Stay Safe I Sex & Drugs I Safer sex

Making your own decisions Condoms

Making your own decisions about sex

Being intoxicated affects your decisions so it’s good to plan ahead. Try to make decisions about what you will do to stay safer before you drink.

No one has the right to force or pressure you into having sex. It is OK to say no.

If you have decided that you are not ready to have sex, think about how you might handle talking about it (how are you going to say no, and how you are going to deal with someone trying to talk you into it). Your friends, parents or a counsellor may be able to help you.

If you decide to have sex, then think about how you are going to negotiate safer sex with your partner and what you need to do to keep yourself and your partner safer. This would include talking about how to prevent STIs or BBVs.

If you aren’t comfortable discussing safer sex with your partner, then you need to think about whether you really are ready. You can call one of the services listed on the treatment and support page.It’s ok to say no – others do

It’s not uncommon to want to be part of a group and feel like you belong. Sometimes you may feel that your friends are pressuring or influencing you to have sex when you don’t really want to. Maybe you feel like you ‘have’ to because you think that ‘everyone else is’ or ‘everyone thinks you should’. It is more likely that not everyone is doing it, or they only want you to do it to make themselves feel more comfortable about their choices. The following websites www.reachout.com and www.GetTheFacts.health.wa.gov.au have some great information about the importance of consent and thinking about sex and relationships.

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Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.

What does a STI test involve?

What are blood-borne viruses (BBVs)?
A BBV is a virus that is passed from person to person through blood-to-blood contact. Some of the ways they can be transmitted include through injecting drug use, or having a tattoo or piercing done.Some BBVs (hepatitis B and HIV) can also be sexually transmitted. READ MORE

Where can I get tested for an STI or BBV?
STI and BBV tests are avaliable from most GPs or you can go to a sexual health clinic. To find a service in your local area READ MORE For those aged 16 years and older, online chlamydia and gonorrhoea test requests are available at www.GetTheFacts.health.wa.gov.au.

How can I tell I have a STI?
Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, so a person can often have an STI without knowing it. A person with an STI may look and feel perfectly normal and therefore it is important that you be tested if you think there is any risk you could have contracted an STI or BBV. READ MORE

Can I catch a disease from getting a tattoo?
Tattooing involves penetration of the skin and some bleeding. This bleeding can allow blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to be transmitted. BBVs include HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. It is essential that if you are considering having a piercing or a tattoo that you go to local government approved studio which uses sterile equipment and safer practices. READ MORE

What are the signs and symptoms of STIs?
Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, so a person can often have an STI without knowing it. A person with an STI may look and feel perfectly healthy. It is important that you be tested if you think there is any risk you have contracted an STI or BBV. READ MORE

Can I catch a disease from getting a piercing?
Body piercing involved penetration of the skin and some bleeding. This bleeding can allow blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to be transmitted. BBVs include HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. It is essential that if you are considering having a piercing or a tattoo that you go to local government approved studios which use sterile equipment and safer practices. READ MORE

What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
An STI is an infection that can be transmitted through sexual activity, including oral, anal or vaginal sex. Some STIs (such as herpes and genital warts) can also be transmitted through skin to skin contact. Generally testing for STIs is an easy and painless procedure. READ MORE

Who should get an STI test?
If you are having sex, then you need to think about when to have an STI test. If you have any symptoms or worries about your sexual health, then arrange a test straightaway with your doctor or sexual health clinic. READ MORE

How can I tell if my drink has been spiked?
You might not be able to see, smell or taste if you drink has been spiked - the added drug/s (the most common of which is alcohol) may be colourless, odourless and may not affect the taste of your drink. READ MORE

What should I do if my friend has been sexually assaulted?
If you know or suspect a friend has been sexually assaulted it is important to listen and believe them. Remember what your friend chooses to do after sexual assault is their choice and it is important to be respectful of the decision they make. There are services that can be contacted for confidential advice and support. READ MORE

What should I do if I think I've been drugged and sexually assaulted?
If you feel comfortable, find a friend or family member to support you and tell them what happened. In most situations, what you do after sexual assault is your choice. There are services that can be contacted for confidential advice and support. READ MORE

Where can I find out more about contraception (including emergency contraception)?
Information about the various contraceptive options can be found at: http://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/2/52/1/types_of_contraception.pm