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Real questions from real readers.
I’m 17 and have been with my
boyfriend for a little over a year.
We’ve been having sex but have only used a condom
a couple of times. we tend to use the ‘pull out’ method
instead. I get my period regularly, so I know I’m not
pregnant. But I’m worried that by not using a condom
now we may be at risk of getting diseases. Can
I have an STI without knowing it and give it
to someone else late in life? Emily
Melissa says: I would encourage you to
look into other ways of preventing pregnancy
because the withdrawal method (pulling out before
ejaculation) is really unreliable and you can still get
pregnant! Condoms are the only method that protect
you from STIs. So, if you or your boyfriend have had
previous sexual partners and you’re both heterosexual,
the main STI of concern is chlamydia. You might also
like to find out about genital herpes. Chlamydia can be
tested confidentially with a urine test and is easy to cure.Q:
a:
I am sick of being teased at school about
how I look. I find it hard because my family
doesn't have a lot of money and on mufti days
I am the ONLY one without expensive clothes.
I get so nervous that I actually don't
want to go to school and have even
pretended to be sick. Does everyone
secretly feel this way? Anonymous
Christine says:
It is natural to feel
this way, but you
need to remind yourself of
what is really important. Value
and appreciate yourself for who
you are and not what you look like.
How we look, what we wear and
what size or shape we are does not
determine how special, unique and
worthwhile we are as people. Focus
on your positive qualities, skills and
talents; this can help you learn to
accept and appreciate your whole
self. A person is much more than just
a physical being. Say positive things
to yourself every day; when you say
something often enough, you start to
believe it. Also, try to avoid negative
self-talk. Appreciating and respecting
all the things your body can do will
help you feel more positively about it.Here’s a great website
that can help you find
out more about STIs:
playsafe.health.nsw.gov.au/zipper
life and love