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22 November 2009
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Ask Dr Mel

Updated: every Wednesday

GP Dr Mel: officially un-embarrassable

Dr Mel is a GP from London. She answers your body, sex and medical Qs. Click for more info about Mel.

Q:Will I catch an STD?

can you catch a std from pre-come or by a boy just putting his penis in your vagina?
Mia , 17

A: Dear Mia

Yes.

I love a short answer. But we need to show our working out, just like in maths:

Chances of getting an STI =

Number of sexual partners x time spent having sex ÷ number of times we use a condom.

Pre-come is the clear liquid that comes out of the penis before it ejaculates. It contains sperm so pregnancy is a risk. And if a boy has an STI, the bugs will be found in his pre-come. So STIs are a risk, too.

You wouldn't go out in a storm without a raincoat. Please don't have sex without a condom. Even if it's only for a short period of time.

So if you're sat at home worried now, please see your GP or local sexual health clinic. Get a check up then you can relax. Good luck.


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