Frequently Asked Questions
What is ejaculation?
Ejaculation occurs when semen shoots out from the penis at the point of orgasm. There is usually about 5ml of liquid, but there may be more, especially if a person hasn't ejaculated for some time. People with vaginas can also ejaculate fluid, but this is far less common than for people with penises.
What is orgasm?
Orgasm is the peak or climax of sexual excitement. It usually involves pleasurable feelings and rhythmic contractions of the muscles in and around the genital area. For people with penises, ejaculation usually happens at the same time as an orgasm. When ejaculation occurs, the sperm rushes out along the tube in the penis and spurts out in 4 or 5 spasms. These spasms spread over all of the person’s genitals and sometimes through the rest of their body. A vaginal orgasm involves a series of short spasms in the walls of the vagina which spread to the uterus (womb) and sometimes through the whole body.
Is masturbation normal?
Yes. Apart from the pleasure it gives, masturbating can help you learn what you like and don't like sexually. People with penises can also use masturbation to learn how to control their orgasms, while people with vaginas can find out what helps them to achieve an orgasm. Many couples masturbate together and find it a very enjoyable part of their relationship. Other people don't and that's fine: it's a personal choice.
Is masturbation safe?
Yes, it’s safe. There are many myths about masturbation, including that it can cause blindness, insanity, or acne and will make hair grow on your palms. Thankfully, of course, none of these are true! There's also no risk of pregnancy or catching STIs from masturbating on your own.
What is pre-cum?
When a person gets an erection, a small amount of fluid gets sent through the tube to the tip of the penis. This cleans out any stale urine or bacteria. This fluid is called pre-cum and contains sperm. Even before the person ejaculates, as soon as they have an erection the head of the penis will have sperm on the top via the pre-cum. People can get pregnant or contract an STI through pre-cum.
What type of lubricant is OK to use with a condom?
Water or silicone based lubricants are OK to use with condoms. Vaseline and moisturiser may actually damage them.
Can you wash condoms and use them again?
No, condoms should only be used once.
Do you always get symptoms if you have an STI?
No, you might not know if you have an STI.
Sometimes you might have symptoms, such as pain when you pee, or an unusual discharge, smell or soreness. But many people don't notice signs of infection, so you won't always know if you're infected.
The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
How long does sperm survive after ejaculating in the body?
On a dry surface, such as clothing or bedding, sperm are dead by the time the semen has dried. In water, such as a warm bath or hot tub, they'll likely live longer because they thrive in warm, wet places. But the odds that sperm in a tub of water will find their way inside someone’s body and cause them to get pregnant are extremely low.
When sperm are inside the body of a person with a vagina, they can live for up to 5 days.
Is it possible to get pregnant the first time you have sex?
Yes. It is even possible to get pregnant if you have never had a period before.
Can you get pregnant from oral sex?
No, you can't get pregnant following oral sex, even if you swallow sperm.
But you can catch STIs through oral sex, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes.
Can you get pregnant from fingering?
Fingering on its own can't lead to pregnancy. But it is possible to get pregnant if someone gets pre-ejaculate (pre-cum) or ejaculate on their finger and then puts it in their partner’s vagina. The chances of this happening are low, though.
You are more likely to get an infection than become pregnant from fingering.
How many times can you take emergency contraception?
You should use it in emergency situations only. The morning after pill is less effective than the contraceptive pill or the condom. It also won’t protect you against STIs.
If you find that you have to use the morning after pill every month or even several times a month, you need to see your GP to discuss other contraceptive options.
Can women who have sex with women get STIs?
Yes, women who have sex with women can get or pass on STIs. The infection can be passed on through vaginal fluid (including fluid on shared sex toys), blood or close bodily contact.
Always use a new condom each time you share sex toys. If you are also having penetrative sex, using contraception and condoms will help prevent STIs and unintended pregnancy.
Do periods happen during pregnancy?
The short answer is no. You might experience “spotting” during early pregnancy, which is usually light pink or dark brown in colour.
As a rule of thumb, if there’s enough bleeding to fill a pad or tampon, then it’s a sign you’re probably not pregnant. If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test and are bleeding heavily, seek medical care.
Can HIV be passed to a baby in the womb?
Yes, it's possible for HIV to be passed from the pregnant person to their baby. This can happen during pregnancy, labour and birth, and through breastfeeding.
But it’s possible to greatly reduce the risk of a baby getting HIV if you receive treatment for HIV during pregnancy and do not breastfeed your baby.
Can you get pregnant if you have sex during your period?
Yes. Sperm that’s been ejaculated into the vagina can live inside the uterus for 5 days. That’s why it’s possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex while menstruating. If you ovulate shortly after you finish your period, the sperm may still be alive and can fertilise the egg.
Is withdrawing the penis before ejaculation a safe way to avoid pregnancy?
No. Pulling out before ejaculation, known as the withdrawal method, is not a foolproof method for birth control. Some ejaculate (fluid that contains sperm) may be released before climax. In addition, some people may not withdraw in time.
If there is sperm on your hand and you put it in another person’s vagina, can they get pregnant?
Yes, it’s possible. One way this might happen is if your partner masturbates and then uses the same hand or hands to finger you. If your partner washes their hands between the two acts, your risk of pregnancy is low.
Can washing the vagina after sex prevent from getting pregnant?
No, it can’t. Rinsing the vagina — whether it’s with water, a douche, or any other kind of liquid — after unprotected intercourse will NOT reduce the risk of pregnancy. In fact, if a person does douche after intercourse, there’s a possibility that it may actually push the sperm further up through the cervix, making it even easier for sperm to join with an egg.
Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Yes. Even though breastfeeding may suppress or delay menstruation, you can still get pregnant. Ovulation will occur before you start having menstrual periods again, so follow your doctor's recommendation on the appropriate birth control method to use.
What is the legal age of consent?
In the Republic of Ireland, the legal age of consent is 17.