Questions students ask

Can a student be excused from sport at school if they have their period?

For most people, having their period does not stop them from participating in exercise and sports.  Light exercise can actually help ease some period symptoms such as: pain, cramps, bloating, depression, mood swings, irritability, fatigue and nausea. 

For some people, exercise may be the last thing they want to do when they have their period, especially if they are experiencing cramping and pain. Some students may worry about leakage or the possibility of getting their period for the first time. 

Swimming can be a particular concern for students as they may not wish to/be able to use tampons/menstrual cups/period bathers. 

It is important to remember that each person's body and experience of menstruation is different. Some may have pain free periods and others may experience debilitating pain or have additional medical conditions that impact on their periods. Some people have very light periods and others very heavy.  Some young people may be able to manage their periods at school with ease, others may struggle. 

Offering students options to participate in sport in ways that they feel comfortable may help to alleviate some of these concerns and encourage them to continue to engage in sports at school. For example, doing a less strenuous/low impact option of the sport/activity. Normalising and destigmatising periods also helps young people to feel safe and secure to talk about any concerns they have and to help them participate fully in school activities. 

 

 

Related Items

Guides

Can tampons break a hymen?

It is a myth that the hymen is a membrane covering the entrance to the vagina that will be ‘broken’ by a tampon or first sex.

The hymen is made up of thin elastic folds of tissue just inside the entrance to the vagina. Hymens come in different shapes and sizes and cover varying amounts of the vaginal opening. A common shape is like a ring or crescent shape around the edges of the vagina, so these days it is often called the vaginal ‘corona’, meaning ‘crown’.

The hymen stretches and the opening usually gets larger as a young person matures.

The opening may be big enough for a tampon to go in easily. If the tampon (or anything else that is put in the vagina) is bigger than the opening, the hymen will stretch. Sometimes when it stretches there may be some small tears. Going slowly and using lubricant may help.

 

Related Items

Guides

Can young people be prescribed the contraceptive pill by a doctor without parents knowing?

A young woman is only able to see a doctor to obtain a prescription for the contraceptive pill if they have their own Medicare card. In WA this requires that they are 15 years or older. Without a personal Medicare card, the young person needs to ask their parent for the family card. 

If a person under the age of 18 is seen by a doctor they will likely encourage them to talk to their parents about going on the pill. However, although this is sound advice, it is not compulsory. The doctor cannot tell a parent about their daughter asking to go on the pill unless they have the patient's permission to do so. Doctors can only break such confidentiality if there is a very serious risk to the young woman's health or wellbeing or if there is a risk to someone else. 

Related Items

Guides

Could I get pregnant straight after my period?

Pregnancy is less likely if sexual intercourse happens immediately after the end of a period, however it is possible.

The best way to avoid an unintended pregnancy is to use contraception. A condom is the only form of contraception that will also help prevent sexually transmitted infections. 

Additional information:

The ovaries usually release an ovum (egg) about 14 days before a period is due. A pregnancy is most likely to happen when penis-in-vagina sex happens around ovulation. However, penis-in-vagina sex at other times in the menstrual cycle can still result in pregnancy. Some people may have a short menstrual cycle or have a cycle that varies in length which can make the time of ovulation difficult to predict. Even within a regular cycle, the times of ovulation may vary. Sperm can stay alive (in the cervix) for up to 5 days after sex.

 

Related Items

Guides

How common is HIV?

In Australia, HIV is not as prevalent as other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) or blood-borne viruses (BBVs). It is more common in other parts of the world, in particular Asia and Africa.

However it is still important to be aware of the risks and to remember that HIV can be transmitted both sexually and via blood to blood contact.

Related Items

Guides

How does a young person know if they have been vaccinated for hepatitis?

Most young people will be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B when they are quite young or as part of the School Vaccination Program. Some may receive the hepatitis A vaccine as a baby and then again at 2-3 years of age. Hepatitis A vaccine is also given to people travelling to countries that have higher rates of hepatitis A, such as some parts of Asia.  Hepatitis B vaccines are also usually given as a series of injections in early childhood.

Parents should be able to advise their child of their vaccination status. If they don’t know, the student’s GP or doctor can advise if they have kept a record. Check with the school/previous schools if a student thinks they were vaccinated at school.

Related Items

Guides

How old do I need to be to buy condoms?

You can buy condoms at any age, there is no legal age requirement so you will not be asked to provide ID to buy condoms. 

Additional information

You can buy condoms at supermarkets, chemists, petrol stations and online. Some shops place condoms behind the counter or have security tags attached to avoid people stealing the condoms or damaging them.

