What is Sex!

Sex happens in a variety of ways, places, and with a variety of people. It is a misconception to think that sex is limited to straightforward, bog-standard heterosexual or homosexual intercourse. Sex is an expression of love, or lust, between two or more people, and can be fun, painful, passionate, meaningful, or meaningless, and should at all times be practiced safely and in a safe environment. There is no occasion where you should feel you are obliged, or forced, to have sex. It is always your own choice.

Consent

It's important that both you and your partner are comfortable and know what one another are comfortable with. Make sure to ask for consent and don't assume it. If someone can't walk home on their own due to intoxication, then they are unable to give informed consent. Always remember that it's ok to say no!

Vaginal Intercourse

Vaginal sex is human sexual behavior involving the vagina, especially, but not limited to, the insertion of the erect penis into the vagina. The use of sex toys and other activities involving the vagina can be considered vaginal sex as well.

Anal Intercourse

Anal sex is the insertion of the erect penis into the rectum through the anus. It is practised by a wide variety of people including both heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual partners.

Oral Sex

Oral sex consists of all the sexual activities that involve the use of the mouth and tongue to stimulate the genitals. It may be used as foreplay before intercourse, as climax of a sexual act, or even following intercourse. It is sometimes performed to the exclusion of all other forms of sexual activity. Oral sex may or may not include the ingestion of any bodily fluids. Dental damns are used for STI protection during oral sex.

Anilingus (anal/oral sex)

Anilingus is a sexual activity involving contact between the anus or peri-anal areas of one person, and the mouth of another. Dental damns are used for STI protection during anilingus sex.

------------------- Contraception/Protection--------------------

Condoms

It is important to remember that a condom should never be re-used, and, you should always check the expiry date on the condom

before using it (obviously you don't use it if it's out of date). If an erection is lost while wearing a condom, you should always put on a new one before having sex.

Female Condom

A sheath used to line the vagina, and the area just outside it, to prevent sperm from entering .When used correctly, it can be as effective as the male condom

Diaphragm

A barrier method of contraception; it prevents sperm from reaching and fertilising the egg. It is a small rubber dome with a flexible rubber ‘O'-ring moulded into the edge which the user fills with spermicidal before placing it in the vagina or wall of the cervix The diaphragm offers a 98 per cent protection from pregnancy, but offers little protection for STIs.

The Pill

There are two main forms of the contraceptive pill - combined pill and the mini pill. Neither form protections against STIs.

Combined Pill:

Contains two hormones that stop a woman from ovulating. The pill is prescribed by a doctor, and should be taken at Approximately the same time each day for three weeks, followed by a week-long break during which a woman has her period. It is unreliable if taken over 12 hours late, after vomiting, or severe diarrhea. Some women won't be prescribed the pill for medical reasons.

For detail contact your GP or the Health Center ( 01-7163133)

Mini Pill:

Contains a hormone that causes changes that make it difficult for sperm to enter the womb of for the womb to accept a fertilized egg. Again, the pill should be taken at the same time every day. It is useful for woman who cannot take the combined pill for different reasons.

Dental Dam:

Dental dams are used during cunnilingus and anilingus to protect against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. After lubrication with water-based lubricant an unpunctured dental dam may be held over the vulva or anus, allowing oral stimulation of these areas without transmission of bodily fluids and skin contact.

Pregnancy

If you think that you are pregnant, the first

step is to have a doctor perform an ‘official'

pregnancy test. This service is available in

the Student Health Service.

1)Continuing the Pregnancy and Keeping the Baby

Managing a pregnancy is a long (forty weeks) and a challenging process. Maintaining a pregnancy is every woman's right and she is entitled to a wide range of help and support. It is a decision that no woman will take lightly.

2) Adoption

Adoption is the process whereby a child becomes a member of a new family. It creates a permanent, legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child.

3) Abortion

Many Irish women travel every year to England or the continent to terminate their pregnancy. If you are thinking of terminating a pregnancy, you are strongly advised to seek appropriate counselling before you travel. Abortion is illegal in Ireland except where there is a real and substantial risk to the life, as distinct from the health, of the mother. This includes a risk arising from a threat of suicide.

However, women may not be prevented from travelling abroad to get an abortion. It is lawful to provide information in Ireland about abortions abroad, subject to strict conditions. It is not lawful to encourage or advocate an abortion in individual cases.

Seeking Help

Positive Options, www.positiveoptions.ie

Dublin Well Woman Centre, 01-8728051,

Well Women Centers, www.wellwomancentre.ie

Irish Family Planning Association, www.ifpa.ie