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Summer is a time when you'll be traveling with your family, studying abroad, relaxing on the beach, or meeting that special someone. For some, the term "summer love" is a relationship that you will enjoy just for the summer and for others, it grows into a long term relationship. Be prepared for any situation by stocking up on safer sex essentials. Find out where to go for birth control, Plan B (the “morning after” pill), and where to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Here are some helpful tips to having fun while staying sexually safer!
- Protect against sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy: use a barrier method, like a male condom, for oral, anal and vaginal sex. Be sure you use a new condom for each act.
- Get tested: this can be before you leave for summer break, or even if you’re staying at home. You can get tested at your doctor's office, and there may be free or low-cost testing options in your area so call around. Your local county health department is also a good resource for testing services.
- If this summer is a bad time for an unplanned pregnancy, visit your healthcare provider to talk about what type of birth control is right for you.
- Always have a backup plan: visit your local pharmacy to stock up on emergency contraceptives before you need them. Any male or female over the age of 17 can purchase Plan B (the “morning after” pill) without a prescription.
- Got consent? A person under the influence of alcohol is legally unable to give his or her consent, so be sure you and your partner are sober… because if you choose to have sex, we want you to have consensual, safer, sober, spectacular sex!
- Lastly, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, young women are more vulnerable than young men to depression after casual sex, a difference we shouldn't ignore. So choose wisely, make sure you have open communication between you and your partner, and decide together what risks you are or are not willing to take. If you need someone to talk to, find a counselor in your area.
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Thank you for this! I hope everyone has a fun- and safe!- summer!
# Posted By AFY_Samantha
| 7/14/10 06:58 PM
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