FAQs
What is the normal size of a penis?
Just like shoe size, height and weight, penis size varies and everyone’s body is different. Having good sex has nothing to do with the size of your penis because
- the vagina will expand to accommodate any size of penis
- the first third of the vagina is the most sensitive (has the most nerve endings).
Most men who think their penis is small when limp actually have an average-sized hard penis. A smaller limp penis grows a lot more when it’s erect than a longer limp penis.
What should I do if I am or think I may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex or transgender?
People express their sexuality in many different ways; there is no right or wrong way to be. You have the right to identify with the gender and sexual orientation of your choice without fear of discrimination in education, healthcare, social and political participation; and to live free of verbal and/or physical assault.
If you are gay, lesbian or bisexual, there are places where you can go for support and to meet others in the GLBTQI community. For example, you can:
- Join gay or lesbian clubs or organizations
- Get help from social service agencies. Ask if they offer support services that are gay, lesbian, and bisexual positive
See our sexual orientation section for more information.
What is sexual assault?
Sexual assault is any kind of sexual behavior that is unwanted or that you didn’t consent to. No one has the right to pressure or force you to engage in unwanted sexual activity. Sexual assault is a criminal offense. See our sexual violence page for more information.
What is a yeast infection?
Yeast is naturally present in your vagina; however, sometimes the yeast can build up, causing an infection. Yeast infections can be passed back and forth between partners through vaginal sex. In this case both partners need to be treated.
Symptoms of a yeast infection can include a thick white discharge from the vagina, pain during sex, itching of the vulva or the tip of the penis, or redness on the tip of the penis.
If you know you have a yeast infection, you can get an over the counter treatment at the drugstore. If the infection doesn't clear up with treatment or if it comes back again, see a doctor. Your sexual partner may need to be treated too so that the infection doesn’t get passed back and forth. See our yeast and vaginal infection page for more information.
Can I get an STI from a tattoo or piercing?
Yes. HIV and other infections like Hepatitis B or C can be passed through invisible particles of blood on tattoo and piercing equipment or live in tattoo ink.
A safe tattoo or piercing artist is someone who:
- Uses new ink in disposable containers
- Uses new or properly sterilized needles for each client
- Wears surgical gloves
- Uses jewelry made of surgical steel or niobium
- Uses an autoclave to sterilize re-usable equipment
- Provides information on how to care for your tattoo or piercing and how to prevent infection
- Before getting a tattoo or piercing, get referrals from trustworthy sources and check out several shops to find out if the artist follows safe and clean methods.
Can I get pregnant without having intercourse?
Yes, but it is rare. If semen or pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) comes into contact with the opening of the vagina or the vulva, the sperm may survive and travel up the vaginal canal, through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. If you are ovulating, or ovulate soon after, there is a possibility that the sperm can fertilize an egg in the fallopian tubes, resulting in pregnancy.
Can I get pregnant while having my period?
Yes, this is technically possible but rare. If you ovulate early and if your period is long so that you ovulate at the end of your period, some fertile ovulatory mucus could be present during the last days of your period. Sperm can survive for up to seven days in this mucus. If you have a shorter menstrual cycle (i.e. a 21-day cycle), then the chances of getting pregnant during your period is slightly higher than someone with a longer menstrual cycle because you are more likely to ovulate at the end of your period.
What is fertile mucus?
Before a woman ovulates each menstrual cycle, her cervix produces mucus which is very receptive to sperm. Sperm can live up to seven days in this mucus, which is wet, slippery and stretchy, resembling raw egg whites. When fertile mucus is present, it is especially easy to become pregnant.
I had unprotected sex, is there anything I can do to prevent pregnancy?
Yes, you can take emergency contraceptive pills (sometimes called the "morning after pill" up to five days after having unprotected sex. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is in preventing pregnancy. ECP is available without a prescription at a pharmacy or at sexual health clinic. Contact your local member of the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health for further information. ECP will not work if you are already pregnant. You can also have a copper IUD inserted up to seven days after unprotected sex. The availability of IUDs for emergency contraceptive purposes differs depending on where you are located.
How soon will a pregnancy test detect pregnancy?
There are two kinds of pregnancy tests: urine tests and blood tests. Urine tests are available without a prescription at the drug store, or you can visit your health care provider or birth control clinic. The results of urine tests are available within a few minutes and can detect a pregnancy very early (at about the time you would normally get a period). For a blood test, you must go to a doctor or clinic. It usually takes 24 hours to get the result of the blood test.
Can a pregnancy test be wrong?
Sometimes there is not enough pregnancy hormone in the urine to be detected and the pregnancy test will appear to be negative. In that case, if your period still does not arrive, you should take another test in about a week. A test result which shows you are pregnant when you are not (called a "false positive") is very rare.
What are some signs of pregnancy?
The first sign that usually indicates pregnancy is missing a period. In the early stages of pregnancy you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- nausea or vomiting, particularly in the morning
- tender, swollen or tingling breasts
- frequent need to urinate (pee)
- lightheadedness
- bloating or cramps
- changes in digestion (constipation, heartburn etc.)
- increased or decreased appetite
- mood changes
- fatigue
- sudden dislike of certain foods or smells.
It is important to note that not all women experience these symptoms. Signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. If you have some or all of these symptoms, it does not mean you are pregnant. The only way to be certain is to take a pregnancy test.
Is it possible to be pregnant and have a menstrual period?
It is possible to be pregnant and have some blood flow at the time when you would normally have your period. Generally, this flow, called spotting, is lighter than a regular period.
If I have an unplanned pregnancy, where can I go for counseling?
To find an unbiased counselor who will guide you through the decision-making process, contact your local member of the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health or your local public health unit. For tips, see our page about finding a reliable counseling centre.
I’m pregnant and I’m not sure I want to be, what are my options?
You have three options if faced with an unintended pregnancy. You can have an abortion, continue the pregnancy and place the child for adoption or continue the pregnancy and raise the child (Note that the pregnancy options are listed in alphabetical order).
Am I ready to have sex? How do I know?
Sex means different things to different people. Having sex can be defined in many ways: anal sex; vaginal sex; using sex toys; oral sex; kissing; touching; mutual masturbation, etc. You may be ready for some sexual activities before others. Decide what you want to do and what you don't want to do. It is your decision how far you want to go, and it is always okay to say no. Important factors to your decision should include
- how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections
- how to prevent unintended pregnancy
- how to have safer sex
People often say that trusting their partner had a lot to do with how positive their first sexual experience was. Before you decide to have sex, ask yourself:
- Do my partner and I trust each other?
- Do we feel a strong closeness?
- Can I talk to my partner about STIs, safer sex, and birth control?
Think about why you want to have sex. It is important not to have sex if you feel pressured or if it is something that you feel you have to do. You have the right to say no. Many people base their decisions about sex on moral, religious, or cultural values. Think carefully about what your values are, and make a decision that reflects those values. One way to do that is to think about how you will feel after you have sex. It may also be a good idea to talk to someone you trust or contact your local Canadian Federation for Sexual Health member.
