In this section, you’ll find out more about STIs, pregnancy and your options.
As they say prevention is better than a cure. But if you do find yourself in trouble and are worried about the repercussions of a night out, the following should help you.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that can be transmitted by humans through sexual activity. An infected person may not necessarily show a symptom of the disease, which is why using a condom is so important.
There are many STIs, none of which are very pleasant, ranging from Pubic Lice through to Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and HIV. Again, if you are going to have sex, avoiding STIs can be as simple as using a condom.
If you are worried about STIs, or think you may have an STI, it is important to get this checked out. For help or advise, see our useful STI links.
There are many different types of STIs and for more information on these check out the Brook website.
This is obviously a massive risk if you are having unprotected sex and one that will affect the rest of your life. Whether you are planning on having sex or not, planning contraception in advance is really important. Condoms are easy to get hold of and can help protect against pregnancy and STIs.
The responsibility doesn't just lie with girls on this either. Lads who are not ready to be a dad yet need to make sure they take precautions. After all, do you know what contraception your partner uses? Do you know what to do if it fails or she forgets to take the pill on time? If in doubt remember condoms are the only method that reduce the risk of pregnancy & STIs'.
Pregnancy Advice
Emergency contraceptive pill (EC pill, Levonelle) - it’s there for when your regular contraception lets you down such as a burst condom or a ‘forgotten’ condom, or a missed pill scare
The emergency contraceptive pill Levonelle is sometimes called the 'morning after pill'. Do you know though - you can take Levonelle up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex and not just on the morning after.
So it's important that you get advice on emergency contraception as soon as possible after having unprotected sex.
There is another emergency pill called ellaOne but it needs a prescription and is harder to find
Remember – it’s better to have reliable form of contraception (Pill, Implant, Injection etc) to avoid a pregnancy, but if you need it there is emergency contraception. If you need advice see the help and advice section.
Emergency intra-uterine device (IUD)
The IUD is sometimes called the 'coil'. It is a small "T" shaped piece of plastic and copper that is inserted into the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus. It can be fitted as an emergency contraceptive up to 5 days after unprotected sex. It has to be fitted by a specially trained doctor or nurse so you should check with a service to see if they fit IUDs before going.
The emergency IUD is almost 100% effective at whatever stage it is within the 5 days.
Remember – it’s better to have reliable form of contraception (Pill, Implant, Injection etc) to avoid a pregnancy, but if you need it there is emergency contraception. If you need advice see the help and advice section.
Read our tips on how to stay safe and have fun on a night out here.