’re the only method that protect against both pregnancy AND infections, and they’re easy to use and widely available. They also don’t affect hormones or your body as some other forms of contraception do.

So, to break it down a condom acts like a protective barrier keeping sperm contained and stopping it from reaching where it could cause pregnancy, while also helping keep both people safe.

Hi, please don't worry, as hormone levels start to level out the desire to do this will reduce naturally.

Thank you for sharing this so honestly, it sounds like you’re really trying to live in line with your values, and that matters.

First, it’s important to understand that what’s happening to you during puberty and these urges are completely natural even when you sleep and not something you are choosing or doing on purpose. Your body sometimes releases built-up sexual tension during sleep, especially in adolescence and young adulthood, and you have no conscious control over it. Because of that, most religious teachings do not treat this the same as intentional actions, since there is no choice or intention behind it.

That’s not strange at all, lots of people wonder about this. Sperm on its own isn’t a baby or a “future child.” It’s just a single cell. For a baby to even start, a sperm has to join with an egg, and that only happens in very specific situations. On its own, sperm can’t become a person.

So when it’s released during masturbation, nothing is being harmed or “ended.” It’s just the body doing something normal and healthy. That uneasy feeling is just your brain overthinking “what ifs” rather than what’s actually happening.

Sex is how humans (and many animals) make babies. It happens when a part of a man’s body (the penis) goes into a part of a woman’s body (the vagina), and a sperm from the man can join with an egg from the woman to start a pregnancy.

As people get older, they also learn that sex is something that should only happen between people who both understand it, feel ready, and agree to it.

No this is absolutely fine, many people explore their body and how it feels when touched during puberty.

Hi, yes this is absolutely fine.

There really is no rush at all to label your sexuality. It’s completely okay to not know yet, and a lot of people take time to figure out how they feel. You don’t need to have all the answers right now.

Sometimes when you do feel romantic attraction, it can feel different or more noticeable, but that can happen at any time, and for some people it takes longer (and for some it’s just not something they feel often, or at all). All of those experiences are valid.

For now, just focus on being yourself and building friendships. You don’t need to force feelings or put yourself into a label before you’re ready. You can take all the time you need to understand what feels right for you 💛

The vulva can sometimes feel a bit sore or swollen, especially if your skin is sensitive. Things like shaving, tight clothing, friction from movement, or being intimate can all cause a bit of irritation.

For now, try to keep things as gentle as possible, avoid perfumed soaps, bubble baths, or anything harsh, and wash the area with cool or lukewarm plain water instead. Wearing loose clothing and cotton underwear can also really help your skin breathe and settle down.

If the swelling doesn’t ease after a few days, or if you notice pain, itching, unusual discharge, or anything that feels different for you, it’s always best to check in with a GP or nurse just to be safe.

You know your body best , but from what you’ve said, this sounds like temporary irritation and should calm down. Vicki💛

I’m really sorry it felt that overwhelming for you. Those school talks about puberty and things like reproduction can sometimes come all at once, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit shocked, embarrassed, or even upset afterwards. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you, it just means it was a lot to take in, especially if you weren’t expecting it or it didn’t feel explained in a way that helped you feel comfortable.

Try to remember that everything you heard is simply about how bodies grow and change, it’s a normal part of life, even if it feels a bit much right now. You don’t have to understand or feel okay about all of it straight away. Give yourself time, and if something is still bothering you, you can always talk to someone you trust or come back and ask questions whenever you need. You’re not alone in feeling like this, and it will start to feel less intense over time.

Hi, first, let me reassure you: enjoying affectionate or intimate contact with another person, when it’s consensual is nothing to be ashamed of.

You tried something new, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, or embarrassed afterwards. Almost everyone experiences a rush of thoughts and emotions the first time they connect with someone in that way. Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you did anything wrong, it just means it was new.

Please don’t be hard on yourself about being a virgin, either. When and if someone becomes sexually active is entirely their own choice. Despite what people joke about or comment on, many people don’t have these experiences until their late teens, twenties, or even later. There is no deadline, and there is nothing “sad” or abnormal about your timing.

Hi, what you’re describing,, especially during puberty happens a lot. Liking both boys and girls can fit labels like bisexual or pansexual, but it’s also completely okay not to choose any label at all right now. Crushes can be about attraction, curiosity, or admiration, and those feelings can change as you grow. There’s no rush to decide who you are, you can give yourself time and just notice who you’re drawn to, and that clarity often comes naturally later on.

They are an intense feeling you notice when your genitals are touched, and nothing more than that really!

Yes, this would be classed as an orgasm.

This is nothing to be alarmed by, during puberty your body and nervous system are changing, and the reproductive area can become more sensitive and respond in new ways to things like emotions, what you read or view, or people you’re attracted to. These sensations are completely natural, not something anyone else can see or feel, and they don’t mean anything is wrong with you.

Hi! What you’re noticing sounds very normal. Menstrual fluid, whether it’s for a first period or any period is often brown rather than bright red, especially when there’s only a small amount. Blood can turn brown when it takes longer to leave the body or dries quickly, which is really common at the start of periods. Before a first proper bleed, some people see light brown marks or discharge as their body is getting ready, almost like a gentle build‑up rather than everything starting at once

As for everything else, try not to worry or read too much into every sign. Hormones can affect appetite, digestion, mood, and how your body feels in general, and that can change from week to week. Losing interest in certain thoughts or feelings doesn’t mean anything is wrong, it’s just your body adjusting during a big phase of growth.

Nothing you said sounds worrying or unusual, you’re doing just fine, even if it all feels confusing right now

Hi, to me, this doesn’t sound weird at all, lots of people your age feel exactly the same way. There’s no set timeline for knowing your sexuality, and at 12 your body, emotions, and friendships are all changing anyway. Some people have crushes early, some later, and some don’t feel anything much for a long while and all of that is completely normal.

It’s also okay not to have an answer yet. You don’t have to pick “gay” or “straight” or anything else just because your friends think they know. You’re allowed to say, “I’m still figuring it out,” or “I don’t really label myself right now.” Your identity doesn't have a deadline.

The most important thing is this: don’t rush yourself. As you grow, you’ll naturally start to notice who you feel drawn to romantically, emotionally, or not at all  and that’s when things often start to make sense. 

Hi, during puberty, bodies and emotions change very quickly, and it’s common for young people to notice new feelings, curiosity, or sensations that they didn’t have before. That can feel confusing, embarrassing, or even worrying and those feelings themselves are very normal, it's just part of your journey into adulthood.