sexual health Questions
All young people under 16 are sexually active.
False:
78% of young people in Scotland wait until they are 16 or older to have sex for the first time. Of those who are sexually active under 16, a high percentage regret it. The legal age of consent is 16.
You can get pregnant the first time you have sex.
True:
If a male and female have sex and do not use contraception, there is the possibility of a pregnancy. It’s key to talk with your partner about contraception and use condoms until a more effective form is used.
There’s no risk of pregnancy if a male withdraws his penis before he cums.
False:
During sex, pre-cum fluid comes out of the tip of the penis and it contains some sperm; it only takes 1 of these sperm to create a pregnancy. Put a condom on before there is any genital contact, especially with new/casual partners or with your regular partner if another form of contraception is not being used.
You can get pregnant if you have sex standing up.
True:
A female can get pregnant in any position that she has sex. Jumping up and down afterwards or washing out the vagina will not prevent a pregnancy if no contraception or condom was used. There is no safe position.
You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period.
True:
Every woman has different cycles of periods and ovulation – releasing an egg. Ovulation can happen at different times each month, because factors such as stress and hormones can influence the timing. This is why fertility tracking [natural family planning] is ineffective. Sperm can survive in a vagina for up to 7 days.
You can get pregnant from oral sex.
False
You cannot become pregnant through oral sex. However, you can get a sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or herpes. Use condoms with new or casual partners.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) always have symptoms.
False
Some STIs do not have symptoms but if left untreated can lead to difficulties in having children – or severe illness later in life. You cannot tell by looking at someone if they have a STI. If you have had unprotected sex with new or casual partners, you may be at risk of having a STI. If you’re worried, visit Sexual Health D&G for testing or order a postal testing kit.
Women who have sex with women can get STI'S?
True
If a woman has a STI then it can be passed on through vaginal fluids and by using sex toys. Always use condoms on sex toys; clean them thoroughly with soap and water between sessions.
If you get an STI once, you can never get it again.
False
A lot of STIs can be cured with antibiotics but you can get them again. If you get treated for an STI, your partner(s) should be treated also, otherwise they could give the infection right back to you if you have sex again. You should keep getting tested whenever you have unprotected sex or start having sex with someone new.
Sexually Transmitted Infections can be caught from toilet seats.
False
Highly unlikely
If a young person attends a sexual health clinic, their parents will be told.
False
The young person will be encouraged to talk to their parents, but sexual health clinics are bound by rules of confidentiality and unless there are concerns about their safety, nobody will be told about their visit.
Alcohol makes you better in bed.
False:
Alcohol does not make you better in bed. The truth is, when you're drunk it's hard to make smart decisions. Alcohol can make you take risks, such as having sex before you're ready, or having sex with someone you don't like. Drinking won't make the experience better. You're more likely to regret having sex if you do it when you're drunk. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol mean that someone doesn’t have the mental capacity to consent to sexual activity. They may not be able to understand what they are agreeing to, even if they can say ‘yes’.
Clingfilm can be used as a condom.
False: You cannot use clingfilm, or a plastic bag or a crisp packet instead of a condom. Only a condom can protect against STIs.
You can get condoms free from:
- sexual health clinics
- some young people’s services
You can also buy them from pharmacies and supermarkets. Make sure they have the CE mark or BSI kite mark on them, as this means they've been tested to high safety standards.
Balls will explode if a male doesn't have sex.
False:
Balls will not explode! Boys and men produce sperm all the time. If they don't ejaculate, the sperm are absorbed into their body. Ejaculation can happen if they masturbate or have a wet dream. They don't have to have sex.
Condoms can be washed and used again.
False:
Condoms should only be used once. Don't believe anyone who says that you can wash condoms and use them again. If you've used a condom, throw it away and use a new one if you have sex again.
You can get pregnant if you have sex only once.
True:
It is possible to get pregnant even if you only have sex once. You may have heard the myth that you have to have sex lots of times to get pregnant, but all it takes is for one sperm to meet an egg. To avoid pregnancy, always use contraception, and use a condom with casual partners to protect against STIs.
All gay men have anal sex.
False:
Anal sex, like any sexual activity, is a matter of preference. Some people choose to do it as part of their sex life and some don't, whether they're gay, straight or bisexual. Men having sex with men should use condoms for anal sex with new or casual partners, especially if they’re not on HIV PrEP medication.
Lubricant should be used for anal sex.
Can I get help and information on sex if I need it?
There’s lots of information on our website www.sexualhealthdg.co.uk If you’d like to discuss your sexual health with a doctor or a nurse, call 0345 702 3687 to book an appointment at Sexual Health D&G. In-person appointments are available in Dumfries and Stranraer. Phone appointments are also available.