Everyone at some point in their life will feel pressured to have sex, whether it’s by your partner, friends or society. However, it is your decision and you always retain the right to say NO!

by Sian Amy Siviter and Simone Mendez

Do people still use the line of “If you love me, you would”? Anyone who nags for sex seriously needs to think about the unfair pressure they are putting on their partner. It doesn’t matter if you’re a virgin or if you’ve already been with a few people, every time should be when both of you are ready. So think to yourself, is this what I want? And if it is, be sensible and always be prepared.

Use contraception! It’s the safest way to have sex. There are different types of contraception that you could use to keep safe, and avoid pregnancy and any sexual transmitted infection (STI). The majority of people use condoms. The man wears this, and it is 98% effective. Many women take the pill; it alters the body’s hormones and stops the egg from being released, and is 99% effective, but does not protect against STIs. The injection is also for women, and should be taken every 12 weeks. It stops ovulation, which causes irregular periods. Another type of contraception is the implant. It stops the women’s ovulation and thickens the vaginal mucus.

It is a fact that you can get pregnant having sex anywhere or anyhow if it is unprotected. So if you have had sex without contraception then get yourself to the nearest chemist. Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) can be used to help prevent an unwanted pregnancy up to three days after sex (the sooner the better). It can be used if a contraceptive method fails, for instance if a condom splits or a pill is forgotten or taken late, or if no contraception is used at all.

The other option is the emergency intrauterine device (IUD), which can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Neither the emergency hormonal contraceptive pill or the emergency IUD will prevent sexually transmitted infections. If you have had unprotected sex, you should think about having an STI test from your local clinic. Visit www.ourguideto.co.uk to find where to go. Whatever your age, condoms are free from your local clinic. If you still have questions and would like free confidential advice on issues such as contraception, sex and relationship advice, STIs, pregnancy or even health issues with your body, then contact Brook at www.brook.org.uk. You can telephone 0808 802 1234 or text BROOK HELP to 81222. Or call the Teenage Pregnancy Team on 0121 569 8453.

Fact or Myth?

Am I ready to have sex?
The legal age to actually have sex is 16-years-old, but you shouldn’t have sex if you are not ready. If you aren’t ready, why don’t you try kissing, hugging or even give your partner a massage? You should both wait until you are comfortable with the idea and use contraception to protect yourself against infections and pregnancy.

Does using the toilet after sex wash out sperm?
No! When you use the toilet, your urine exits the bladder through the urethra, which lies above the vaginal opening, so the sperm does not get wet when you urinate.

Can you get pregnant during your period?
Yes, you can! It is particularly easier to get pregnant near the end of your period. Any unprotected sex can lead to you getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).