Safer Sex

It's vital to have all the facts if you're thinking about having sex, or if you've already starting having sex. The information here covers some of the basics - lots of help and advice is available if you'd like to find out more.

Contraception - a few points

• Contraceptives can protect against pregnancy and STIs, depending on the method used.
• If a girl is sick whilst on the pill that could make it less reliable.
• Some contraceptives might not be suitable if you smoke, or have a longerm illness, such as diabetes

Sexually Transmitted Infections

• You can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) the first time you have sex
• ANYONE (straight, gay or bi-) who has sex with someone who has an STI can be affected
• Lots of people with STIs do not have obvious symptoms
• Some STIs are relatively simple to treat but others are not so it's important to use a barrier contraception
• It's possible to get an STI through oral sex.

Pregnancy

• The only guaranteed way not to get pregnant is not to have sex - no contraception is 100% reliable.
• If you do become pregnant, and you didn't mean to be, you need to look at your options as soon as possible.
• You can usually recognise the signs of pregnancy because periods normally stop. Other signs could include feeling or being sick. sore breasts and going to the toilet more often. 
• If you're going to have the baby, it's important to take care of your health. This includes eating well and not smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs - even if you did these things before you knew you were pregnant.