Sex should be an enjoyable experience, not something to feel bad or guilty about. Going out with someone or being in a relationship can make you experience many different feelings including happiness, nervousness, excitement and love. Sometimes intimacy and sex can be confusing. Intimacy is when two people become physically, sexually and/or emotionally close. Safer sex means protecting your emotional and physical health.

Safer Sex Means

• Feeling good about yourself and your relationship
• Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like:
  • Genital herpes
  • Genital warts
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Hepatitis B
  • Syphilis
  • HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS)
• Using contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy and STIs etc
• The age of consent to have sex, for men and women, in the ACT, is 16 years

Reduce Your Risk

• Drinking alcohol or using other drugs may affect your ability to make clear and safe decisions
• Be sure you have access to safe and effective methods of preventing STIs and unintended pregnancy
• Forcing someone to have sex is a crime called rape or sexual assault
• Remember no means no
• Use a condom everytime you have sex

Emergency contraception is available to women who are at risk of unintended pregnancy after sexual intercourse. The Morning After Pill is available at chemists, however it needs to be taken within 72 hours of intercourse.
Contact Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT on 6247 3077 for any advice or assistance about any issue affecting your sexual well-being.

Even if the contraceptive pill is being used, it is still a good idea to use protection from STIs. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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