Sex can be a difficult subject to talk openly about but the reality is we are all interested in it, will most likely at some point experience it and no doubt have loads of questions and queries about it. Sex is a very special, intimate act and no one should ever feel any peer pressure to have any sexual relations. You can only lose your virginity once and the likely hood is that you will never forget the experience. Make sure that if you are going to participate in a sexual relationship, that you are emotionally and physically ready and you feel comfortable with the person you are with.

Legally you can consent to have sex (heterosexual and homosexual) from the age of 16. In Northern Ireland, you have to be 17. It is a criminal offence to intentionally sexually touch or have intercourse with a female if she is under 16 years, whether she gave her consent or not.

Contraception

Did you know there are many different types of contraception one can use in order to ensure you practice 'safe sex'? Different methods suit different people.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the method you and your partner choose and remember sex is a two person act, you both share the responsibility. Contraception not only protects you from getting STI’s (Sexually transmitted infections) but also protects against pregnancy. Condoms protect against most STI’s and the Pill, which is also a type of contraception for females, protects you against pregnancy. The safest bet is to use both. You can get free condoms from family planning and GUM clinics and the contraceptive pill is also free. See your doctor.

Contraception Myths (Do not believe the following!) :

• Jumping up and down after sex

• Standing up straight away

• Withdrawal (taking the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. There is semen containing sperm present at the tip of the penis as soon as it is erect.

• Having sex in the shower

None of these will ensure you do not get pregnant. Safe sex is not about trying those myths, it is about being informed, speaking with a family planning clinic and knowing what works for you.

STI’s (sexually transmitted infections)

Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) can cause serious health concerns and can be uncomfortable and painful. 1 in 9 people in Britain have an STI so use a condom and make sure you are not one of them!
Some STI’s have rotten symptoms and some have non at all. Some symptoms include unusual discharge from vagina or penis, burning sensation when passing urine, itching or rashes around the genitals or anus. Most STI’s can be diagnosed and treated at a GUM (Genito–Urinary Medicine) clinic. These can be found in hospitals or family planning clinics. The service is completely confidential.
STI’s are usually passed on by oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected person. A male or female condom can protect against STI’s. Dental dams (small squares of latex) can also be used as a barrier during sex involving contact between the mouth and the vagina, or the mouth and the anus.
Types of STI
There are over 20 different STI’s. The most common infections are:
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts
• Non-specific genital infections (NSGIs)
• HIV and AIDS
• Hepatitis B
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis

Many of these Sexually Transmitted Diseases can cause further health problems that can be serious in nature.

Ensure you have routine check ups at a Sexual Health Clinic (this service is free) and if you do think you have symptoms of an infection, get advice and make sure you tell your partner.

HIV & AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus known to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If someone is HIV-positive, it means they have been infected with the virus.
A person infected with HIV does not have AIDS until the virus seriously damages their immune system, making them vulnerable to a range of infections, some of which can lead to death.
HIV is transmitted through body fluids in particular blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk, in fact there are only four ways you can become HIV positive.

1. unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner;
2. sharing needles or other contaminated injection or skin-piercing equipment;
3. blood and blood products through, for example, infected transfusions and organ or tissue transplants;
4. transmission from infected mother to child in the womb or at birth and breastfeeding.
HIV is not transmitted by casual physical contact, coughing, sneezing and kissing, by sharing toilet and washing facilities, by using eating utensils or consuming food and beverages handled by someone who has HIV; it is not spread by mosquitoes or other insect bites.

For more information you can contact:

Sexwise (0800 28 29 30)- it is a free confidential advice line on sex, relationships and contraception.
Or look at:
Jewish AIDS trust at http://www.jat-uk.org
www.playingsafely.co.uk