The only 100% protection is not to have intercourse. The next best protection is to use a condom. For tips on the right way to use condoms, click here.

There are other great ways to stay safe as well. Always remember that whether or not you have sex is your choice. Don’t let anyone else pressure you into doing something you don’t want to.

You can also have sex without having intercourse. For example, by kissing and cuddling and by rubbing each other with your hands. If your genitals don’t come into contact, there’s not much for STIs to spread.

Finally, be aware of what alcohol does to you. Many people lose all their inhibitions when they’re out of it. Some people end up having sex when they didn’t really want to. Some people deal with that by always carrying a condom if they’re drinking. Others choose to limit themselves to a small number of drinks. You have to decide what’s right for you.

Nope. The only effective protection from STIs is a condom.

Actually, you might not know. Most STIs, including HIV, don’t always produce symptoms. So if you’ve had unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and think you may have an STI, it’s a good idea to have
a check up.

If you do develop symptoms, some of the most common signs are:

pain when you pee unusual or smelly discharge from you penis or vagina rash or itchiness around your penis or vagina pain during sex

You can’t always tell. They could have an STI and have no symptoms.

Fair enough. Some people hate seatbelts too. But if you hop in a car without wearing one, you’re taking a crazy risk. Having sex without a condom is no different – except that you’re also putting your
partner at risk.

If he really cares about you, he’ll happily wear one. If he refuses, does he deserve you?

Talk to your school health nurse. Remember, she (or he) is a nurse, not a judge.

Same with your doctor. Even if he or she comes across as scary, their lives are dedicated to keeping you well.

Or you can pop into any Sexual Health Clinic.

If you can’t bring yourself to do that, try calling Youthline on 0800 376 633 and talk to one of their trained counsellors. You don’t have to say who you are, and they’ll help you figure out what to do.