Advice

If you are planning to have underage sex (which you shouldn't be) be sure to use protection you can get hold of cards which are given to under 16's enabling you to get hold of a condom for free or you could visit your local GP for more information or you could visit your local GUM clinic

Aids/HIV/STD's

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are conceived when protection is not used and your sexual partner has any form of STD, not using protection can lead to HIV or Aids which can be fatal.

What Are Sexual Transmitted Diseases

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD's) are diseases that can be transmitted through body contact during sex. They are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. They can also be known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's). There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases. They can be spread by sexual contact, including vagina, anal and oral sex.

How do you know that you have an STD?

Anyone who is sexually active can be at risk from STD's. Some STD's can have symptoms, such as genital discharge, pain when urinating and genital swelling and inflammation. This is why it is advisable to have a sexual health check-up, to screen for STD's, if you think you have been at risk. It can sometimes take a long time for STD's to display any symptoms, and you can pass on any infections during this time, further demonstrating the need to be tested and treated. If you are in a relationship, and are diagnosed with an STD, it does not necessarily mean that your partner has been unfaithful.

How can you prevent yourself from getting STD's?

You can minimize the risk from STD's by having protected sex with condoms and getting yourself and your partner tested. The more partners you have the greater the risk of acquiring an STD.