| More facts about contraception
After a woman has given birth not all forms of contraception can be used, but pregnancy is possible as soon as the woman is sexually active again. She should discuss the methods that are suitable for her to use with a doctor, midwife or Family Planning.
A woman can get pregnant when:
- she has sex during her period
- she has sex for the first time
- the man ejaculates around the outside of the vagina
Condoms are the only method of contraception that will prevent against sexually transmitted diseases(STD).
If you think your partner may have:
- an STD
- sex with other people
- taken a risk at any time
Use a condom as well as your current method of contraception!
Enjoy Sex Safely
Safer sex involves protecting yourself emotionally and physically.
Have sex that lets you:
- feel good about yourself and your relationship
- avoid unintended pregnancy
- prevent sexually transmitted diseases
Feel good about yourself and the decision you make.
You decide:
- when to start having sex
- whether or not to have sex every time your partner wants you to
- to practice safer sex every time.
Communicate with your partner about:
- whether you want to have sex
- where and how you like to be touched
- what your limit is
- past and present experiences which may put you or your partner at risk
Respect yourself and your partner:
- be honest
- consider your own and your partner's cultural beliefs and personal values
- accept responsibility for your sexual behavior
Stay in control
- protect against physical and/or emotional harm
- be sure to have access to protection
- be aware that drinking alcohol or using other drugs may affect your ability to make safe decisions.
There are more than 50 known diseases that can be passed on through intercourse. STD's can be passed from one person to another by exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and discharges from sores caused by STD's). These include:
- sexual intercourse, oral, or anal sex
- close sexual contact
- mother to baby transmission during pregnancy and/or childbirth
- injecting drugs
You are at risk of getting a STD when:
- you are starting a new relationship
- you have more than one sexual partner
- your partner has other partners
- you and your partner share sex aids such as dildoes or vibrators
- you or your partner injects drugs and share needles or the other injecting equipment
Facts about STD's
- you can't tell if a person has an STD by looking at them
- not all STD's have symptoms
- you can have a STD and pass it on to others without knowing it
- a STD won't go away without treatment
- most STD's can be treated or cured
- STD's can cause infertility, illness or death.
Enjoy safer sex
- use condoms every time you have vaginal or anal sex
- use dental dam or condom during oral sex
- use only water based lubricants, never oil or petroleum based products because they damage latex
- use condoms to cover sex aids like dildoes and vibrators
Know that:
- early diagnosis of a STD is important to avoid serious complications and so you don't pass it on to others
- don't wait for symptoms - get tested if you have any concerns about having a STD
- don't be embarrassed to ask for a test- anyone can get an STD
- all info you give to health care professionals is confidential
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