Dear 19888891,

It's perfectly normal to be aroused by talking to or looking at people we find attractive. Having a sex drive and being turned on are normal parts of sexuality. People have different levels of sex drives — some have higher drives and some have lower.

Boys and men become sexually excited by sexual thoughts, wet dreams, or sex play with themselves or another person. Their penises fill with blood and get hard and erect. Girls and women may find that their nipples become erect and that their vaginas become lubricated. This is all totally normal!

At first, sexual arousal may seem a little out of control, especially for boys who may get spontaneous erections when they aren't even consciously thinking about sex. But after a while, as people become accustomed to sexual arousal, it seems less intrusive and more in their control.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.