The rough guide - Dorsetforyou.com

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SAFER SEX
If you and your partner have
only had sex with each other
and both of you are faithful,
you are not likely to catch an
STI. However, if you or your
partner have had sex with
previous partners, there may
be a chance that one of you
has contracted a STI without
even knowing it. It may be
an idea for both of you to
get checked out before you
enter a sexual relationship,
but if this is not possible, you
should follow these healthier
sex guidelines in order to
stay safe:
• Using Condoms (‘Rubbers’,
‘Sheaths’ ‘Johnnies’)
correctly is the best way to
avoid infection. They offer
protection against STI’s,
including HIV, and can help
to provide protection against
cancer of the cervix in
women.
• Mutual masturbation is
OK, so long as neither you
nor your partner have cuts,
scratches or open wounds
on your hands, penis or
vagina.
• Anal sex is particularly risky
if there is a possibility that
your partner is carrying
HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea,
syphilis or any other STI.
Because condoms are
designed for vaginal sex they
are not suitable for this type
of sex, so there is a higher
risk of infection. Stronger
condoms for anal sex are
available.
• Oral sex can also be risky,
with the risk highest for the
woman or gay man giving
oral sex to a man, even if
the man withdraws before
orgasm. There is still a risk
for men and women giving
oral sex to women, if
the man or woman
has an active cold sore
on their mouth, or the
woman has any sores
or discharge from a
vaginal infection.
• A man can ejaculate
on his partner’s body
provided his semen
does not come into contact
with a body opening or an
open cut, sore or rash.
• If you suspect that either
you or your partner may
have developed an STI of
SEXUALITY & RELATIONSHIPS
any type, you should not
have sexual intercourse. If
you do, you must use a
condom. You should both
see a doctor too.
• Basically, don’t take any risks.
Always use a condom and
think about you and your
partner’s health.
Check out these websites for lots
of extra plaintalking information
about sexual matters;
www.playingsafely.co.uk
www.ruthinking.co.uk
www.fpa.org.uk
www.teenagehealthfreak.org
www.doctorann.org
www.nya.org.uk
www.thesite.org.uk