Unprotected Sex is the Primary Way of HIV Infection =
Sex is Safety
Safe sex is a chance to:
- think about what you really like.
- think about what you are willing to try.
- use your imagination.
- do what you want not what's expected.
- your entire body is a source of pleasure.
- trust your instincts.
- talk about it with your partner.
Obstacles to practicing Safe Sex:
- being drunk or high on drugs.
- feeling bad about yourself.
- feeling ashamed or guilty about sex.
- not knowing enough about safer sex.
- not feeling safe to talk to your partner about safe sex.
- not being able to talk to your partner about safe sex.
Making Sexual Decisions
Sex doesn't just happen. There are many decisions you can make about sex. One decision is whether or not to have sex with someone. We constantly make this decision: 'yes' or 'no'. Even if you've had sex with someone once before, it doesn't mean that you have to have sex with them again. We all have a right to make choices about sex and to change our minds.
Guidelines for Making Sexual Decisions
- Get all the information you can about your choices.
- Think about what you want and don't want. Set your limits.
- Figure out how you feel about the situation and choose the option that fits best for you.
- Be assertive and communicate your decision (e.g. to a partner).
- Don't let others pressure you. We get mixed messages about sex from many different places (family, friends, media, partners), and these messages can confuse and pressure us. Remember that if you feel good about yourself, you're more likely to make healthy decisions.
- Making decisions is easier if you've taken time to think about how you feel and if you make decisions in non-pressured situations (not in the heat of the moment) remember that using drugs and alcohol can get in the way of making a good decision.
