Safer Sex

Everyone knows that it’s not a good idea to have sex when you are still young, but the sad truth is that many young people do. And, if you’re very young you are at serious risk of getting HIV or another sexually transmitted infection (STI). (Click on the link called HIV or Sexually Transmitted Infections to learn more about these.)

The reason so many young people are at risk is because they don’t know enough about the dangers involved in having sex, and how to protect themselves, by using condoms and water-based lubricant. There is also a risk of pregnancy if the sex is between a boy and a girl and they don’t use a condom.

Many young people around the world become HIV-positive every hour (more than any other group of people), because they have sex without using a condom. This is sex that involves a penis being inserted into a vagina or anus without a barrier like a condom.

Studies have shown that young people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are even more at risk of HIV or other STIs because they are less able to make healthy life choices when they are drunk or high.

Young Heroes learn all they can about safer sex and ask questions so that they can protect themselves and their friends from infection.