R U Thinking?

Are they trying to push you into it?

‘Boys’ used to be the subject you all laughed about – suddenly, everyone is obsessed with who’s gone the furthest and when everyone, including you, is going to lose their virginity.

Get ready for the pressure
Pressure from your mates is annoying and most of us have to put up with it at some point. Try to remember that not all you hear is true - your mates might be beefing-up their own experiences to make themselves look good.

Keeping your head
Even though peer pressure can drive you nuts, it’s never worth doing something you’re not ready for to please other people. You’re much more likely to regret your first time if you do it under pressure – and more likely to forget about contraception, which prevents pregnancy and protects you from STIs.

What to say to shut them up? (1)

When your friends start on at you about sex, here are a few clever replies to get them off your back:

They say: You’re gonna get a rep for being frigid
You say: Waiting for the right lad makes me smart, not frigid

They say: You haven’t had sex cos no one fancies you
You say: I haven’t had sex cos I’m not scared of saying ‘no’

They say: You’re gonna get dumped if you don’t do it soon
You say: My boyfriend likes me for who I am not what I do with him

Are you being pressured into sex?

Teena: ‘My first boyfriend pushed me into sex by telling me everyone except us was doing it. And he said if I loved him, I’d let him go all the way. I liked the stage we were at – kissing and messing around – but agreed because I didn’t want him to dump me. We did it, it felt weird and awkward, and then he dumped me for another girl anyway. I felt like such an idiot.’

Getting it right
Having sex for the first time can be quite disappointing if you’re not 100% sure - if you don’t feel completely ready, you may risk feeling hurt or regretting it later.

Being safe - buying condoms!

When you’re ready to have sex, the best way to stop getting pregnant and avoid STIs is to use condoms.

Where can I get them?
You can buy condoms online or from most grocery shops, supermarkets, chemists and petrol stations, or from vending machines in bars, cafes, restaurants and clubs.

You can also get free condoms from a clinic - even if you’re under 16. The people working there will respect you for taking care of yourself, without judging you.

Too shy?
If you feel embarrassed, buy condoms online or from a big supermarket where you can buy mags or chocolate at the same time.

Read more:
How does a condom work?

Am I responsible for contraception?

You’re both responsible for protecting yourselves  against unplanned pregnancy and STIs. After all, you’re in this together.

Shouldn’t it be my job?
People used to think that contraception was the girl’s responsibility because she was the one who could get pregnant. But now guys should know they also need to be responsible for contraception and protection if they want to avoid becoming dads too early, or catching an STI.

It doesn’t have to be a big deal  
Remember that becoming pregnant before you’re ready for a baby, or telling future boyfriends you have an STI, is a bigger responsibility than carrying a few condoms around. Keep some with you at all times - they’ll fit in the smallest pocket or bag.

Get set for safe summer loving

Holidays are fun, but there’s no reason the rules you have at home shouldn’t travel with you.

Holiday respect
While you’re away, try to have the same respect for yourself as normal so you’ll don’t rush into something you regret on the plane home. 
 
Too much sangria?
Lots of people try alcohol for the first time on holiday – even your parents might bend the rules and give you some. Alcohol makes you feel and act differently, making dodgy decisions – even about sex. And you’re more likely to have unprotected sex if you’ve been drinking. If you do drink, stick with friends or family so you get back to your hotel safely.
  
Be prepared
If you are thinking of having sex on holiday, pack a few condoms – they will protect you from unplanned pregnancies and sexual infections that are lurking wherever you go in the world.

Read more:
Are they trying to push you into it?

Taking the pill on holiday

Put a reminder in your phone so you don’t forget to pack your pills and take enough for your whole holiday. Don’t forget that the pill is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, but only condoms protect you from STIs.

Watch the time   
Take your pill at the same time you would at home – especially the mini-pill as it should be taken at the same time each day to work.
       
Getting ill
If you’re sick – a big risk if you’re drinking alcohol or eating new foods – your pill might not work. Keep taking it as normal, but use condoms for at least seven days too.