Sexual health services  often have bowls of free condoms in their waiting rooms. Some doctors and other medical services offer free condoms as well. Use the 'find free condoms' function on Get the Facts to find free condoms near you.

The legal age for sexual consent is 16 in Western Australia. 

 

 

 

Related Items

Guides

How would a person know if they are gay?

It can take some time for young people to work out whom they are and who they are sexually attracted to, including if their orientation is towards same sex attraction. The key is for the individual to feel comfortable and to take the time to come to terms with their own feelings about personal sexual identity, regardless of what others think and say about them.

Adults can sometimes say that they still haven’t worked out who they are. Identities commonly change as new things are experienced, there is no rush. Working out your sexual orientation may be an ongoing process throughout a person’s life.

If a young person thinks they know that they are same sex attracted, they might consider approaching the subject with a trusted friend or family member with whom they feel comfortable. Gaining help and support can assist through the process of telling others if that is what they decide to do. If there is no one they feel comfortable to talk to, there are services in WA such as the Freedom Centre which offer telephone support and counselling.

If I use a tampon, will it take away my virginity?

No. Using tampons does not affect someone’s virginity. 

There are many beliefs about what virginity means and what ‘losing’ one’s virginity means which are often based on religion, culture, media and society. A virgin is often described as someone who has not had sex; but the first time we have sex, we do not actually ‘lose’ anything and sex means different things to different people. Using a tampon is not the same thing as having sex.

Some people think that when the hymen is ‘broken’ that virginity is lost but having a hymen and being a virgin is not the same thing. It is a myth that the hymen is a membrane covering the entrance to the vagina that will be ‘broken’ by a tampon or first sex.

Additional information:

The hymen is made up of thin elastic folds of tissue just inside the entrance to the vagina. Hymens come in different shapes and sizes and cover varying amounts of the vaginal opening. A common shape is like a ring or crescent shape around the edges of the vagina, so these days it is often called the vaginal ‘corona’, meaning ‘crown’. The hymen stretches and the opening usually gets larger as a young person matures.

The opening may be big enough for a tampon to go in easily. If the tampon (or anything else that is put in the vagina) is bigger than the opening, the hymen will stretch. Sometimes when it stretches there may be some small tears. Going slowly and using lubricant may help.

Additional information:

Some people believe that virginity is ‘lost’ the first time they have sex. Some people believe that virginity is ‘lost’ the first time they have penis-in-vagina sex. Some people believe that virginity is ‘lost’ through oral or anal sex. Some people believe that if sex was forced or pressured (sexual assault) that it does not affect their virginity. Some people do not believe in the concept of virginity or ‘losing’ virginity at all. The definition of virginity is not as important as making sure that both partners are ready and consenting to any sexual activity.

Related Items

Guides

Is it illegal to watch porn if you are under 18?

It is not usually illegal for someone who is under 18 to watch porn on the internet.

It is illegal to show porn to people who are under 18. This means that if a young person is showing another young person a porn video, they could be committing an offence.

It is illegal to watch porn if the people in the video are or appear to be under the age of 18.

Although it is not illegal, viewing porn that is violent or abusive or watching porn to the point of compulsion can cause problems.

Additional information

Technically it is illegal to upload a video of someone having sex online because these videos are usually classified as X18+ (and there is some content that is completely refused classification due to its offensive and violent nature). This means that the Australian Communications and Media Authority can request that it is removed.

Disclaimer: This information is a general guide only. It is not legal advice. For legal advice on a particular situation, contact Legal Aid WA

Is it normal for people to shave/wax their pubic hair?

Pubic hair is completely natural and normal and serves a number of healthy body functions. It helps to protect the genitals, reduces friction during sex, can help with temperature control, and may help trap pheromones (which are scents our body secretes that can aid in sexual attraction).

Some people choose to remove some or all of their pubic hair (and/or hair that grows on other places of the body that is unwanted - under the arms, on the face, arms, legs, chest, stomach, back, hands, feet, etc). Hair can be removed using a number of methods such as: shaving, waxing, hair removal creams, plucking, trimming, threading and lasering.

There are some risks associated with removing pubic hair (and other body hair) - cuts, ingrown hairs, infections, rashes and burns. It is also important to know that razors should not be shared with other people as they can pass on blood-borne viruses such as hepatits C.

