Yesterday we spoke about STI's and the dangers and how you contract it (read it on https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@anneke/sti-s-are-real-general-information-for-teens) and we have come to a conclusion that you need to be tested regularly if you are sexually active and the second thing that is important ..... you need to be 'safe'.
This means do not have unprotected/unsave sex.
There are female and male condoms on the market and even though they are not 100% fool proof (something can happen like it can tear or break or fall off if you do not use it properly) but mostly it is a way better alternative than using nothing at all.
Girls need to understand, that if you are on 'The Pill' (an oral contraceptive) you are mostly protected from not getting pregnant, but this does not protect you at all against a STI.
Lets have a look at making sure you are not having unprotected sex.
The male condom
A lot of boys and girl find it difficult to talk about sex or to ask questions about it because they are shy. But not having information will cause you to do things the wrong way and ending up with a huge problem.
So watch videos, read articles if you do not want to talk about it, but make sure you have knowledge about 'safe sex and STI's'.
You have all seen the boxes hanging in the shop and if you do not know it, you can get it for free at the clinic. There are a lot of myths around condoms and some boys just refuse to wear it, but you have to ask yourself, Is my life worth that little that I am going to take the chance?? The answer is NO, you are so much more worth than you irresponsible actions, so look after yourself.
What if you get a STI? What if the girl gets pregnant?
Do not just think about that few minutes of pleasure, think about your future as well.
Read the following to make sure that you know some of the myths that people spread about condoms and your do not know what to believe https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/teenboys/Pages/Condoms.aspx
You cannot say that it is the girl's responsibility to tell you she wants safe sex and make sure she is using a contraceptive. NO.... you look after yourself. Make sure you have condoms with you, and if you do not have any and you cannot find a place to buy it, then it is tough luck. You will just have to be more prepared the next time.
It is YOUR life you are playing with, so be responsible.
The main function of a condom is to stop the sperm from reaching the egg cell and not let fertilization take place - in other words, let the girl get pregnant or protects you against any sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.
It is advisable to use condoms during all types of sex - remember a STI can also be spread through bodily fluids and if you have a sore in your mouth or on your body. (This must all sound very scary, but it will maybe convince you to not have sex with every second person and rather wait until your are in a monogamous relationship.)
Monogamy is when you are married to, or in a sexual relationship with, one person at a time. Humans are one of the few species that practice monogamy. Well, sometimes. You may have heard of something called polygamy, which is having more than one spouse at a time.
Condoms need to be used correctly - they do not just tear or come off for nothing. That is sign that you are doing something wrong, so make sure you know exactly what the correct way is to use a condom effectively.
One of the myths of using a condom is that it will affect your 'fertility level'. That is not true. The condom is just a barrier to stop the sperm, it has nothing to do with how fertile you are.
If it happens that something goes wrong and the condom breaks and it comes off because you did not use it correctly, you have to seek medical advice to make sure you did not get the girl pregnant and be tested for STI's. If you have contracted any STI, it is better to discover it at an early stage to get treatment.
Remember there is no cure for HIV/AIDS and you can only manage it - another good reason not to have unprotected sex.
So go ahead, do not try and be the 'stud' among your friend to try and make the longest list of sexual partners, rather be the one that is prepared and safe and who values your own life as well as your partner's.
For more information you can also read http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=safer-sex-guidelines-for-adolescents-90-P01645
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