Sexual Health

The Law and Sex

The age of consent (for sex) is 16 in England & Jersey.

If you are 16 or over and both parties are in agreement, then it's not illegal.

The age of consent for two men or two women having sex is 16 as long as they both agree to the sexual activity.

It's thought unlikely that two under 16's who are consenting will be prosecuted but it is illegal and prosecution is possible.

It is a criminal offence for a person of 16 years or over to engage in sexual activity with a person under 16. 

For loads of great information on all aspects of sexual heath check out the SEXPERIENCE website

Contraception

No method of contraception is perfect, but some are a lot more effective than others.

If you are going to have sex and don't want to get pregnant, you really need to work out the best and most effective method of contraception for you.

The responsibilty should be a joint one!

The reality for most young women is that they are usually the ones bearing the consequences of an early, unplanned pregnancy.

The truth is you can get pregnant when you have sex for the first time, in whatever position, if either of you don't have na orgasm, or if the bloke pulls out before he cums.

You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period and even if you douche afterwards (squirt water into the vagina).

Douching can be harmful to women too!

Bear in mind that even with very careful use, there is usually some risk of pregnancy with most methods of contraception.

Keep your genital apart and sperm and egss strangers if you want to eliminate risk totally!

Emergency Contraception

Have you had unprotected sex or do you think that your contraception may have failed?

If you act quickly, emergency contraception can usually prevent pregnancy, but it must be used within 3 days (72 hours) of unprotected sex, and the earlier you take it the more effective it is.

It should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

Sometimes a doctor might fit a coil, which can be fitted within 5 days as an alternative.

You can get emergency contraception free from any young person's clinic or Brook (under 21's), or the Family Planning Clinic.

Hospitals A & E departments will provide it when there are no sexual health clinics open.

Many local chemists can also provide emergency conraception, though it would be best to phone and check first. There will be a cost to this too!

You can buy emergency contraception at most chemists if you are over 16, though it is available in some areas to under 16's. Be prepared to answer questions!

If you feel you need emergency contraception, seek it out as soon as possible.

It is worth remebering that it is not as effective as using other methods of contraception regularly.

You can get information on where to get emergenct contraception by calling:

Brook Tel: (01534) 507981

or drop in: Monday 3.30 - 7pm; Tuesday 3.30 - 7pm; Wednesday 12 - 3pm, Thursday 3.30 - 7pm; Saturday 11am - 2pm.

You can also contact:

The Family Planning Clinic Tel: (01534) 443781 

Sexual Expression

Enjoying your own body (Masturbation)

Masturbation means touching/stroking your own genitals for sexual relief and pleasure.

It's perfectly harmless and many people (both female and male) do it simply for the pleasure.

It is a good way of getting to know your own body, where you are most sensitive and what you like.

Using a lubricant can make masturbation easier and more enjoyable.

Some people don't masturbate at all and that's fine too.

It is sometimes called wanking, fingering and other names. If you do this together with someone else it's sometimes called mutual masturbation.

If you are male and female, keep genitals apart, body fluids seperate and you won't get pregnant!

Whoever you are - take car not to pass on or pick up infections.

Orgasm

You'll hear about orgasms in different ways, 'comin', 'cumming', 'climaxing' etc.

It's sort of the ultimate in sexual pleasure, and usually comes about by masturbation or other sexual activity.

For males, ejaculation (the spurting of fluid including semen and sperm from the penis) is the usual outcome of orgasm.

Some women also experience a release of fluid (sometimes known as female ejaculation), though most women have orgasms without this.

Don't worry if you find having an orgasm difficult, it may just be that you aren't relaxed enough, or the right buttons haven't been pushed yet.

It's quite normal, get to know what feels good and build on it.

Some people find that they 'come' quicker that they'd like when they are with another person. Try to slow things down if possible, and talk through any concerns you have with your partner if you have one.

Don't forget that thousands of sperm can seep out before the man ejaculates and it only takes one to fertalise an egg.

Think about sexually transmitted infections; use a condom or a dental dam! Or else keep male and female genitals apart.

Pornography

Pornography (porn) is available in lots of forms, all of which are visual and intended to cause sexual excitement.

Most porn fils, websites and magaznes are aimed at over 18's.

Some pronography is illegal, and people are regularly charged with offences after creating, downloading or passing it on.

An example would be child pornography; this is clearly a form of child abuse.

It's worth thinking about the way people are portrayed in pornography.

There is a view that porn leads to people (most often women) and their role in society being portrayed in a negative light.

There is a view that the porn industry exploits the people who are in it, and that the exploitation is supported by those who use, buy or view it.

Others think that porn serves a purpose in society. Views on this topic vary widely.

Some adults and children who have been used by the industy are left with deep emotional scars.

If you feel you have been expolited or want to talk about this further, then you can ring:

Childline Tel: 0800 1111

or

Survivors UK (for men) Tel: 0845 122 1201

Internet Encounters/Cyber Sex

The internet is used by some people to develop relationships of all different kinds, usually in chat rooms or by email. Used safely, the internet can be fantastic.

When relationships develop this way, it's very difficult to be sure exactly who you are chatting to.

Some people try to turn their conversation into one of a sexual nature, but it's hard to be sure if that person who tells you they are 2 years older than you and into exactly the same things, isn't really a ver different person.

Be careful; never get pressured into talking about things that you don't want to.

Other people send photos via the internet, sometimes they can be different than you want or expect.

Decide exactly what sort of thins you want to talk about, and don't be pressured into things you don't want.

Remember you can always cut a conversation off. Beware of giving out any personal details.

It's more difficult to stop people contacting you at home if you've given out your home phone number or address - so don't do it!

ome people have had bad experiences through doing this.

Even more risky is meeting with someone. If you are tempted to do this think carefully through the risks.

Resist the temptation to meet someone if you can!

If you do decide to meet anybody, make sure you only meet in a public place and that somebody knows where you are.

For more information on staying safe online check out:  

www.thinkb4youclick.je

www.thinkuknow.co.uk