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Safer sex this Xmas

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Two pair s of feet in a bed

Did you know that more teenagers get pregnant in December and January than at any other time of the year? Hardly surprising – it’s the party season and everyone’s having a good time!

Sometimes you've had a bit to drink or you get caught up in the moment and things go a bit further than you intended. Perhaps you forgot to use a condom, or you may be you didn't use it right. But you can have a good time and you can stay safe.

Find out about Free-dom

Freed-om is a scheme that allows young people to get free condoms. They can get them from youth clubs, from the Purple Bus, colleges, clinics, chemists and even some barber's shops – find out more about Free-dom by clicking here. The link will take you through to their website.

Rebecca Musgrove, who works for Free-dom, says: ‘Have fun this party season, but if you decide to have sex don't forget the condom! If you use it right it'll stop you getting or passing on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like Chlamydia and make sure you won't get pregnant before you want to. You can sign up for your Condom Card wherever you see the Free-dom sign, and then get condoms every week if you need them.'

Talking about safe sex

Here's young hackney's guide to avoiding an unwanted Xmas gift...

It’s your body: it’s your say. Don’t feel pressured to have sex if you don’t feel you’re ready.
Don’t believe the hype: you may think from news stories that everyone but you is having sex and everyone’s having a good time all the time, but it's not quite like that. Did you know the average age for first sex in the UK is still 16? And 67% of boys and 84% of girls who had sex at 13 or 14 said that they regret it. (National Survey of Sexual Health Attitudes and Lifestyles, 2002)
Alcohol + sex = a bad combination (ok, you know that already).
So you also know that drugs affect your judgement and make you more likely to do things you’ll regret later on.
Young people use a condom when they have sex because they know it’s the smart thing to do. Be smart: always use a condom.
Make sure you know how to use a condom. Your Free-dom worker will show you how.
If you still have more questions you can find out what you need to know, on the CHYPS+ site, on www.sho-me.nhs.uk or through Free-dom
If you've had sex without a condom, or if the condom broke, don't panic! It’s a good idea for both you and your partner to go to a clinic like Chyps + or CHOICES to get an STI test. You can also get emergency contraception (AKA the morning after pill) which can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex to reduce the chance of getting pregnant. But the earlier you take it, the more likely it is to work. You can get this pill from clinics, GPs and most chemists free of charge.
If you think you might be pregnant and you’re not sure what to do next: talk to someone. You can go to the Chyps + or CHOICES clinics or your GP for free, confidential advice. They won’t judge you and they’ll give you all the information you need to decide what to do next.
But so far this year, 7.2% (nearly 1 in 13) young people tested in City and Hackney had it! If you’ve had unprotected sex: get tested. Not knowing won’t fix you, and most STIs are easy to treat.

If you’d like more information about sexual health, you can visit the advice pages on young hackney or call in at Chyps + @ The House.

Chyps +

Chyps + is for young people in Hackney aged 11 to 19. There is a drop-in service for contraception including emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. It also offers information and advice on other health issues. Chyps Plus - The House, Lower Clapton Health Centre, 36 Lower Clapton Road, Hackney, London, E5 0PD

Tel: 020 8919 5040

Email: thehouse@chypsplus.nhs.uk

Website: http://www.chypsplus.nhs.uk/

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