There are various reasons people choose to remove body hair such as: they think it looks more visually appealing; they think sexual partners will find it more appealing; for cultural reasons; and for sporting reasons (e.g. some cyclists choose to remove leg hair to help make treating potential wounds easier). Beauty trends, the media and social norms often 'tell' us the way that our body hair should look - the hair on our heads, facial hair, body hair and pubic hair. Some people also link pubic hair trends to porn, where the current norm is to be hairless. Just as clothes fashions change, so do body hair trends and these social norms often hold different expectations for women and men. 

Essentially it should always be a personal choice. Young people might like to talk to a parent or a trusted adult before they make any decisions about hair removal.

Related Items

Guides

Is my penis a normal size?

During puberty most penises get longer and thicker. Usually by the age of 17 or 18, the penis will reach its full adult size. There is a wide range of normal penis sizes and shapes. The size of a penis when it is soft does not necessarily relate to the size it will be when it is hard (erect). There is a lot less difference in penis size from person to person when the penis is hard (erect) than when their penis is soft.

Additional information:

People may compare their bodies to those seen in pornography. It is important to know that porn has been made, and just like all movies, it often shows things that we don't see in real life. 

Additional information:

Research that gives average penis length and circumference (girth) varies greatly and the internet and magazines are not always accurate sources of information.

A 2015 study of 15,521 men reports the following measurements:

soft (flaccid): length 7.59cm - 10.73 (average 9.16cm); circumference 8.41cm - 10.21 (average 9.31cm) 

hard (erect): length 11.46cm - 14.78cm (average 13.12cm); circumference 10.06cm - 12.76cm (average 11.66cm)

(Reference: Veale, Miles, Bramley, Muir and Hodsoll. Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521. BJU Int. 2015 Jun;115(6):978-86. doi: 10.1111/bju.13010. Epub 2015 Mar 2.)

Is pornography real or fake?

Pornography is defined as being printed or visual material, which contains a display of sex or sexual activities designed to provide sexual excitement. 

Pornography is almost always fictional and not ‘real’. It does not convey an accurate representation of adult sexual behaviours and desires. 

Most porn films are made in the same way as mainstream movies with scripts, actors, directors and are filmed over the course of days. Hours of footage are edited down by producers to be completely unrelated to real sexual experiences.

Camera angles, lighting and other methods are used to make the bodies and sexual acts appear in particular ways that are often very different to how 'real life' bodies look, move and react. 

There are some people who make 'personal' porn movies or images which are not scripted but just 'played out'.  

Related Items

Guides

Is sexting illegal?

Sexting is not illegal when everyone involved is above 18 years of age and consenting. However, there are a number of laws around sexting that exist in order to protect people, particularly young people, from harm and exploitation. Sexting can become illegal when anyone involved is younger than 18 years of age, even if everyone has consented.

Sexting is an offence when it involves harassment. For example, someone may continue to pester or try to convince you to send or share an intimate image or video of yourself.  Or they may send sexual messages, images, and videos that you do not want to receive, even after you have told them to stop. This is harassment and can be considered a crime.

There are specific laws against sharing, or threatening to share, nude or intimate images of someone without their consent. This is called image-based abuse, and is illegal under Commonwealth law, regardless of the persons age.

Additional information:

Sharing intimate images of others without their consent applies to sharing content both online and in-person, and includes showing, sending-on, and/or posting online to a social media site or platform. An intimate image or video is one that shows: a person’s genitals, breasts, or anal area; someone who is nude, or partially nude; a person performing a sexual act; or a person doing anything they would usually do in private (e.g. showering, undressing, going to the toilet). Intimate images do not have to be real photos or videos. They may also include cartoons or drawings, as well as images that have been edited or photoshopped without the consent of those pictured.

For consent to be valid, the person in the image must give free and voluntary agreement for the image to be taken and shared in that specific occasion. However, if someone shares an image of themselves, it does not mean they consent to the image being shared further. Consent needs to be given on every new occasion.

Additional information:

Many young people use technology to negotiate, develop, and explore their sexuality and their sexual relationships with others. However, it is important to be mindful of the legal, emotional, and social outcomes that could occur when you engage in sexting and be aware of effective help-seeking strategies.

It can be harmful for everyone involved if a nude is shared without the senders’ consent. Sharing images of someone without their consent is illegal, and can often be humiliating, cause emotional distress, and lead to bullying and harassment of the person pictured. This can happen especially if the nude is shared online. Often, when something is shared online it is difficult to have control over what happens with it, including who may access it. Therefore, it is important to only share intimate images, nudes, and sexts with people who you trust, to be fully aware of the laws, and possible implications if something goes wrong.

For information on how to seek help, you can visit esafety.gov.au or yla.org.au

Related Items

Guides

What does ‘drink spiking’ mean?

