SexNot all students will choose to be sexually active, and for those that do, each will have very different views
and feelings about what level of sexual activity or involvement is right for them, and these views can change depending on
what else is going on in their lives. The one thing that doesn't change is the fact that if you're going to have sex,
you need to protect yourself.
There are a whole host of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) out there, and
it is estimated that 1 in 10 students has the most common of these, Chlamydia, usually without being aware of it. While the
pill, coil and cap prevent pregnancy, the only form of contraception that will do this while also protecting you against sexually
transmitted infections is the condom. Condoms Between 85-95% effective, if properly used. For extra protection condoms should be used with
spermicide. Do not use old based lubricants such as vaseline as these cause the condom to degrade and split (usually within
minutes). This is probably the best type of contraception for anyone who practices casual sex or is uncertain about using
other methods. They also protect against HIV, many STIs (sexually transmitted Infections)and genital infections. Check the
use-by date before use! Condoms are easy to obtain free from any CASH (Contraception and Sexual Health) clinic.
If your condom breaks what
should you do?
Should you make an appointment for
the female partner to get emergency contraception? Sometimes still called the morning after pill, although it can be used
up to three days after sex. Especially in casual sex you both should make an appointment at the nearest CASH clinic
to have a sexual health check up to make sure you've not picked up any infection. In the event that you have, most are
easily treated - but will not go away on their own if you don't get them treated!
How can I persuade my partner that we should use a condom?
It can be difficult to talk about using condoms. But you shouldn't let embarrassment become a
health risk. The person you are thinking about having sex with may not agree at first when you say that you want to use a
condom when you have sex. These are some comments that might be made and some answers that you could try.
C. Don't
you trust me?
A. Trust isn't the point, people can have infections without realising it
C. I can't
feel a thing when I wear a condom
A. Maybe that way you'll last even longer and that will make up for it
C. I don't stay hard when I put on a condom
A. I'll help you put it on, that will help you keep it
C. I don't have a condom with me
A. I do
C. I'm on the pill, you don't need a condom
A.
I'd like to use it anyway. It will help to protect us from infections we may not realise we have
C. But I love
you
A. Then you'll help us to protect ourselves
C. Just this once
A. Once is all it takes
More about condoms!
The Pill
The most popular contraception for
women. Relatively easy and convient, which also help to alleviate period pains. However, it must be taken correctly and consistently
to be effective, as one missed pill could lead to pregancy. The combined pill (oestrogen and progesterone) is over 99% effective.
The mini pill (progesterone only) is 98% effective when paken properly. Make yourself aware of the risks and possible side
effects.Other methods which are available are: - The
Diaphragm
- The Coil
- Contraceptive Injections
Emergency
Contraception
If you have had sex without
using contraception, or you think your contraception may have failed, you may be able to use emergency contraception. If you
act quickly, this can usually prevent pregnancy. There are two types of emergency contraception: - Emergency contraception pills. These must be started
within 3 days (72 hours) from the time you had sex. (These pills may be referred to as 'morning after' pills, but
this is misleading as they are effective up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. They are very effective if taken within the
first 24 hours.)
- Emergency
IUD which can be fitted up to 5 days from the time you had sex. Once it has been fitted you can keep it as a regular
method of contraception.
Where
to get emergency contraception Emergency contraception
is prescribed by a doctor but can sometimes be given out by a nurse by prior agreement with the doctor. It is available free
for women of any age (including under 16s) from: - Any
GP providing contraceptive services (not just your own)
- Some
Sexual Health Clinics (the Beeches Centre 01592 643774 for more details!)
- Family planning clinics
- Brook Centres
(for under 25s only)
- Some hospital Accident and Emergency
Departments
- From some pharmacies. Some pharmacies provide
free emergency contraception to women under 20.
Confidentiality Every consultation with your doctor or nurse is private and they will not tell
anyone else about it without your permission, even if you are under 16. Some GP practices will supply you with a "Confidentiality
Card" which you can hand to the receptionist if you prefer not to explain what has happened.
