Safer sex is all about protecting yourself and your partner from
sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy. Safer sex
is when you make sure you have no contact with your partner's
semen, blood, vaginal fluids or breast milk.
There are lots of things that you can do to get sexual pleasure,
alone or with your partner.
To keep yourself and your partner safer you don't need to have
vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex: but if you do always use a condom or dam.
Explore and talk: You can use your tongue or
your mouth or fingers to stimulate your own or your partner's body.
And not just sexual parts either. You can get sexual pleasure from
being touched or fondled or caressed almost anywhere. Ears,
nipples, necks, hips, toes, fingers and backs can be favourite
places for some people. If you are entering into a sexual
relationship, knowing what turns you on and gives you pleasure,
means that you can communicate this to your partner.
Kissing: Kissing is probably the most
physically romantic thing two people can do. Remember that everyone
kisses differently and prefer different ways of kissing. Some
people like French kissing (or using your tongue while you kiss),
whereas others don't. It might take a few times kissing your
partner before deciding on what you prefer.
Petting: Many people enjoy stimulating each
other's sexual parts with their hand or mouth, this is sometimes
called 'petting' or 'touching someone up'. Petting can also be
called 'foreplay' meaning it could be something you do before
intercourse. Foreplay prepares the body for sex and this is
especially beneficial for women. In fact not getting enough
foreplay before intercourse is one of the most common reasons for
unsatisfactory sex for women.
You can 'pet' a woman by caressing/kissing/licking/sucking her
breasts and nipples, stimulating her clitoris, vulva and vagina
with your fingers/lips/tongue or by using a vibrator (or other sex
aid).
You can 'pet' a man by stroking/rubbing/licking the man's penis.
Sucking his penis is often described as a 'blow job' (but please do
not blow - this is dangerous!). You can also use a vibrator on him
(though in practice vibrators are much more commonly used by
women).
Although petting can be used to make sex enjoyable lots of
people have petting sessions but don't go on to have full
intercourse. Make sure you talk about how far you want to go and
check that it's what you both want to do and feel ready for.
Have a look at The BeBook website if you are aged
13 to 15 years it has loads of great information in a fun way.
If you choose to have sexual intercourse look at
the free condoms pages to
know where and how to use a condom .
If you want some advice contact The Place which is part of
Sandyford. It's a young people friendly sexual health service.
Phone: 0141 211 8130 for more.