A drink being ‘spiked’ means that a drug or a combination of drugs has been added to a person’s drink without them knowing.

Drink spiking may have been done as a practical joke but it can lead to sexual assault, robbery and/or violence. People often do not realise that something has been added to their drink until it is too late.

Some tips to avoid having a drink spiked is to only accept drinks from people you know and trust, always keep your drink with you, don’t share drinks and if you start to feel dizzy or you think your drink may have been spiked, get to a safe place with people you know and trust.

See the Get the Facts website for more information.
 

What is an internal condom (female condom)?

An internal condom (sometimes referred to as a female condom) is a thin plastic pouch that is inserted into the vagina before sex. It has two flexible rings to keep it in place. It stops semen from entering the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It also helps protect both partners from STIs.

See Get the Facts - Female condoms for further information.

 

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. In most cases it’s caused by a virus, but it may also be caused by alcohol, drugs, or other medical conditions.

The three most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

 

Hepatitis A

  • Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver and is found in the faeces (poo) of people with the infection. It is usually spread by eating or drinking contaminated (dirty) food or water.
  • It can also be spread by close personal contact with an infected person (including sexual contact).
  • Hepatitis A can be prevented with a vaccine.
  • Deaths from hepatitis A are rare, but some people get very sick.

Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis B is mainly passed on by blood-to-blood contact - when infected blood enters another person's blood stream.
  • It can also be passed on through sexual contact.
  • Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine. 
  • Most adults recover completely from hepatitis B, and can't get it again. Some people go on to develop a lifelong infection and this can lead to scarring of the liver, liver cancer and liver failure. 

Hepatitis C

  • Hepatitis C is only transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person.
  • In Australia, most infections are caused by sharing drug injecting equipment like needles and syringes.
  • Most hepatitis C infections develop into a lifelong infection and can lead to scarring of the liver, liver cancer and liver failure if left untreated.
  • New hepatitis C treatments have a cure rate of 95% or higher. For most people the treatment course is only 8-12 weeks, with only mild or no side effects. General practitioners (GPs) can prescribe hepatitis C treatment.
  • However, even if a person is cured of hepatitis C, they can be re-infected with the virus again, so it is important to practice safe behaviours. 

 

Testing for viral hepatitis is via a few simple blood tests.

Related Items

Guides

What is the best type of period product to use?

There are many different types of period products, and it is really up to each individual to find the type they are most comfortable using. It may be useful to talk about options with a trusted adult or older sibling who can offer some thoughts and advice. 

It is important to change pad and tampons regularly throughout the day. Menstrual fluid has no odour until it meets the air, however a pad or tampon left in place for too long can begin to smell and it can lead to infection.

Tampon packets contain instructions (and pictures) for use. There is a large range of different types to choose from, including 'slim’ versions and some with applicators which may be helpful for someone starting to use them for the first time. When a tampon is properly inserted it can't be felt at all.

Related Items

Guides

What is the legal age for getting a tattoo or piercing and do parents need to know?

In Western Australia, it is illegal to tattoo or brand a person under 18 years of age without the written consent of a parent of legal guardian. This law also applies to the execution of intimate and non-intimate body piercings.  

It is also illegal for someone under 16 years to have their ears pierced without parent or guardian consent.

Where a person under the age of 18 has written parent or legal guardian consent to be tattooed, the tattoo artist has the right to refuse the service, and choose not do the tattoo.

Related Items

Guides

What is the ‘morning after pill’ (emergency contraceptive pill) and how does it work?

What is the ‘morning after pill’ (emergency contraception) and how does it work?

A better name for the ‘morning after pill’ is the emergency contraceptive pill. Calling it the 'morning after pill' can be confusing as some people think that it can ONLY be taken the morning after sexual intercourse.

Emergency contraceptive pills are used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. They can be taken up to five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. The sooner they are taken the more effective they are.

There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills. They both work by preventing or delaying the release of an egg from the ovaries. They do not cause an abortion or harm a developing pregnancy.

Emergency contraception pills are available over the counter at most pharmacies. They do not need a prescription. The pharmacist may ask some questions which may seem personal, but they are only asking to check on medical history and the risk of pregnancy. This will help them choose the most appropriate type of emergency pill.

It is recommended to do a home pregnancy test 3-4 weeks after taking an emergency contraceptive pill to make sure it has been effective. See a doctor if the test is positive.

If the next period is more than a week late or different in any way, it is essential to do a home pregnancy test.

Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). If someone has had unprotected sex they may want to get an STI test.

 

 

Related Items

Guides