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Having sex is often a big step, especially if it’s the first time ever, or with someone new. It’s important that you and your partner feel right about your decision to have sex and that you understand how to make it as safe as possible for you both - right from the very first time. If you’re in any doubt about your decision to have sex, then maybe you’re not ready?

Sexual safety means a lot of things:

  • Avoiding infections (STIs).
  • Not getting pregnant until you want to.
  • Having the kinds of sex you want, and your partner wants – not getting pressured or co-erced into something you don’t want.
  • Being emotionally ready for the good stuff and the hard stuff.

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Emotional Safety

Sex can be intense and wonderful. It can change how you feel about yourself, and the person you’re having, or had, sex with. Sometimes it can be disappointing too.
Not every relationship lasts. Both partners may not even have the same motives for sex. Be clear about why you want sex, so you are honest with yourself.
It might be love, lust, curiosity, fun, something to do, a way to feel independent, to get back at someone……whatever your reasons, be honest and remember to treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

Contraception and Pregnancy Options

If you decide to have guy/girl sex and you aren’t ready to have a baby then you need to use contraception. Lots of people think they know heaps about having sex and how not to get pregnant. There’s lots of bad information out there though so here’s some myth-busters.

What are the real facts about getting pregnant?

  • You can get pregnant the first time you have sex.
  • You can get pregnant if you have sex while you have your period.
  • You can get pregnant even if you have sex standing up.
  • Washing or squirting things into the vagina (sometimes called douching) will not stop you getting pregnant.
  • You can get pregnant if you have sex in the water.
  • You can get pregnant if the man pulls out before he ejaculates (cums).

Taking risks with sex or making decisions based on bad information, can lead to situations that might change the rest of your life. The only way to be absolutely sure you won’t/don’t get pregnant is not to have sex. But, if you do decide to, then you need to make sure you’re as safe as possible. That means you are protected against becoming pregnant when you don’t want to have babies or becoming infected with a Sexually Transmissible Infection (STI).

What is contraception?

Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy. Although the methods may vary, contraception prevents sperm from reaching and fertilising an egg – that’s how a pregnancy starts. Different methods suit different people and may change depending on your age, your health and the status of your relationship.

When you see a doctor or nurse they will ask you questions about you and your family’s health. They are not being nosy. They need to know what will be safest for you.

How old do I need to be to get contraception?

There is no age limit on when you can get contraception.  Doctors and nurses do check that young people understand what they are doing and that they aren’t being pressured.  To find out more information you can visit your Family Planning Clinic or Doctor to discuss your options.