Safe sex
How to read the stories

Safe sex

Getting close to someone in a relationship is exciting and rewarding. But it’s important to stay healthy and safe.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) are caused by germs. They are quite infectious. They get passed between people easily during sex, but are not passed by ordinary contact between friends and family, like a kiss on the cheek or sharing cups, or by sitting on a toilet seat. All types of sexual contact can pass them on – vaginal, oral and anal.

Using condoms during all sexual contact will reduce the chance of catching an STI, but it will not make it completely impossible. In many people STIs do not cause symptoms and people often do not know that they have an infection. Usually, people who pass on an infection to someone else do not know that they are infectious.

It is very important that both people have agreed to have sex. In fact, it is illegal to have sex with a person if they do not agree to it. Agreeing to have sex means that it is your choice and that you have not been forced or persuaded into it, and that you are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you think you might be ready for sex, it is important to know if the other person feels the same way. Talking to your partner about your relationship is the best way to know if you are both ready for sex. You can talk through any worries or concerns you may have and you can decide together what to do. If you find that your partner does not want to have sex or is not ready, it is very important to respect their decision. Talking about sex does not mean trying to convince your partner that this is a good idea. Forcing someone to have sex is against the law.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.