Side effects
Emergency contraception pills can be used by almost all women, even those for whom regular contraceptive pills
are unsuitable. A doctor or nurse will be able to advise you. Some people feel sick after taking the pills but this is less
likely if they are taken with food. Over 95% of women who take emergency contraceptive pills do not become pregnant. If a
pregnancy results, the pills have not been shown to harm the baby. The emergency IUD is almost 100% effective, but not suitable
for all women. A doctor or nurse will be able to advise you on its suitability for you.
Emergency only
Emergency
contraceptive pills are not intended for regular use, and like other contraceptive pills, do not prevent STIs. If you do not
want to become pregnant, you should always use regular contraception when you have sex. Condoms offer protection against STIs.
If you want more information you can call the Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123
for more information on sexual health (including HIV) or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic. For more information on protection click here. PregnancyIf you think you may be pregnant, it is important that you have a pregnancy test to confirm this as soon as
possible, no matter what you may decide to do afterwards. Pregnancy tests can be done at the Students' Association, your
GP's surgery, at the Beeches Centre or you can buy them over the counter at the chemist. If you find that you are pregnant
and want to have a chat about it in a confidential setting, come and speak to us. Symptoms of pregnancy - The
most obvious is a missed period (however, this can be caused by other factors such as stress and diet as well!)
- vomiting
- tiredness
- tenderness of breasts.
- Some women, however, do not have any obvious signs of pregnancy, which means it is sensible to test
if you have had unprotected sex and have missed a period, even if you do not feel any different
- Upon finding out the results of a pregnancy test, it is important to discuss all the options with
either your GP or with staff at the Beeches Centre.
AbortionDeciding whether or not to terminate a pregnancy is a very difficult choice to make. We have information
leaflets in the Union from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), about abortion options. However, If you would like
to talk to someone about your situation, our Advice & Support Officers will offer as much support and information
as possible, which may help you to make an informed choice. We can also direct you to a local Family Planning Clinic
for confidential advice and support. Alternatively you can contact a member of the College Guidance Team to make
an appointment. For more information about abortion and your options, please click on the links below:
Brook
BPAS
Did you know that anybody who is having
sex can pick up an STI - young or old, straight, gay or lesbian? (links to STI fact sheets below!) What is safer sex?
A simple way of understanding
safer sex is to see it as any sex that does not allow an infected partner's blood, semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid - precum
- or fluid from the vagina to get inside the other partner's body. What are the riskiest kinds of sex?
Vaginal and anal sex without a condom
carry the highest risk. sexually transmitted infections can be passed on to either partner - male or female, active or passive
- during penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina, mouth, or anus), without a condom. How to be safer
Using a condom means that
you are less likely to get an STI. It may be obvious to use a condom with a new partner. But once you start having sex frequently
with the same person, you might think it's OK to give up using condoms. Even if you are in a long-term relationship don't
stop using condoms without asking yourselves: could either of us have a sexually transmitted infection? To talk confidentially
with an adviser about sexually transmitted infections, or find out where you can get tested, ring the Sexual Health and National
AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123. You can phone any time and all calls are free. How safe is oral sex?
Oral sex is where one partner uses their tongue
or mouth to stimulate their partner's genitals. There is some risk from oral sex, but it is less risky than vaginal or
anal sex without a condom. The risk can be further reduced by: - Avoiding getting semen or pre-ejaculatory fluid (precum) in the mouth, particularly if there are
any cuts, sores or ulcers in the mouth
- Using a condom
for oral sex with a man.
Remember
Don't give up safer sex. Only condoms provide 'all-in-one' protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) - including HIV. Carry condoms with you when you're out having fun at parties, clubs or with a Valentine,
because whether you're planning on it or not you could end up having sex. If you want more information you can call the
Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123 for more information on sexual health (including
HIV) or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.
If you have any of these symptoms, you might have picked up an
infection. It may not turn out to be anything serious, but it is very important that you get it checked out. - A change in the normal discharge from the vagina.
- Discharge from the penis.
