AKA: Birth control, being careful, bagging up (using condoms), contraception, covering up, family planning.
What is it?
Sex with fewer risks. Practise safer sex and you’re far less likely to pick up an STI, including HIV. It means using
condoms
- always.
It also means keeping the number of partners you have to a minimum. In short, being careful while having fun.
Will the boy always provide condoms?
No. Everyone should protect themselves, and carrying condoms just proves you’re aware of safer sex. If a boy won’t wear a condom, then don’t have sex with him. If he cared about you he'd wear one - so he’s certainly not worth the risk.
If I’m on the Pill do I still need condoms?
Yes. The Pill won't protect you from
STIs
including HIV.
Condoms
are needed, too - every time.
What if you haven’t started your periods or you have sex just before/after your period?
There’s no time during your menstrual cycle where you can be sure you won’t get pregnant. Even if you’ve never had a
period
you can still get pregnant because your body could already be producing eggs.
Other myths are that you won’t get pregnant if it’s your first time, you do it standing up or in water, or you wash your vagina out afterwards. Wrong!
So are you 100% safe if you only foreplay or use a condom?
Sticking to foreplay is safer, but you can catch some
STIs
just by rubbing against each other, and if sperm gets anywhere near your vagina you could still get pregnant - even if you’re a virgin. Condoms are effective
contraception
and prevent STIs, but sex can never be 100% safe, so it's good to use an additional form of contraception like the Pill.
Further help and advice
•
thesite.org
- Safe sex myths busted.
• Type in your postcode and find help in your area at ruthinking.co.uk
• avert.org.uk/yngindx.htm - Info on safe sex, HIV and Aids
• likeitis.org/contraception.html - Advice on safe sex and contraception.
Disclaimer: the BBC can't be held responsible for the content of external websites.
Pictures posed by models.
