Sexual Health (13-21)
Sex… what’s at risk?
The teenage years are when guys make the transition from boys into young men. In these years, a lot of men become sexually active (with or without a partner/girlfriend/ boyfriend) -- this is a normal and very healthy part of growing up. Becoming sexually active can be a great time in a young man’s life, but it’s also important to know what you’re getting into.
If you’re old enough to have sex, you’re old enough to take responsibility for two basic things:
1. Using Birth Control Every Time (because you’re not ready to be a Dad, right?)
If you’re having sex (or thinking about having sex) you should know how to put a condom on. Some guys like to practice alone before trying it with a partner... it’s up to you. If you masturbate with a condom on, you’ll get used to the feeling of safe sex, and get into the habit of wearing a condom every time... which is a good thing.
2. Keeping clear of Sexually Transmitted Infections (seriously.)
Here’s the thing about STIs: they suck. You and your penis are going to spend a long and happy life together – you’ve got to take care of each other. STI’s can make your penis itchy, burn-y or even drippy (!). Basically, they’re no fun.
Here are some facts and tips to keep you safe:
- Two-thirds of all sexually transmitted infections occur in people 25 years and under
- You are at risk when you have sexual contact involving the genitals, the mouth (oral) or the rectum (anal)
- Risk is reduced when you use condoms, but even with a condom, you can still get some STI’s through skin contact (e.g. herpes, warts, syphilis)
- Not all STIs have symptoms
- Some STI’s are sneaky -- they can easily be missed
- Most STIs are treatable
- STI’s that can’t be cured can be managed... but left untreated can be very harmful
- Most STIs are highly contagious – it’s important to deal with them to avoid spreading to sexual partners
- If you are sexually active, get tested
For more information about STIs please click here
Click here for an STI Clinic locator
Condom Tips:
- Check the expiry date.
- Use lots of condom-friendly lube, either water based or silicon.
- You may want to add a drop of lube to the inside for extra sensation.
- Foreskin? Consider pulling it back.
- Occasionally check for breakage.
- If you are allergic to latex, there are alternative condoms in other materials.
