Who to talk to
Talk to your partner
If you are thinking about starting a sexual relationship, here are some of the things you need to think about.
Respect not Regret
Relationships should be based on awareness of your own and your partners thoughts and feelings and respect for your own bodies. If you are both ready to have a relationship you should be able to enjoy it without feeling guilty, dirty or used. Some people have sex for the wrong reasons eg to please someone or because they think everyone else is doing it. They can soon regret it and wished they were in a more meaningful relationship.
Share, talk and trust
Talk to your partner, share your thoughts and if you both feel you want to start a sexual relationship you need to think about contraception. If you feel you are ready to have sex with someone you need to be ready to talk and make decisions about the right form of contraception which will suit you and your partner. It is better to discuss contraception than have to face up to an unintended pregnancy. An unintended pregnancy can change your life effecting your school work, college work, intended career, your leisure time and the amount of money you will have to spend on yourselves. If you are not planning to get pregnant you should be trying really hard not to get pregnant.
During sex you can pass on or catch a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI), this too can effect your health now and in the future. A barrier method of contraception is needed to protect you from the risks of infection eg a condom or a femidom.
Talk to a health professional
There are many different people who can give you information to help you make decisions about contraception.
As well as regular clinics such as Contraception and Sexual Health and Genito Urinary Medicine(GUM) within Fife we have developed other places where you can access information from a professional trained to deliver contraceptive advice. These places can be Colleges (if you are a student), or within a Community Service building or from a voluntary agencies including youth clubs. Most of the places are walk in services, no appointment required, where information can be delivered to you and in some cases you can get contraception to take away with you. The person you speak to can also give you information about what to do if you have problems with this particular method and explain about emergency contraception should you need it.
Where to go
See the list of Fife clinics
.Know how to use contraception
If you have decided to use contraception make sure you use it properly. You made the right decision in the first place so do not do something that makes it less effective. Carefully read all the information that you were supplied with and store it somewhere safe in case you want to see it again in the future. If you do not understand something about contraception speak to someone who can help. Do not be afraid to pick up the phone and ask to speak to the person at the clinic, surgery or walk-in centre where you got the information.