- Sores
or blisters near the vagina, penis or anus.
- Rash or irritation
around the vagina, penis or anus.
- A burning feeling when
peeing.
- Pain during sex.
Click on an infection to learn more - how you can get it and
how you can treat it.
There are lots of stories about sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), some true, some not. One thing's for sure, the risk of picking
up or passing on a STI is no reason not to have sex, but it's a very good reason
to be careful - and to always use a condom.
Did
you know?
As many as 70% of women and 50% of men who have
an STI, don't show any symptoms.
If you have unprotected sex (sex without a condom),
you have a much greater chance of getting a STI like chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV.
There
are an estimated 20,000 HIV positive people in the UK who don't know they've got HIV.
In
the last 10 years, the number of people infected with chlamydia has increased by 206%. In some high-risk groups, such as gay
men, the number of people infected with syphilis has increased by 1,949%.
What does that mean to me?
You don't
need to sleep around to get an STI - anyone who has sex without a condom is at risk.
HIV is the most dangerous
STI simply because there is no cure. It weakens the immune system so that your body finds it harder to fight off other infections.
Green ooze dripping out of your penis or vagina can be a symptom of gonorrhoea, but many STIs don't
carry any symptoms at all, though they can lead to infertility, heart disease, brain and nervous system damage.
Chlamydia
is now the most common (yet easily curable) STI in the UK - as many as one in ten young people under 25 may be infected with
it. Often people don't know they have it as there aren't always symptoms, but an infection could leave you unable
to have children.
What can I do about it?
Get yourself checked out. If you have itches, sores or blisters
around your genitals, you probably have an STI. No need to panic, but you should contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic
immediately.
Sexual health check-ups are free and available to everyone in the UK. You can arrange a visit to
a sexual health (GUM) clinic anytime. It is completely confidential.
Condoms are essential wear:
Always use a condom every time you have sex, as this is the best way of making sure you don't get a STI - It's not
just a bloke thing either, women buy 4 out of every 10 condoms sold.
Condoms come in a wide range
of sizes, flavours, colours and shapes and are available for both men and women. There are allergy-free versions and even
vegan varieties, which use no animal products including milk- so there's no excuse for not using one.
For more information
on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with
hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.
Condoms. The essential
travel wear
For a lot of us, sun, sea, sand and sex are what holidays are all about. But while
you’re having the time of your life, make sure you remember to use condoms. You want to return from holiday with souvenirs
and great memories, not an STI or two! So pack condoms and keep them handy when you go out. That way you’ll stay safe
and have a great holiday.
If you have condoms with you, you won’t have to worry about getting hold of
any. You’ll know where they came from and can use the brand you trust. Also, when you use your own condoms, you won’t
have the hassle of finding somewhere that sells them or have problems asking for them if the shop assistants don’t speak
English. However if you do buy condoms abroad, check the expiry date and that they have a CE mark.
Condoms can
be damaged by contact with oil-based products like suntan lotion, baby oil and even lipstick, so be careful when packing,
carrying and using them on holiday. Condoms can also be damaged by the heat so store them in a cool, dry place.
If you’re
out with friends, look out for each other. Along with money, room-key, phone etc. check everyone’s carrying condoms
before each night out. The holiday spirit makes people act more freely, especially when you involve alcohol or illegal substances.
So whatever your plans for a night out, using a condom will help you avoid waking up with more than a hangover.
You need to see a doctor if you think you
have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and expert help is available at your local Genitourinary Medicine & Sexual Health Service (GUMSH).
You can also seek advice about from your local Contraception & Sexual Health Service (CASH).
Clinics treat all information as EXTREMELY confidential
and unless you give your permission, not even your GP will be told that you have been there. This includes under 16’s
as well.
GUMSH clinics offer the following FREE services:
·
Testing & treatment for STI’s including HIV · Gay men’s sexual health · Testing & vaccination for Hepatitis – for individuals at risk · Emergency Contraception · Pregnancy tests ·
Condoms ·
Information and advice on sexual health issues |
