Short messages on Sexual health and Safety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Having an abortion does not mean you’re unlikely to get pregnant again. You will also need to use reliable contraception to avoid becoming pregnant as fertility returns almost immediately after the abortion.
If something is troubling you, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All chats are completely confidential. You can reach them on 08457 90 90 90 or jo@samaritans.org .
You can buy condoms if you’re under 16 from pharmacies and shops, as there is no law against it. You can get condoms free from sexual health, contraceptive or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics and some GPs.
In the UK around 70% of boys and 75% of girls have sex for the first time when they are over 16. Only you can decide whether you’re ready to have sex, and it’s OK to say no.
Using two condoms at the same time is not safe. It increases friction and can cause one or both of the condoms to tear or break.
Condoms are effective only if used correctly so check the instructions on the packet. They are the only contraceptive method that protect against sexually transmitted infections as well as pregnancy.
You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period and you don’t use contraception or a condom. Having unprotected sex at any time of the month can lead to pregnancy.
Condoms can be damaged by contact with any oil-based products like lipstick, suntan lotion, moisturiser and baby oil. If you want to use lubrication make sure it is water-based (available from pharmacies).
You can get pregnant if you have sex standing up – in fact whatever position you are in when having sex. There’s no such thing as a “safe” position if you’re not using a condom or another form of contraception, and there are no “safe” places either, including the bath or shower.
A boy can get a girl pregnant the first time he or she has sex. It only takes one sperm to meet an egg, and this can happen from one instance of unprotected sex.