- What is adolescence?
Adolescence is generally the period between ages 10 and 19. During this time, your body, thoughts, feelings and relationships change. Puberty is the process of physical development associated with this stage.
- Why is my body changing?
Hormones produced by your body cause these changes. Hormones are chemicals that carry messages to different parts of the body. Growing taller, developing breasts, changes in your voice and growing body hair are normal parts of development.
- Why are my friends’ bodies changing while mine is not?
Puberty does not begin at the same age or happen at the same speed for everyone. Your genes and health also affect it. If changes begin very early, or you have no changes for a long time, you can visit your nearest Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office with a trusted adult for advice.
- Why do I get pimples? What should I do?
Hormonal changes can increase the amount of oil your skin produces and block hair follicles. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Do not squeeze pimples or scrub your skin harshly. You can get medical treatment if your acne is painful, causes scars or makes you feel very upset.
- Does my body shape or skin colour make me less valuable?
No. Your body shape, size or skin colour does not determine your worth. Photos on social media are often edited. Nobody has the right to insult you because of your body.
- Is it normal for my breasts to be different sizes?
Yes. It is normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other. This difference may be more noticeable while your breasts are developing.
- Are everyone’s penis and testicles the same size?
No. Their size and shape vary. It is also normal for one testicle to hang slightly lower than the other.
- Does shaving facial or body hair make it grow back thicker?
No. Shaving does not change the actual thickness of your hair or how quickly it grows. The cut ends are blunt, so the hair may feel coarser as it grows back. Removing body hair is a personal choice.
- Are the vagina and the external genitals the same thing?
No. The vagina is a passage inside the body. The external parts, including the labia and clitoris, are collectively called the vulva. The opening where urine comes out is separate from the vaginal opening.
- How should I clean my genitals?
Gently wash the external parts with clean water. Do not put soap, scented products or other cleansers inside the vagina. Wear clean underwear. Get medical advice if you have itching, sores, pain or an unusual smell.
- What is a period?
A period, or menstruation, happens when part of the lining of the uterus leaves the body through the vagina, along with blood. Hormones control this process. Period blood is not “dirty blood.”
- Does getting my first period mean I am an adult?
No. It is just one stage of your body’s development. It does not mean you are ready for marriage, a sexual relationship or raising a child. You still need education, care and support.
- My periods have not started yet. When should I get medical advice?
If your periods have not started by age 16, get medical advice. This does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition.
- Should my period start on the same date every month?
No. Periods can be irregular during the first few years. Keep a record of the dates when your periods start. If you go a long time without a period, your periods are repeatedly very irregular, or you have other difficulties, you can ask your local MOH office for advice.
- Can I bathe, play sports or go to school during my period?
Yes. You can continue your usual activities if you feel comfortable. Bathing does not stop your period. Gentle exercise may help reduce period pain for some people. If pain stops you from going to school, get medical advice rather than ignoring it.
- How can I reduce period pain?
Wrap a warm water bottle in a cloth and place it on your lower abdomen. Gentle walking and rest may help. If needed, ask a doctor about pain relief suitable for your age and health. Treatment is available for severe period pain.
- When should I get urgent medical advice about my period?
Get medical help if your bleeding is very heavy, you feel dizzy or faint, or your pain is severe. Ongoing heavy bleeding can cause anemia.
- How do I choose a period product?
Options include disposable pads, reusable cloth pads, tampons and menstrual cups. Choose something that is comfortable, available to you and that you can use hygienically. Follow the product’s instructions for changing, washing or emptying it.
- Is white or clear vaginal discharge normal?
Usually, yes. The amount can change throughout your menstrual cycle. However, get checked if the discharge comes with itching, burning, a strong smell, pain or an unusual colour. Your local MOH office can offer advice. These symptoms do not always mean you have a sexually transmitted infection.
- Can examining the hymen show whether someone has had sex?
No. The shape and flexibility of the hymen, a tissue around the vaginal opening, vary from person to person. Examining it, or checking whether someone bled during their first sexual intercourse, cannot establish their sexual history. “Virginity testing” is not a scientific test.
- Is it normal to have sexual feelings?
Yes. Sexual feelings or curiosity can develop during adolescence. Some people experience these feelings less strongly. Having a feeling does not mean you have to act on it. Respect your own boundaries and those of others.
- Is it wrong not to feel romantic or sexual attraction towards anyone?
No. These feelings do not develop in the same way or at the same time for everyone. Some people experience little or no romantic or sexual attraction. You do not need to compare yourself with others or pressure yourself into a relationship.
- What is masturbation? Is it harmful?
Masturbation means touching your own body for sexual pleasure. It is generally not harmful. It does not cause infertility, physical weakness or loss of eyesight. Whether or not to masturbate is a personal choice.
- When should I be concerned about masturbation?
Stop if it causes pain or injury. Get advice if it interferes with your sleep, schoolwork or daily life. There is no single “normal” frequency that applies to everyone. Be mindful of privacy and hygiene.
- Why do I get an erection for no obvious reason?
An erection happens when more blood flows into the penis, influenced by hormones and the nervous system. It can happen even when you are not having sexual thoughts. It usually goes away on its own.
- Is releasing semen during sleep a medical condition?
