Safer Sex

Safe Sex, everyone knows about it and why they should practice it * so why aren't you?

First, two downloads for gay men .......

Wasted

Good Sexual Health

Chlamydia has reached almost epidemic proportions among young men and women . More women are seeking the morning after pill than ever before and the number seeking abortion referral is also on the increase.

So, for those who know and those who've forgotten here 's some basic information on Contraception and safe sex.

Safe Sex and Contraception

Contrary to popular belief sex does not have to be male/female nor does it have to involve penetration by the penis. You can have fun in all kinds of ways, which I will leave to your imagination. Whatever you do there are high risk and low risk practices and ways to make the high risk lower risk. Much of the information below focuses on heterosexual and bisexual women. More specific information for other people can be found through the contacts at the end.

Condoms

Condoms, when used properly, are one of the most effective methods of contraception and protect against sexually transmitted diseases and infections including HIV the virus which can lead to AIDS. They are easily available and cheap (especially when you weigh them up against the amount a child would cost you! Condoms are not rare and there is no excuse to be caught without one. Make sure it has a kite mark, which proves that it meets safety standard BS EN 600.

The Contraceptive Pill

If you are on the pill this does not mean that you can not use a condom as well. The contraceptive pill prevents conception not infection. It is effective, has little or no side effects for most women .

Sexually Transmitted Infections

There are loads of STIs ranging from the uncomfortable to the very unpleasant to the kind that can kill you. Using a condom during oral, anal or vaginal sex involving a penis or penetration, limiting your sexual partners and getting tested and treated as soon as you think that there could be a problem can all reduce your risk of contracting STIs.

Chlamydia

Often called the 'silent disease 'as 75%of infected women and 50%of infected men do not know that they have it. Chlamydia can have virtually no symptoms but is nasty enough to lead to infertility in women and sometimes in men. However, it can not be spread if a condom is worn during vaginal and anal sexual contact. It is also easily tested for and treated.

HIV and AIDS

HIV is the virus that can lead to Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is fatal but people can live many years with drug treatments and you will not know that someone has it unless they tell you.(They may not even know themselves) Condoms are the most effective way of preventing the spread of HIV. In the UK the fastest growing group of people contracting HIV are young heterosexual women.

Smear Tests

Any woman who is sexually active should get a smear test once every three years. This includes lesbians. This picks up the early stages of Cervical Cancer, which is usually treatable. You can also be tested for Chlamydia at the same time.

Emergency Contraception

If the condom does split or you are ill which may make the pill less effective or for whatever reason you feel that you are at risk then there are options to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately if your partner has passed on an STI to you the only option is treating it now you've got it. Medical and legal opinion are clear that emergency contraception is not the same as an early abortion as the pregnancy is not established until a fertilised egg is implanted in the lining of the womb. It is the process of implanting the egg that emergency contraception prevents therefore preventing the pregnancy from being established at all.

Morning After Pill

The morning after pill is basically a large dose of the contraceptive pill. It can be taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse but is most effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex. It is not a good substitute for your ordinary contraception, it may make you feel ill and there is a chance that it may not work. The morning after pill is available free from the Nurse Unit or your doctor and the

You can also buy it over the counter at a pharmicist but this is fairly expensive and the pharmacist will ask you a few questions.

IUD

The IUD or coil can be implanted by a doctor into the womb up to five days after unprotected sex. It is highly effective as emergency contraception and can be used as long term contraception as well. It is not suitable for all women, specifically those who have more than one partner as the risk of infection in then increased.