Sex: how to stay safe

Although it may sound obvious and a bit patronising, a little common sense can go a long way. If you want to have sex, then you need to think about how to make the experience as safe as possible. Even if you only have sex with ten people, if they have have slept with ten people as well, that's 100 sexual histories that you could be exposing yourself to. Staying faithful to one partner dramatically reduces the risk of future problems.

It can be difficult and embarrassing to talk to a new partner about the possibility of infection or using contraception, but if you don't you could be putting yourself at risk. Safer sex means thinking about these issues and doing something about them.

Although the only fail-safe way of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases and infections is to abstain from sex altogether, the odds of contracting something are much lower when using contraception.

There is a range of contraception available, and you may prefer one over another. If you are using hormonal contraception such as the pill, remember that this only stops pregnancy, and doesn't offer any protection against STI's. The safest method to avoid STI's and pregnancy is by "doubling up" and using hormonal contraception as well as a barrier method, like a condom.

Hormonal methods like the pill are available from a GP free of charge.

Barrier methods of contraception like condoms and femidoms are available for free through the Condom Distribution Scheme, which operates in Halls of Residence, (through Condom Reps) and also on the first floor of the union from both Student Support Services, Iain Cupples, and the Director of Representation. At night, you can get contraception from the porters at the front desk of the union. We also provide free pregnancy tests.

The NHS operate a Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic during term time on the top floor of the union every Wednesday from 12.30-5pm. They can proive chlamydia testing and basic STI screening, and cervical smears. Click here for more information.

The morning after pill is available from Boots on Market Street free of charge.

have fun. stay safe.