If you are thinking about having sex it is important to make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. Having sex because someone is pressurising you or because it seems like a good idea may not be the ideal situation to start a sexual relationship.
There are a lot of myths surrounding sex and contraception such as “you can’t get pregnant if you have sex standing up” and “you won't get pregnant if you have a bath after sex”. These myths are not true and lead to many girls getting pregnant every year.
If you are having penetrative sex, using contraception is the ONLY way you won’t get pregnant. There are many different methods of contraception. The most common methods are:
- Condoms
- Oral contraception (the pill which you must remember to take everyday to be effective)
- Implants (put underneath the skin in your arm and lasting for about 3 years)
- A Coil (which is fitted into the womb and lasts between 3 and 5 years)
If you are thinking about having sex, it is worthwhile to talk to someone at your local family planning clinic, or to a teacher or school nurse. If you decide you want talk to someone about having sex you have the right to confidential advice even if you are under 16, but it is always worth checking that it will remain confidential (i.e. they will not tell your parents, carers) when you want to talk to someone.
Please remember that it is illegal for people who are under 16 to have a sexual relationship and that a boy who has sex with a girl who is under 16 can be prosecuted.
