SEX BITES – SAFE SEX

Safe Sex

If you have sex without using a condom you could get pregnancy or catch an infection

The pill and the cap protect against pregnancy but not against infections like gonorrhoea or HIV

If you are going to have anal sex you should use the extra strong condoms that are available

If you think you're going to have sex, buy some condoms and carry them with you

Read the instructions and practise until you know how to use them

When you're close to having sex, it's time to start talking about using a condom

If you don't use a condom, it's not safe for you to have sex

Mistakes people make using condoms

The condom was damaged by sharp fingernails or jewellery

The condom was put on too late – it needs to be on before the penis gets near the vagina

The condom was taken off too late – take it off while the penis is still erect

The condoms were out of date or didn't have a kitemark

The condoms were used with an oil-based lubricant like Vaseline or Nivea

Getting hold of contraception

Get free contraception from a family planning, Brook or sexual health clinic

If you get the pill or the cap from your doctor it will be free of charge

You can buy condoms from chemists and vending machines in public toilets Most clinics will advise under 16s in confidence – check in advance if you are worried

Emergency contraception

If you have had unsafe sex (for example if you didn't use a condom or if it split or came off during sex) you could be pregnant.

You can get emergency contraception from your doctor, a health clinic, or the accident and emergency departments of some hospitals.

The emergency contraceptive pill must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex – the earlier you take it the better.

Emergency coils (IUDs) can prevent pregnancies up to five days after unprotected sex.

See Also: Finding Out More – Sexual Health, Contraception and Pregnancy