Am I ready?

SEX SEX SEX – sometimes it seems like sex is everywhere! Your mates might gossip about who’s having sex with who or brag about what they got up to on the weekend… The reality is, there are heaps of young people in NZ who actually aren’t having sex or are choosing to wait.
If you’re thinking of having sex, here’s a checklist of stuff to consider first:

• What are your reasons for wanting to have sex? If you’re wanting to have sex because you pressured or you don’t want your partner to leave you, these are not good enough reasons. No one should ever make you feel pressured.

• How do you feel about the person you want to have sex with? It’s really important that you can talk to each other about what you both want – including feeling good, comfortable, safe, and respected. Click here for more on healthy relationships.

• If you wanted to stop, would you know how to say so?

• Would they stop if you felt uncomfortable?

• Do you know how to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections?

• Would your friends and family feel okay about your decision to have sex?​

Giving & Getting Consent

Being Safe

Condoms
What is it?
A thin rubber barrier that’s fits over the erect penis and catches sperm
Chance of getting pregnant
2 – 15% if used correctly
Advantages
*Protects against STIs
*Easy use
Disadvantages
*Some people are allergic to rubber
*Can slip and break
Did you know?
Works best when used with a water-based lubricant


Combined Pill
What is it?
A pill that stops ovaries from releasing an egg each month
Chance of getting pregnant
1 – 4 % if used correctly
Advantages
*Doesn’t interfere with sex
*Makes periods regular, shorter, lighter and less painful
Disadvantages
*Must be prescribed by a doctor
*Have to take it daily, at the same time and never skip a day
*May have side effects
Did you know?
The pill doesn’t protect you from STIs so you need to still use condoms with it unless you know your partner is STI free

Help I had unprotected sex! 

What do I do?
Take the ‘morning after’ pill which stops the egg from being fertilised by the sperm. This pill must be taken within 72 hours of the unprotected sex.
Act fast!! The sooner you take the pill, the more likely it is to work. Taking it within the first 12 hours following sex has the best chance of the pill working.
Where do I get it?
• Chemist
• Doctor
• Family Planning/sexual health clinic
Are there any risks?
• Some women may feel unwell after taking the morning after pill, such as nausea
• If you think you might be pregnant do a follow up pregnancy test with your doctor or family planning before taking it
What if it’s been longer than 72 hours?
• You can be fitted with a copper IUD within 5 days of unprotected sex. Talk to Family Planning or your doctor about this option.
For more info, check out http://www.familyplanning.org.nz/ 

Depo provera (injection)
What is it?
An injection that stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
Chance of getting pregnant
Less than 1%
Advantages
*Doesn’t interfere with sex
*One injection lasts 12 weeks
*Usually no periods
Disadvantages
* Must be prescribed by a doctor
*Not ideal if you’re considering becoming pregnant in the very near future
*May have side effects
Did you know?
This is useful for women who can’t use the pill


Diaphragms (Female Condom)
What is it?
A rubber or plastic cap or dome that fits inside the vagina and covers the entrance to the womb.
Chance of getting pregnant
4 – 8% if used correctly
Advantages
*Can be put in before sex
*No serious health risks
Disadvantages
*Someone has to teach you how to insert it
*Spermicide can be messy
*Some people allergic to it
Did you know?
Must be used with spermicide to be effective



L.A.R.C. (The coil and implant)
What is it?
Device inserted by a doctor into the uterus or under the skin of your arm.
Chance of getting pregnant
Less than 1%
Advantages
*1 implant provides protection for  3 – 5 years
*Doesn’t have much impact on fertility
Disadvantages
*Has to be inserted and removed by a doctor
*Can cause irregular periods
Did you know?
Can’t be used if you have a family history of breast cancer

For heaps more information on contraceptive choices, check out www.familyplanning.org.nz/advice/contraception

 

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Sexually transmissible infections are commonly called STIs and are also known as sexually transmissible diseases (STDs). STIs are infections you can get if you have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or skin on skin contact with someone.
STIs can be serious and may not go away by themselves. It is important to be tested and, if necessary, treated.
Symptoms
Some STIs have symptoms but often there are no signs at all. Many people will be infected with an STI without knowing it. You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by looking at them. It’s not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk of getting an STI.
The most common STIs in New Zealand are: chlamydia genital warts genital herpes gonorrhoea Protection
There are ways to protect yourself and your partner against STIs. Male condoms and female condoms offer the best protection against STIs. They must be used correctly and used every time you have sex.
Did you know?
For NZ residents under 22 years old, there is no cost for your visit to the Family Planning clinic. To find your nearest Family Planning clinic, go to their website, at www.familyplanning.org.nz. ​

 

Pregnancy

Common signs of pregnancy:

• Missed a period or a much shorter, lighter period than usual

• Extreme tiredness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Feeling bloated or period-like cramps

• Appetite changes

• Mood changes

Getting tested:

• You can get a test from your local Family Planning Clinic, your doctor or sexual health clinics, pharmacy and supermarket.

• Take two tests for a reliable result.

• If you get a negative result take a pregnancy test again in 2 weeks in case it was too early in the pregnancy to be recognised on the test. If you get a positive result, see your doctor straight away.
• Remember, although it can feel overwhelming and scary if you think you might be pregnant it is best to get tested as soon as possible, then you can deal with things – whatever the result.

Telling others you're pregnant 

• It may feel scary to tell anyone, but it’s important to get support.

• Tell someone you trust like your partner, close friend, parents, someone in your whanau, your doctor, a counsellor or public health nurse

• Lots of people find that once parents get over the shock, they are really supportive

• If you want to, arrange support from a family friend or relative to be there when you tell your parents.

• Pick a time that is calm and safe when you tell.

• Give your parents some time to process it.

 What are my rights? 

• No one should make you feel bad about what has happened or force you to take one option.

• Your doctor, counsellor or nurses should keep this information confidential. If unsure, ask them.

• It is your decision which option you take.

What are my options 

• Parenting the child – you can choose to do this with or without your partner or family

• Guardianship – where its decided (usually within the family) who becomes the child’s legal guardian

• Adoption – to find out more, click here   

• Abortion – an operation where the pregnancy is ended. This is usually possible within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. To find out more, click here. 

 Staying healthy during pregnancy 

• What you eat that matters and because you’re ‘eating for two. Eat healthily so your baby can be healthy

• For the safety of your baby, avoid processed foods, seafood, store-bought salads, deli foods, alcohol and cigarettes