Safe Sex
Pregnancy - and how to avoid it
- All sex will carry a risk of pregnancy
- Condoms can give you some protection and will help protect against STI's
- For better protection get some advice on other methods of contraception options include, pills, injections, implants, vaginal rings, coils—there is something which will suit everyone.
- Get protected BEFORE you start sleeping with someone—if they respect you they will wait.
- If it goes wrong and you forget/ condoms breaks etc go and see someone as soon as possible—there are pills and coils that can still stop you getting pregnant but you need to get help AS SOON AS YOU CAN
The Legal bits
- Remember it is actually illegal to have sex under the age of 16
- If you have sex with someone who is under the age of 13 this is RAPE ( even if they agree )
- If you are forced to have sex when you don't want it or if you force someone to have sex (even if you are friends or in a relationship ) then this is also rape.
- Rape/ sexual assault is not just about vaginal sex, its also includes any unwanted touching of or with sexual parts of the body.
Emotional stuff
- Sex is a lot more intimate than having a drink with someone or having a cuddle. Think before you act
- Are you ready for this? (anyone who is worth it will wait)
- Is this the right person for you? Is this the right time and place for you?
- Will you still think it was the right decision tomorrow?
- Remember the right time and person will be different for each person - don't do something you will regret later or just because you think others are doing it.
STI's (sexually transmitted infections)
Infections you can catch by having sex -the most common is Chlamydia -10% of people who are sexually active will have it; the more partner you have the more chance you have of catching it.
- You may not have any symptoms.
- Avoid it by always using condoms
- Get yourself checked once a year or every time you change partner (you only have to pee in a pot).
- It is easily treated by certain types of antibiotics.
There are other STI's (see Sexual Health page), To avoid all infections make sure you and your partner are checked out before you start having sex and always use a condom.
Remember:
-
Is it legal?
-
Are you safe (from pregnancy and infection)?
-
Is this the right time/ person for you?
If yes - Enjoy!
If no - Wait!