Sex FAQs

We have tried to list here some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about sex.

If you can't find your question here, you can contact Ask Brook on 0808 802 1234 or email them with your question. Keep checking back here too, because we'll update these questions regularly.

What size should a man's penis be?
You can still get pregnant if the man withdraws before he cums, can't you?
Can a woman have sex if she's having her period?
Can you get pregnant if you have sex standing up?
If you pee after sex does it wash the sperm out?

What size should a man's penis be?

Many boys and men worry about the size of their penis. Like any other part of the body, penises come in different shapes and sizes. Everyone develops at a different rate and everybody is different.

For general guidance, research shows that an adult penis is about 6 - 10cm (2.5 - 4 inches) when soft and 12 - 19cm (4.5 - 7 inches) when erect.

Can you still get pregnant if the man withdraws before he comes?

Even if the man doesn't ejaculate, sperm can still be present in his pre-cum (the clear, sticky drops that are released when he's aroused). It only takes one sperm to make a woman pregnant, and the fluid can also contain bacteria that could give you a sexually transmitted infection. Some men aren't aware that they are ejaculating until it's too late, and it's easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment.

Can a woman get pregnant if she has sex during her period?

Yes she can. There's a chance that a woman can get pregnant during her period, particularly towards the end of your menstrual cycle. Unprotected sex also increases the risk infection by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Can a girl get pregnant if she has sex standing up, or in the shower or bath?

Yes! If you have unprotected sex a woman can get pregnant absolutely anywhere, no matter how or when you do it.

Does having a pee after sex wash out the sperm and stop a girl getting pregnant?

No. Wee comes out through the urethra, which lies above the vaginal opening. So any sperm in the vagina won't even get wet when you wee. There is no way to wash the sperm out of a girl's vagina after sex.