|
protecting yourself from HIV/AIDS
male vs. female |
general condom info |
the negotiations |
useful links
Hey girls!
The only way to ensure that you do not get HIV is to not have sex. Based on what you see on TV, movies, the Internet, music
videos and what you hear at school, it may seem like everyone is having sex. However, in reality, only 7% of 13 year olds,
21% of 15 year olds and 43% of 17 year olds have ever had sex. In total, 24% of girls in grades 7-12 are having sex.*
If you don't want to have sex, that's O.K. If you do want to have sex, that's O.K too. However, if you do want to have sex, it
is important to make sure that you are choosing to have sex because you want to, not because the media, your friends or your
boyfriend tells you that you should. It is also important to remember that your emotions will be affected by sex. You could feel
happy or you could feel scared, ashamed or sad after having sex. It is also important to remember that you can get HIV/AIDS,
other STIs and get pregnant if you do not use condoms when you have sex.
It can be difficult to be a girl. Lots of messages in our society tell us that "good" girls shouldn't have sex or know anything
about sex. Girls who have sex are often called sluts. Because of this, girls often feel too embarrassed to ask their doctors about
sex and are scared to carry condoms in case their parents find them and get angry. As a result, many girls do not know about sex
and how to properly protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, other STIs and pregnancy.
Some girls feel such pressure to be virgins, that they have anal sex instead. Anal sex can be very dangerous because the anus is
very tender and can bleed easily. You can get HIV/AIDS more easily through anal sex than vaginal sex.
The messages society sends us are gender stereotypes that try to tell us how we should act and they are wrong. It's
O.K. if you don't want to have sex. It's O.K. if you do want to have sex. If you do want to have sex, you are NOT a slut. If you
are going to have sex, it is important to get answers to all of your questions and to get protection.
* statistics are from the 2003 McCreary Report
male vs. female condoms:
condoms are the only form of protection which can both help to stop the transmission of sexually transmitted
infections (STDs) such as HIV and prevent pregnancy.
using condoms can be fun: learn to help out with a partner's condom or your own!
using female condoms
using male condoms
general condom info:
so, where do I get condoms?
From many family planning associations, local pharmacies or drugstores and many grocery stores, and gas stations. Some health
departments and family planning clinics give away free condoms. Get more info about
teens & condoms.
Call our office at 604-277-5137!
the negotiations:
You've already decided that condoms are a good way to protect yourself - now how do you convince HIM of that?
Here are some suggestions to help you get around some common excuses:
Excuse: "They don't feel good or fit properly."
Response: Let's try a different kind. If you have an allergy to latex, there are condoms made from polyurethane.
Excuse: "They're too dry and make it uncomfortable."
Response: We should get some lubricated ones then or shop around for some good water-based lube.
Excuse: "I'm embarrassed to buy them."
Response: I'll buy them or I know a clinic where we can get them for free.
Excuse: "I don't have one with me."
Response: I'll get one for next time, but for now, no sex.
Excuse: "I am not comfortable using a condom."
Response: I understand but they are really important - for both of us. There are directions on the condom box. Let's try them a few times and it can be part of the fun.
Excuse: "You're on the pill, aren't you? C'mon!"
Response: The pill is great for preventing pregnancy but condoms can protect us from infections we might not even know we have.
Excuse: "They spoil the mood. It interrupts things."
Response: We'll enjoy the mood more because we'll be less worried about pregnancy and infection.
Excuse: "You must think I have an infection or something."
Response: I have heard that some infections don't have any signs so you or I could have an infection. We could ask at a clinic about testing. Let's be safe and use a condom.
Excuse: "Isn't this a safe time of the month?"
Response: There is no safe time when it comes to infections.
Excuse: "I just don't use condoms."
Response: No glove, no love.
some useful links:
The Heart of Richmond AIDS Society. #200 - 6411 Buswell St, Richmond, BC, V6Y 2G5
Tel: 604-277-5137 or Fax: 604-277-5131 or
E-mail: contact@heartofrichmond.com | 
