safer sex... what's it all about?

thinking about starting sex with your girlfriend
or boyfriend? already involved in a sexual
relationship? want to keep safe without spoiling
all the fun? had a wild night and not sure what
happened? worried about pregnancy or 'lovebugs'?

Sex is a normal and enjoyable part of life for most people. And remember, there
are lots of fun sexy things you and your girlfriend or boyfriend could be doing that
don't put you at risk of infection or pregnancy - kissing, cuddling, masturbating
each other - are just a few.

But if you do have actual sexual intercourse you could be sharing more than love
and affection... you could also be sharing a sexually transmitted infection
(an STI or a ''lovebug'). You don't need to have a lot of sexual partners to catch
one although the more partners that you have, the greater your chance is that
one of them may pass an infection to you.

Look out for these symptoms:
>> unusual discharge or liquid from vagina or penis
>> pain or a 'burning' feeling when you use the toilet
>> itches, rashes, lumps or blisters - anything that looks, feels or smells'different'
in your 'private parts'
>> pain or bleeding during sex, after sex or between periods

Many STIs show no symptoms at all. The good news is that most STIs can
be cured with antibiotics... BUT If you don't get treated, they can cause pain
or discomfort, can be passed on to other people and can even cause
permanent damage to your health and fertility.

Worried about pregnancy?
The pill protects you against pregnancy but if you forget one or are sick then you
won't be protected. Some girls worry about side-effects too. Patches, implants and
injections are new alternatives to taking a pill every day (ask your doctor or family
planning clinic for more info if you're interested). The main problem with the pill and
these other methods is they don't give you ANY protection against infection. Think
about using a condom as well, to be double sure.

Making sex safer... for both of you
Be like the Scouts... be prepared. Discuss with your partner before you have sex
how you will protect yourselves. Practise putting condoms on - have some ready
(these are free from family planning and sexual health clinics, and from
Sorted! - run by Powys Youth Service. Ask your local youth leader for locations.
There are lots of choices of condoms - fun flavours and colours! So try different kinds.

Worried about infections?
If in doubt, get checked out!
If you or your partner have symptoms or think you might have an infection, have a
check up at a sexual health clinic (free and confidential) and get advice before you
have any more sex. Tell your partner so he or she can be treated too.

Safer sex = using condoms
Using a condom when you have sex will prevent most STIs - including HIV...
and offers protection against pregnancy too.

What happened?
Sometimes you have a few drinks, or get a bit carried away, and before you know
it you're having sex, or you wake up and you're not even sure whether you had sex
or not, or who with? Don't be embarrassed - it happens to most people at some time
in their lives! For girls, it's worth getting emergency contraception (the 'morning after'
pill) - from hospital casualty departments, your GP or some pharmacies. Boy or girl,
you may have picked up an infection too, so best get checked out at a clinic -
see our help! page for useful phone numbers. Phone one of the helplines for young
people for more information about what to do. Most important, avoid it happening
again - always make sure you know what you're drinking, keep an eye on your drink
so no-one 'spikes' it, tell someone if you feell ill at a party or at the pub.

Got questions? Take a look at our questions page, or
visit one of our many web links or phone a help-line.

 

contact us: pals po box 24 llandrindod wells tel 0845 223 5209