When you’re in fresher’s week, one of the front-most things on a lot of people’s minds is getting laid. Fresh meat, right?
In this excitement and in your likely very-drunken-state it can be easy to forget to protect yourself, or check that your partner is protected. But a baby and/or an STI are definitely not ways you want to remember one of the best weeks of your life! These are tips you should be keeping in mind, so you can have a great time whilst knowing you’re safe:
Wrap it before you tap it
Sounds obvious. But a lot of the time people simply forget one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy and STIs. You can make sure you remember by keeping one in your wallet or in your handbag, or keeping a pack in your room. You can get them for free from the student clinic, or you can just buy them.
Popping them pills
This tip applies more if you’re a girl as apparently males can’t deal with the side-effects of birth control (sorry boys, but look it up!). Putting yourself on the contraceptive pill is an easy way to keep protected, and is really simple to set up with your doctor. You can also get the implant, which saves you the hassle of remembering to take a daily tablet. Using either of these (or other types) as well as a condom will mean you’re virtually risk free.
Think about yourself before you ‘stealth’
A worryingly popular trend that has been occurring recently, known as ‘stealthing’, can put you and your partner at risk. This is taking the condom off during sex without the woman knowing. This is non-consensual, and absolutely shouldn’t be done. The risks of this include both of you potentially catching an STI, and the woman becoming pregnant – as even before ejaculation there is pre-cum which contains sperm.
Remembering this information will benefit you in the long run, even if right now you’re rolling your eyes like “Yes mum, I know.” And remember most importantly of all to make sure you are both consenting – if someone says no or is too drunk to say yes, you don’t have sex. Simple!
By Eve Smallman