No. This is called a nocturnal emission or a “wet dream.” It is a normal experience for some people and does not make the body weak. Not having wet dreams is also normal. Get medical advice if you notice pain or blood.
- Does pornography show what real sexual relationships are like?
Usually, no. Pornography contains acted and edited scenes. It may not accurately show consent, safety or the diversity of real bodies. It is not a suitable way to learn about sexuality. Use reliable educational sources instead.
- Can someone get pregnant the first time they have sex?
Yes. Pregnancy can result when a sperm fertilises an egg. Having sex for the first time does not reduce that risk. An egg can be released before the first period, so pregnancy is possible even before periods have started.
- Can I get pregnant from kissing or sitting on a toilet seat?
No. Kissing, hugging or using a toilet seat cannot cause pregnancy. For pregnancy to occur, sperm must enter the vagina and reach an egg.
- Can withdrawing the penis before ejaculation prevent pregnancy?
Withdrawal is not a reliable method. The penis may not be withdrawn in time, and the fluid released before ejaculation can contain sperm. Withdrawal also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- What are contraceptive methods?
Contraceptive methods, also called birth control, reduce the chance of pregnancy. They include condoms, pills, injections, small implants placed under the skin and devices placed inside the uterus.
- Why is using condoms important?
Using condoms correctly every time helps prevent pregnancy and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Other contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Does using two condoms at once give more protection?
No. Using two condoms at once increases friction and can make them break. Use a new condom each time. Check the expiry date and packaging. Do not use oil, face cream or lotion with latex condoms.
- What should I do if a condom breaks or I have sex without protection?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about emergency contraception as soon as possible. Depending on the method, some options can be used up to five days afterwards, but getting help sooner is better. Washing inside the vagina does not prevent pregnancy.
- Do emergency contraceptive pills cause an abortion?
No. They work by preventing or delaying the release of an egg. They do not end an existing pregnancy. They also do not affect your ability to become pregnant in the future.
- How can I find out whether I am pregnant?
Take a pregnancy test. You can usually test from the first day of a missed period. If you do not know when your next period is due, test 21 days after the last time you had sex without protection. Get support from a trusted adult in this situation.
- Can you tell whether someone has a sexually transmitted infection by looking at them?
No. Many infections have no obvious symptoms. Sometimes there may be sores, unusual discharge or burning when passing urine. Ask a doctor about the tests needed to check for an infection. Having no symptoms does not confirm that someone has no infection.
- Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?
No. HIV is a virus that affects the body’s immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of untreated HIV infection. With appropriate treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.
- Can I get HIV from sharing food with or hugging someone who has HIV?
No. HIV is not transmitted through sharing food, hugging, shaking hands or using the same toilet. People living with HIV should not be excluded. They deserve the same respect and support as everyone else.
- What should I do if I may have been exposed to HIV through sexual contact?
Get support from a trusted adult. You can find more information at [know4sure.lk](https://know4sure.lk/).
- How can I recognise a healthy romantic relationship?
You feel safe. Your partner respects your opinions, boundaries, friendships and education. You can say “no” without fear. Checking your phone, demanding passwords, threatening you or keeping you away from your friends are not signs of love.
- What is consent?
Consent means freely agreeing to something you understand, without fear, pressure or deception. Silence is not consent. Someone who is asleep or too intoxicated to make a decision cannot give consent.
- Can I say “no” after agreeing earlier?
Yes. You can change your mind at any time. Agreeing before, being in a relationship or agreeing to one activity does not mean you agree to something else. When you say or show that you do not agree, the other person must stop.
- What should I do if someone says, “If you love me, you will do this”?
You do not have to do something you dislike to prove your love. Pressuring you into a sexual activity or sending a private photo is not acceptable. If it is safe, say that you do not agree. If you are threatened, move to a safe place and get support from a trusted adult.
- What should I do if I experience sexual abuse or assault?
It is not your fault. If possible, move to a safe place and tell a trusted adult. Go to a hospital promptly, even if you have no visible injuries. If you are under 18, you can call the child helpline on 1929. It is free and operates 24 hours a day.
- Is being attracted to the same gender or experiencing my gender identity differently an illness?
No. Sexual attraction and gender identity vary among people. You can get support from a trusted adult if you would like to talk about your feelings or identity.
- What should I do if I am bullied at school or online?
Do not blame yourself. Keep a record of what happened, the date and the people involved. For online bullying, save evidence of the messages and report the account. Tell a trusted teacher or adult. If the first person does not help, tell someone else.
- What should I do if someone threatens to publish a private photo of me?
Do not send more photos or money. Keep a record of the threatening messages, account name and links. Do not forward the photos to others. Get help from a trusted adult and report the threat to the platform. If you are under 18, call 1929.
- What should I do if I often feel sad, afraid or worried?
Talk to someone you trust. Pay attention to your sleep, meals and daily routine. If these feelings continue or interfere with schoolwork and relationships, get help from a doctor or a trained mental health professional. Asking for help is not a weakness.
- What should I do if I feel like hurting myself or ending my life?
Tell a trusted adult now. Do not stay alone, and move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself. Call the National Mental Health Helpline on 1926. If you have already injured yourself, taken too much medication or are at immediate risk of harming yourself, go straight to the nearest hospital emergency department.
