If it's not on...
Browsing through search results in the early hours of the morning, my fifteen year old self was awestruck by the variety of contraceptives that weren’t known as “condoms” or “the Pill”. As I sheepishly clicked through the articles one by one, I knew that there was still quite a lot for me to learn.
During the later years of high school, people were talking about how life was going to be divine after graduation. Getting their provisional licence, going on road trips or travelling overseas, going to university – the way they spoke with such ambition and grandeur. It was all about careers; not friendships or even intimate relationships.
I came from a school that although presented as open-minded, was actually very conservative. The topic of sex was always taboo – despite the fact that everyone was doing it. Whether it was embarking on your sexual awakening or continuing your sexual shenanigans, mention sex aloud and you’re in trouble. Other than learning about reproductive systems in biology or sitting through an awkward ten minute presentation for Schoolies, contraception was not covered either. Even though we learned about a lot of methods we could use, I knew of more than a few couples that thought the ‘pull out’ method was enough (it’s really not).
I went to my local GP. Who knew there were so many forms of contraception?! Female condoms, rods, injections, rubbers, there’s even patches. I ended up getting a prescription for the contraceptive pill. With some instructions on how to take it, I was on my way. However, I must say, I did become slack (which is something you should never slack on) so I began searching for alternatives.
It was embarrassing knowing how little I knew about different contraceptives as well as the numerous sexually transmitted infections and diseases you could get without using protection. Growing up, I never had “The Talk” with the parents. My education was a mash of internet porn, word-of-mouth and Google. But going to see a general practitioner to talk about it and doing some myth-busting with me did help. As time went on, looking at websites like Better Health Victoria and reading magazines gave me reminders.
Join us in the forums this Monday (20th January) at 8pm AEST, to tell us what you think about safe sex! Hope to see you there 🙂
@Sophie-RO Absolutely agree with this. Being under the influence of alcohol/drugs can make things more complicated for everyone involved. Coercion, I believe, can also be really confusing for lots of people out there and can be mistaken for consent 
@BettieRage Dolly Doctor is useful for some areas but I think that as time goes on, you may go out and find other resources that are more appropriate to what situation you're in. Sex can be painful the first time for some people ><"
The previous question was meant to say 'parent' but, you know, 'partner' is good too 
Having the Talk can leave to unanswered questions and can end up with you grappling through the dark for some much needed answers. So:
6. What are some myths about safe sex that you’ve heard? How can we bust myths about safe sex?
I've heard some pretty bad ones:
- Gladwrap is just as good as a condom (Dumbest idea ever)
- If you wear more than one condom = double protection (It's not - that would just cause friction and both condoms will break)
- If you're married and have sex, you won't get STIs and STDS (You still can)
- Pulling out is a legit method of birth control (NO!)
Visiting a GP, a health nurse or nurse practitioner as well as a family planning centre can help you bust some myths as well as looking at some reliable sources like websites such as Red Aware and Better Health Victoria. There's also Scarleteen and F*ck Yeah Sex Education that can also help you find the answers you need! 
6. What are some myths about safe sex that you’ve heard? How can we bust myths about safe sex?
I've heard a lot of talk about the 'pull out' method, which is meant to prevent pregnancy. But this really isn't the best way to go guys, you can still get pregnant from just a few swimmers
@Myvo I've heard the glad wrap one too!
4. Chances are you might find yourself in a situation where your partner doesn’t want to use protection, for one reason or another. What are some ways you can convince them it’s a good idea, and when do you think you should stand your ground?
I agree @Myvo , reminding them about all the consequences is the best way to go. If they're still insisting that they would rather bare back it then I really put my foot down. If it's someone you haven't known for too long there's no way of telling if they're lying or not about their sexual history, and it's never a good idea to play Russian roulette!
Alright, @delicatedreamer Thanks for dropping by the forums and enjoy the rest of your night! 
@delicatedreamer totally agree with the last statement. Guys seem to go up in status the more girls they sleep with, while the girls go down!
2. Growing up (or even now), what attitudes about sex have you come across in others – both positive and negative?
Most attitudes I've come across have been pretty positive. My mum wanted me to wait for the right guy, but was also open to talk to if I needed to. In high school it was all very open actually. I think the students thought it was the 'cool' thing to do, but no one was ever teased for holding off (at least from what I saw)
I can relate to this! Except my parents are pretty conservative so even if you asked a perfectly rational question, they'd turn a blind eye and pretend I didn't ask such a thing. In high school, surprisingly, people didn't talk about it much. It was all about other things. But the moment you hear that someone isn't a virgin anymore, you're practically labelled the school harlot 
