| Sex Fact Sheet Page 2 |
‘Safe sex’ is always a good idea
It is always a good idea to engage in 'safe sex' to protect yourself and your partner from:
- Becoming pregnant
- Catching a sexually transmitted disease - for example HIV/AIDS, herpes, chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Using condoms with water based lubricants and dental dams is one way to protect yourself from some of these diseases.
Different sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are passed on in different ways. Talk to health workers at your local community health centre, your doctor or someone from a family planning clinic to find out more about preventing pregnancy and STIs.
If you are attracted to someone of the same sex
Young people can experience many new feelings which can sometimes be confusing. Some young people find they are attracted to someone of the same sex.
Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is normal for some people. It is also normal to feel confused if you are unsure about your sexuality.
You can call Kids Help Line to talk about your feelings in private. You can also obtain more information from Reach Out and from P-FLAG, a group for parents and friends of lesbian and gay people.
It is important to practise safe sex in a same-sex relationship to protect yourself from sexually transmissible infections.
Where to go for further information
Family Planning Victoria has an Action Centre for young people who need further information or advice. Other services include:
If you are attracted to someone of the same sex
Young people can experience many new feelings which can sometimes be confusing. Some young people find they are attracted to someone of the same sex.
Being gay, lesbian or bisexual is normal for some people. It is also normal to feel confused if you are unsure about your sexuality.
You can call Kids Help Line to talk about your feelings in private. You can also obtain more information from Reach Out and from P-FLAG, a group for parents and friends of lesbian and gay people.
It is important to practise safe sex in a same-sex relationship to protect yourself from sexually transmissible infections.
Where to go for further information
Family Planning Victoria has an Action Centre for young people who need further information or advice. Other services include:
- Contraception
- Advice on safe sex practises
- Pregnancy testing and counselling
- HIV/AIDS testing
- Pap smears for women. If you decide to become sexually active, you will need to have a regular Pap smear.
- Your doctor
- Your local community health centre
- Family Planning Victoria – Action Centre for Young People Tel 03 9654 4766 or freecall 1800 013 952
- Kids Help Line freecall 1800 551 800
- Lifeline Tel. 131 114
- Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Tel. (03) 9827 8544 or freecall 1800 184 527
- PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Tel. (03) 9827 8408.
- It is normal to have mixed feelings if you are thinking about having sex.
- It is your right to say no to sex. No one has the right to force you to have sex.
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If you decide to have sex, talk to your doctor or a family planning clinic about what you should do to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy.