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Sex? - A Healthy Sexuality Resource
Page 1
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The information contained in this book is up-to-date as of the date of printing.
This information is not a substitute for the advice of a health professional. Always
consult a health professional for information on personal health matters.
All of the
used in this book are direct quotes from youth in Nova Scotia.
“Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource”
was developed by:
Shirley Campbell, Health Educator,
Office of Health Promotion & the Nova Scotia Department of Health
Janis Wood Catano, Health Education Consultant
Heather Christian, Coordinator, Population Health,
Office of Health Promotion & the Nova Scotia Department of Health
Frank Covey, Acting Assistant Director, English Program Services,
Nova Scotia Department of Education
Helen Farrell, Public Health Nurse, Pictou County Health Authority, Colchester
East Hants Health Authority, and Cumberland Health Authority
Maureen Flick, Public Health Nurse, Capital District Health Authority
Larry Maxwell, Health Educator, Public Health Services, Guysborough
Antigonish Strait Health Authority and Cape Breton District Health Authority
Karen McMullin, Public Health Nurse, South Shore Health, South West Health,
and Annapolis Valley Health
Writer: Janis Wood Catano, Easy-to-Read Writing
Design/Illustration: Derek Sarty, GaynorSarty Design & Illustration
When referring to this resource, please cite it as follows:
Healthy Sexuality Working Group. Sex?—A Healthy Sexuality Resource. [Halifax]:
Nova Scotia Office of Health Promotion, 2004.
ISBN: 0-88871-851-9
© Crown copyright, Province of Nova Scotia, 2004
SEX?
—
A HEalthy Sexuality Resource
Page 3
?
A
H
e
a
l
t
h
y
S
e
x
u
a
li
ty
R
e
s
o
u
r
c
e
Page 4
Welcome
•
Is this book for me?...............................................................
•
You CAN talk to your parents..................................................
•
There is more than one kind of sexuality..................................
Sex, Relationships, and Decisions
•
What is “sex,” anyway?..........................................................
•
Making choices about sexual activities.....................................
•
Weighing the risks..................................................................
•
Relationships: Happy together?...............................................
•
How healthy is our relationship?..............................................
•
How will I know when I’m ready? ............................................
•
Confidentiality .......................................................................
•
No commitment—No worries? Think again!.............................
•
YOU decide...........................................................................
•
17 Good reasons not to have sex............................................
•
Clear head, clear thinking.......................................................
Sexual Assault
•
Sexual assault Is a criminal offence.........................................
•
What IS consent?...................................................................
•
What IS NOT consent?............................................................
•
Avoiding sexual assault and date rape .....................................
•
Date rape drugs.....................................................................
•
Get help if you’ve been sexually assaulted ...............................
Contents
5
6
8
11
12
14
16
18
20
23
24
26
28
30
32
36
37
38
40
41
Page 5
43
44
46
48
50
53
54
56
59
60
61
62
64
68
70
72
76
78
80
82
84
86
88
91
93
98
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
•
What are STIs?.......................................................................
•
Common STIs........................................................................
•
How can I tell if I have an STI?................................................
•
When should I get an STI test?................................................
•
Avoiding STIs.........................................................................
•
Protect yourself in long-term relationships...............................
•
Good answers to excuses for not using condoms and oral dams
•
Reducing the risk of cervical cancer.........................................
Preventing Pregnancy
•
How pregnancy happens.........................................................
•
Help! My period is late............................................................
•
Unplanned pregnancy affects both partners..............................
•
Birth control: Avoiding pregnancy...........................................
•
What kind of birth control will work for me?.............................
•
Emergency contraception........................................................
•
Birth control methods.............................................................
Male condom ...................................................................
Female condom.................................................................
Birth control pill (The pill)..................................................
Depo-Provera (The needle).................................................
Spermicide........................................................................
Sponge.............................................................................
Diaphragm and cervical cap ...............................................
The patch .........................................................................
One More Thing
•
Sexuality is more than sex .......................................................
Useful Information
•
Words to know........................................................................
•
The female body .....................................................................
•
The male body........................................................................
•
Where to go for more info .......................................................
Thanks and Index
....................................................
100
102
107
Page 6
WELCOME!
?
?
?
Page 7
This book is about sexuality, relationships
and healthy sexual choices.
S
exuality is part of being human. It’s a normal and healthy part
of everyone’s life. Sexuality is about feelings and desires. It’s about
finding your own way to juggle feelings that are confusing and scary
and exciting—all at the same time. Sexuality includes
sexual feelings and the decisions you make about how you act on
those feelings.
Healthy sexual choices allow you to:
•
Respect yourself and others
•
Protect yourself from emotional or physical harm like:
- Pressures to have sex
- Sexual assault
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Unintended pregnancies
Healthy sexual choices are choices
you can feel good about.
So if you’re looking for information to help you
sort out your feelings and make healthy choices,
then this book is for you.
Toward the back of this book you’ll find a section called
Useful Information
. It has definitions of words you
might not know, drawings of the male and female bodies, and
places to find more information.
W
elcome!
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
5
Is
thisbookfor
ME
?
Page 8
W
elcome!
6
When you have questions or worries
about sex or sexual choices, don’t
overlook your parents as a source of
information and help.
No one cares about your health and happiness
more than your parents do.
You may not always agree with them, but it’s always worth
listening. In the end, you have to make your own
decisions.
Talking with someone who has a different point of view is a
good way to help you sort out your own thoughts and
clarify your choices.
You
CAN
Talk
toYourParents
Page 9
Bringing up these topics
isn’t easy.
Pick a time when your parents are relaxed
and you’re not likely to be interrupted.
Some good openers are...
“Today in health class, we were talking about_______. Some of it
was really interesting. Did you know that ...”
“I’ve been trying to make up my mind about some things and
would like to hear what you think.”
“I need to talk to you about something that’s important to me.”
“I’m confused about ...”
Sometimes parents are uncomfortable talking about sex. If they get
upset, tell them that you’re just asking questions and that you
hope they can give you some good information. It may help to
give them a little time to get used to the idea of talking about sex
with you.
Remember that no matter how
uncomfortable they feel, your parents
will be very happy that you care what they think
and that you want to talk to them.
W
elcome!
7
Page 10
As sexuality develops, some people
discover that they are attracted to people of
the same gender. They may be gay or
lesbian.
Some people are attracted to both genders.
They may be bisexual.
Some people feel that they are in the wrong body—that is, a girl
feels as if she ought to have been a boy or a boy feels as if he
ought to have been a girl. They may be transgendered.
These feelings can be confusing and scary because there is still
fear and prejudice against people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or
transgendered. This can make it difficult to have these feelings
and difficult to tell other people about them.
8
There is
Morethan
OneKind
of Sexuality
W
elcome!
People who are
attracted to the
opposite sex are
heterosexual or
straight.
Page 11
9
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
It’s okay to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or
transgendered, but it is wrong to treat people
badly because of their sexuality.
W
elcome!
If you think you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or
transgendered:
•
You are not alone!
There are other youth and adults
who have felt the same way. There are people out there you
can talk to.
•
It’s okay to be yourself.
What you are feeling is
natural and normal for you. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgendered people can have healthy relationships and lead
happy, fulfilling lives with family, friends, and community.
•
Only you will know if you are lesbian, gay,
bisexual, or transgendered.
You are who you are, and
in time you will know for sure. You don’t have to come out
and tell people until you are ready.
•
You don’t have to have sex to tell whether you
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered.
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered is about
feelings, relationships, and attraction, not just about sex.
This book is about healthy relationships and healthy sexual choices
and is useful for everyone—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered,
or straight.
Page 12
Sex
Relationships,
and
Decisions
,
Page 13
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
11
Sexual activities are the wide range
of ways in which people act on
their sexual or romantic feelings.
Sexual activities include everything
from kissing to intercourse. At the right
time and with the right person, sexual
activities can be wonderful for both
partners.
Sex comes with risks as well as
pleasures. This book focuses on
vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse,
and oral sex because these are the
sexual activities that put you at the
highest risk for STIs (sexually
transmitted infections) and pregnancy.
It’s important to have accurate
information so you can make safe and
healthy choices about whether, when,
and with whom you want to engage in
these activities.
What is
“sex”
anyway
?
Sexual activities are
ways to physically
express sexual or
romantic feelings and
to give and receive
pleasure.
Sexual activities include:
• Kissing
• Hugging
• Masturbation
• Making out
• Touching, feeling
• Oral sex
• Vaginal intercourse
• Anal intercourse
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
In this book,
the words “sex” or
“having sex” mean
vaginal intercourse,
anal intercourse,
or oral sex.
Page 14
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
12
MakingChoices
about
Sexual
Activities
You make choices every day. You choose to get up in the morning.
You choose what to wear, who to spend time with, and what to do
with your friends.
The people around you, your culture, your religious beliefs, and
where you are in your life all influence the choices you make. But
in the end, you’re the one who chooses what you’ll do.
You are the one who is responsible for the
results of your choices.
You make choices about sexual activities, too. And while lots of
things influence your choices—family, friends, movies, videos—
when you’re the one who makes the decisions, you’re the one who
lives with the results.
Page 15
Sexual feelings are exciting, and
it can be easy to let yourself get
carried away. Think ahead about
the choices you make.
Decide what you feel happy and
comfortable doing. If the whole idea
of sexual activity makes you feel
uncomfortable right now, that’s okay.
If you feel happy and comfortable
holding hands, then that’s enough.
If you feel happy and comfortable
kissing, then that’s enough.
The sexual activities you will feel
comfortable with will depend on your
beliefs, values, and culture. Thinking
carefully before acting on your sexual
feelings will help you to make choices
you can be proud of.
You matter. The
choices you make
matter, too. It’s your
responsibility to decide
what’s right for you at
this time in your life.
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
13
Most teens
choose NOT
to have sex.
In 2002, a study
found that 7 out
of 10 teens in
Nova Scotia have
not had sexual
intercourse.
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
“Be yourself.
Don’t do
anything you
don’t want
to do.”
Think before you act.
Page 16
Weighing
the
Risks
Flirting
Holding hands
Hugging
Physical contact with
your clothes on
Kissing
Stroking
Touching
Fondling
Feeling
Massaging
No Risk
Low Risk
Skin-to-skin
contact like:
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
14
Some
sexual activities
with a partner
have higher risks
of STIs or
pregnancy.
Page 17
Sexual activity has emotional risks, too.
You risk getting your feelings hurt or your heart
broken. You could find that your love life is a hot
topic for gossip.
Protecting yourself and your partner from both physical
and emotional risks is your responsibility when you become
sexually active.
Medium
Risk
•
Oral sex with a
condom or
oral dam
•
Vaginal
intercourse
with a condom
•
Anal intercourse
with a condom
and lubricant
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
High
•
Oral sex
without a
condom or
oral dam
•
Vaginal
intercourse
without a
condom
•
Anal intercourse
without a
condom
•
Sharing sex
toys
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
15
Risk
Page 18
Relationships can be healthy or unhealthy.
Whether or not you feel happy and comfortable with any
kind of sexual activity—from kissing to having sex—
depends on whether you feel happy and comfortable with
your partner.
In a HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP, you feel
safe, respected, and cared about.
Healthy relationships are about a lot more than sex. They’re based
on self-respect and self-esteem. Healthy relationships take time—
time to get to know, like, and trust one another.
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
16
?
Relationships:
HappyTogether
•
You know, like, and
respect each other. You
accept each other as you are
and don’t try to change each
other.
•
You trust each other.
You enjoy your time together
and aren’t jealous when you
each spend time with other
people.
•
You’re there for one
another. You support each
other through good times and
bad.
•
You feel good when
you’re together. You’re
relaxed and comfortable. You
can laugh and have fun. You’re
not worried about saying or
doing the wrong thing.
•
You can talk about
anything. You can discuss
your problems and concerns.
You even feel comfortable
talking about sex. You listen to
each other. You’re not afraid to
be honest or to say what you
really think. You can disagree
with each other without getting
mad.
Page 19
In an UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP you feel
scared, confused, and insecure.
“Don’t feel obligated to do something
you’re not sure you want to do. If you
are not comfortable with your partner, you are not
comfortable with your relationship. If you are in a
relationship where you are on edge all the time, sex
won’t change it.”
•
Your partner constantly
criticizes you and puts you
down. Nothing you do is good
enough. He or she makes you
feel stupid. There are things
you’re afraid to talk about with
your partner—for example, your
own feelings, sex or birth control.
•
Your partner is jealous
and controlling. She or he
doesn’t want you to spend time
with your friends or family.
•
You never know where you
stand. Your partner plays
mind games—he or she will be
nice one minute and ignore
you the next. She or he lies to
you. Your partner tells you one
thing and then does another.
•
You feel pressured to do
things you don’t want to do.
You’re afraid that your partner
will get angry or leave you if you
don’t do everything he or she
wants you to do.
•
There is a lot of yelling in
your relationship. Your
partner freaks out when you
don’t agree with what she or he
wants or says. Sometimes
you’re scared of what he or she
might do.
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
17
Page 20
How
healthy
is
our relationship?
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
18
YES NO
Is this a relationship between equal partners where
neither of us is “the boss”?
Are we friends?
Do we have fun together?
Do we both have other friends and interests so we
aren’t jealous about time we spend apart?
Are we honest with each other?
Do we trust one another?
Are we comfortable talking about most things,
including sex?
Do we listen to each other and respect each
other’s ideas, values, and points of view?
Does being in this relationship make me feel good
about myself?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, your
relationship could be unhealthy. You might find it helpful to
talk with someone you trust about how you feel.
Page 21
BOTTOM LINE
THE
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
19
In a health
y
r
elationship,
y
ou feel good
about y
our
self.
Page 22
?
Ask yourself:
•
Why do I want to have sex now? Is this what I want? Or am I
doing it to please someone else? Am I doing it because I think
I’m the only one who hasn’t had sex yet?
•
What does sex mean to me? Does it mean the same thing to
my partner?
•
Can I talk to my partner about sex? Does my partner care
what I think?
•
Will having sex now make my life better or worse?
•
Would I feel embarrassed or ashamed if other people knew I
was having sex? Or if they knew I was having sex with this
person?
•
Do I know how to protect myself and my partner from STIs?
from pregnancy?
•
If I have sex, how will I feel about it afterwards? How will I
feel if we have sex and then break up?
How will I know
whenI’mready
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
20
When—or whether—you are ready to have
sex is a decision only you can make.
Deciding NOT to have sex is a normal
and healthy choice.
You need to think about whether having sex is a choice both you
and your partner will feel happy and comfortable about.
Page 23
You MAY be ready when:
•
You have information about your choices and you understand
the risks.
•
You’ve thought about it and you know what sex means to you,
what you want, what you don’t want, and what’s important to
you. You’re comfortable with the idea of a sexual relationship.
•
You can talk to your partner about sex. You and your partner
trust each other, listen to each other, and respect each other’s
beliefs and choices.
•
You and your partner are ready, willing, and able to protect
yourselves—from STIs and from pregnancy. This means using
condoms and birth control.
•
You’re sure this is the right thing for you to do. You feel good
about yourself and about the choices you’re making.
“The truth is, not all teenagers have sex.”
“If you’re having doubts, don’t have sex.”
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
21
“To have safe sex you have to discuss it
first with your partner. If you can’t talk
about it you shouldn’t be doing it.”
Page 24
CAUTION!
You’re NOT READY for sex if:
•
Your partner isn’t ready.
•
You feel pressured.
•
You’re not sure about it.
•
You can’t talk about it with your partner.
•
You don’t have a way to protect yourself from STIs
and pregnancy.
•
You need to get drunk or stoned to do it.
•
Your partner needs to get drunk or stoned to do it.
There is no“right age” for having sex.
But one important thing to consider when making your
decision is that having vaginal sex before age 18 is
risky for a girl. This is because the cells of the cervix are
still developing and are more easily damaged. This puts girls
at higher risk for cervical cancer. To find out more see
page 56.
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
22
Page 25
Confidentiality
If you’re thinking about having sex, it’s
good to get all your questions answered
first.
Talk to someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and who
you think will have good information. Talking to friends is
great, but they don’t always know all the facts.
You can talk to:
•
A parent or family member
•
A nurse—a public health nurse or a nurse in a school, a
clinic, or a youth health centre
•
A teacher or guidance counsellor
•
An adult you trust
•
A doctor
When you go to a doctor or clinic, you can ask
them to keep everything you say confidential.
When you ask for confidentiality, it’s not ethical for a doctor
or nurse to tell anyone—even your parents—why you came,
what you wanted, or that you were there at all.
When you see a doctor or nurse, if you want to be sure your
talk remains between the two of you just say, “This is
confidential, right?”
You have a right to confidentiality.
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
23
Page 26
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
24
No commitment:
No worry
?
Thinkagain
!
Sex and images of sexuality are everywhere—
in movies, in music, in videos.
People see someone who looks good, they have sex, and that’s
that. Everyone seems to be having a good time, and no one
seems to be getting hurt. After a while it starts to seem like it’s
the thing to do.
Then you chat with someone on the Internet or meet someone at a
party and he or she says, “How about hooking up?”
You might think, “Oral sex is safe. It’s not like we’re actually
having sex. I’m flattered that someone wants me, and I’ll be more
popular if I do it. It’s no big deal.”
Think again!
It
is
a big deal!
Page 27
You matter.
You are the sum of your heart
and mind and spirit.
Your sexuality is an
important part of that.
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
25
You deserve to be liked, respected
and loved for more than your
willingness to have sex.
If you don’t believe that, talk to a
counsellor or someone you trust now.
Don’t wait until after you
get hurt.
You can get hurt physically.
Oral sex can give you herpes and other STIs.
Being alone with a stranger can be dangerous,
and having many sexual partners
increases your risk of getting an STI.
You can also get hurt emotionally.
Oral sex—or any sexual activity—with
someone who doesn’t know you or care about you
can leave you feeling sad, bad, hurt, and used.
Page 28
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
26
YOUdecide!
Whether you are male or female, straight or gay, old or young,
no one has the right to pressure you into having sex or into any
kind of sexual activity. These decisions are yours to make.
Don’t let anyone else make them for you.
•
You get to decide how far you’re willing to go. Agreeing to kiss
or touch does not mean that you have agreed to have sex. You
can change your mind and say, “Stop” at any point, even
during sex.
•
You can say “No” to sex for now. Later on, when you’re
ready, you can say “Yes.”
•
Even if you’ve had sex before, you can still say “No” the next
time.
Pressure to have sex can be hard to resist. You don’t have to feel
guilty about saying “No,” and you don’t have to explain why. Your
self-respect is more important than doing what someone else
wants you to do.
BOTTOM LINE
THE
When in doubt, don’t.
Slo
w do
wn, back up,
think it o
ver
.
Page 29
“You would if you loved me.”
“There are other ways to show our love.”
“But I love you!”
“If you loved me, you’d respect my right
to say no.”
“Everybody does it.”
“Not everybody. Not me. It’s really
important to me to wait until I’m ready.”
“I need you. I have to have you.”
“If I can wait, so can you.”
“If you don’t, I’ll find someone who will!”
“Okay. I’m just not ready for sex yet.”
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
27
“It would be better to lose
someone who is constantly
pressuring you to have sex than
to regret doing it.”
1
2
3
4
5
5 Ways to say
“Not now”
Page 30
17
Good Reasons
Not
to Have Sex
Because you’re lonely
Because you’re drunk
Because you’re high
Because someone else wants you to
Because you think you owe it to someone
Because you think someone owes it to you
Because you think everyone else is doing it
Because you want to fit in or feel popular
Because you want to prove that you’re grown up—
to yourself, your friends, or your parents
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Page 31
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
29
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Because you think that having sex will make the other
person love you (It won’t. Love may lead to sex, but
sex doesn’t lead to love.)
Because you think having a baby will be fun and
you’ll be able to move away from home
Because you want to prove you’re straight
Because you’re afraid to say “No”
Because you think having a baby will make your
boyfriend or girlfriend stay with you
Because someone gives you money or gifts, or makes
promises
Because you want to hurt or get back at someone
10
Because you see people having sex in videos and
movies and think you should too
Page 32
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
30
Clear
Head,
Clear
Thinking
Having sex is something to think
about carefully before you do it.
And it’s a lot better if you do your
thinking while you’re clear headed
and sober.
In 2002, 35% of grade 7 to 12 students in Nova
Scotia who had had sex during the previous year said
that they had unplanned sexual intercourse while they
were drunk or high. Drugs and alcohol can lead to
sexual choices you might regret later.
It’s a good idea to stay out of situations where
you might be forced to make an important
decision when you’re not thinking clearly and
aren’t prepared.
Page 33
Se
x, Relationships
, and Decisions
31
“About two
weeks ago I was out
with my friends and we were
drinking and I drank a little
too much and we met some
guys and I liked one of them
and I was pretty much loaded
at the time and he took
advantage of me and I only
have a faint recollection of
this and I’m scared about
meeting up with him when
I’m sober. He might think
I’m like that normally, and I
am not!!”
BOTTOM LINE
THE
Don’t put y
our
self in a
position wher
e y
o
u start
o
ff kissing and end up
ha
ving se
x because y
ou’r
e
not thinking clearly
.
Page 34
Sexual Assault
Is a Criminal
Offence
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
It is sexual assault to force someone
into any kind of sexual activity
that he or she doesn’t want
and doesn’t consent to.
Page 35
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
If you are sexually
assaulted, it is never your fault.
People who have been sexually assaulted often feel
embarrassed or ashamed or that it is somehow their fault.
It is not. No one “asks for it.” You are not to blame
because of the way you look, the clothes you were wearing, or
where you were. You are not to blame because you were
drinking or high.
If you are sexually assaulted, the person who assaults you is
committing a crime. Crime is the criminal’s fault, not yours.
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
Read this section carefully!
Many people don’t know what sexual assault
is. You may be breaking the law without
knowing it and that could change your
life forever.
33
oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex,
touching, kissing, grabbing, masturbating
another person, forcing another person
to masturbate you, and masturbating
over another person.
Any kind of sexual activity that the other
person doesn’t consent to is sexual assault.
The legal definition of sexual assault
includes (among other things):
Page 36
Sexual assault is a crime.
Threatening to sexually assault
someone is a crime.
Both males and females can be victims of sexual assault, and both
males and females can commit sexual assault.
No one
has the right to force another person into having sex
or any kind of sexual activity—not a partner, not a date, not a
friend, not a relative, not a stranger.
Everyone has the right to change his or her mind at any point—
even during sex.
If you are afraid that you’ll be hurt
if you say “No,” talk to someone NOW.
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
Everyone has the right to say “No.”
No one has the right to hurt you.
34
Page 37
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
Any kind of
sexual activity
without
consent
is
sexual
assault.
35
Page 38
Consent is voluntary agreement.
This means that two people
agree to do certain things of
their own free will.
Legal consent means saying “Yes” because
you want to say yes. A person who agrees to
sexual activity because he or she is pressured,
afraid, forced, lied to, or threatened has not
legally consented. This is because they have not
voluntarily agreed to sexual activity.
The legal age of sexual consent
in Nova Scotia is 14.
The exception to this is that a person who is 12
or 13 can consent to sexual activity but only with
a person who is less than 2 years older than he
or she is. This means, for example, that a
13-year-old can consent to sexual activity with a
15-year-old, but sexual activity between a
13-year-old and a 16-year-old is illegal.
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
What
IS
consent?
36
Page 39
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
Sexual activity without consent
is a criminal offence.
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
What
IS NOT
consent?
There are times when consent is
NOT legally possible.
•
A child under age 12 can NEVER give legal
consent to sexual activity.
•
There can be no legal consent when a person is
drunk, drugged, asleep, or passed out.
•
There cannot be legal consent when one person
is under the age of 18 and the other is in a
position of authority or trust—for example, a
teacher, neighbour, parent, older sibling,
babysitter, relative, or coach. This is because
there can be no voluntary consent unless the
two people are equal. If one person has power
over the other, consent is not legally possible.
37
Page 40
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
Most sexual assaults are
NOT committed by strangers.
When a teen is sexually assaulted, 85% of the time it is by
someone he or she knows. It could be a friend, a date, a relative,
or someone you’ve seen around. And most of the time, it doesn’t
happen in a dark alley. It happens on a date—in a car or at a
party or in someone’s house. Maybe even in your own house.
To lessen the chances of
sexual assault and date rape:
1.
Be clear.
Communication is a two-way street. One person has to clearly say
what he or she wants and doesn’t want. The other person has to
listen and respect those limits.
It’s your responsibility to be clear about your limits.
You need to be very clear about how far you are willing to go.
You have to tell the other person what is okay and what isn’t. Say
NO when you mean no. Say STOP when you mean stop. If you say
nothing, your partner might think everything is okay and you want
to go further. Mind reading doesn’t work!
Avoiding SexualAssault
and DateRape
38
Page 41
It’s your responsibility to accept and respect your partner’s
limits. It is also your responsibility to ask your partner if what you
are doing is okay. You cannot assume that because your partner
doesn’t say anything, you can just go ahead. For example, even if
your partner says “okay” to kissing and touching, you still need to
ask if it’s okay to go further. You can say, “Is this okay, too?” If
your partner doesn’t say “yes,” then stop. Silence does not
mean consent. Either partner can change their mind at any
point, even during sex.
2.
Stay alert, aware, and sober.
Drugs and alcohol are often involved in sexual assault. No
one can consent to sex while drunk, drugged, or unconscious. If
you sexually assault someone while
you
are drunk or high, it is
still a crime.
Know where you are, where you’re going, and always have a way
home. Be sure someone else—your parents or a friend—also
knows where you are.
3.
Trust your feelings.
If you feel like you’re being pressured, you are. Trust your
feelings and leave.
As soon as you feel uncomfortable at a party or anywhere else,
trust your instincts and leave. Find a friend to leave with you, or
call someone to come get you.
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
NO always means NO. STOP always means STOP.
If someone says NO and you do not stop,
you are committing a crime.
39
Page 42
Drugging someone so you can have sex with him or her is sexual
assault. It is a crime.
“Date rape” drugs can be put into drinks—any kind of drink, not
just alcoholic ones. They are often colourless, odourless, and
tasteless. They cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, memory
loss, and unconsciousness. They leave you vulnerable to sexual
assault because you can’t resist, escape, or call for help.
Protect yourself!
1.
Be careful what you drink.
- Drink only from bottles or cans that you buy or open yourself.
- Keep your drink with you.
- Don’t share or exchange drinks.
2.
Go to parties with friends.
Arrive together and leave together. Look out for one another. If a
friend seems drunk, dizzy, or confused, stay with them. Take them
home or get help if they need it.
Se
xual Assault
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
DateRape Drugs
40
“The HUGE RISK of getting a guy to
buy me a drink never entered my
mind — it’s easier than you think to
end up naked in a hotel room with someone you don’t
know and no memory of how you got there.”
Page 43
•
Believe her or him.
•
Remind your friend over and over that it is not his or her fault.
•
Offer emotional support. Be there when your friend needs you.
•
Respect your friend’s confidence in you. Don’t gossip about
what happened.
•
Help your friend find treatment and counselling including being
tested for STIs and pregnancy.
•
Be patient. It can take a long time for someone to recover
physically and even longer to recover emotionally from sexual
assault.
Be there to help, not to judge.
Se
xual Assault
How to help a friend who’s
been sexually assaulted
SEXUAL
ASSAULT
41
You need to get medical help as soon as possible if you’ve
been sexually assaulted. Early treatment can prevent HIV and
pregnancy. Testing within 24 hours can show if there is a date rape
drug in your system.
Get help if you’ve been
sexually assaulted
For immediate help and treatment
• Local police or RCMP—call 911
• Hospital emergency departments
For support, advice, or counselling
• Help Line: 1-800-420-8336
Help Line HRM: 420-8336
• Talk to a parent, friend, teacher, guidance counsellor,
school nurse, or other adult you trust.
Page 44
Sexually
Transmitted
Infections
(STI
s
)
?
Page 45
STIs (sometimes called STDs—sexually transmitted diseases) are
infections that are spread through sexual contact. You can also get
some of these infections from needles used for tattoos or piercing,
or for injecting drugs.
It makes no difference whether you’re straight, gay, lesbian,
bisexual or transgendered—anyone can get an STI.
Some STIs can be cured if they are found and treated. Others—
like herpes—can be treated and controlled, but are never really
cured. HIV/AIDS is fatal.
STIs often have no symptoms. You can get an
STI and not know it. Years from now you could
still pass it on to others.
Abstinence is the best way to avoid getting an STI.
Abstinence means choosing not to have any kind of sexual activity
that leads to an exchange of body fluids. This includes oral sex,
vaginal sex, anal sex, and any activity that involves skin-to-skin
contact in the genital area.
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
43
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
WhatareSTI
s
?
Did you know that teens are more
likely to get an STI than adults?
In Canada, young people, ages 15-24, have the highest
rate of STIs. The rate of STIs is also increasing faster in
this age group than in any other.
Page 46
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
Common STI
s
44
causes cold sor
es ar
ound the mouth
What is it?
What does it do?
Ho
w do y
ou get it?
Can it be tr
eated and cur
ed?
Chlam
y
dia
•Caused by bacteria
•Can cause PID
(pelvic inflammatory
•Unpr
otected v
a
ginal, or
al, or anal se
x
•
Y
e
s
,
with pr
escription antibiotics
•One of the most common STIs
disease)
in women
•Both partner
s must be tr
eated
•Can cause sterility in men and women
Genital Herpes
•Caused by a virus
•Causes painful sor
es on and ar
ound the
•Contact with open sor
es
, usually during se
x
•
Ther
e is no cur
e
•The same family of viruses also
genitals
•Contact with the skin ar
ound the genital
•
Outbr
eaks of herpes sor
es can be tr
eated
ar
ea e
v
en when ther
e ar
e no sor
es
to make them shorter and less painful
•Contact with cold sor
es during or
al se
x
Gonorrhea
•Caused by bacteria
•Can cause PID (pelvic inflammatory
•Unpr
otected v
aginal, or
al, or anal se
x
•
Y
e
s
,
with pr
escription antibioti
cs
•Sometimes called “the clap,”
disease) in women
•Both partner
s must be tr
eated
“the drip,” or “the dose”
•Can cause sterility in men and women
Hepatitis B
•Infection of the liv
er caused by a virus
•Can cause liv
er disease or cancer of the liv
er
•Unpr
otected v
a
ginal, or
al, or anal se
x
•Can be pr
e
v
ented with a v
accination
•Sharing needles used for drugs
, tattoos
,
•
Can’t be cur
ed
, but sometimes goes away
or pier
cings
by itself
Page 47
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
45
What is it?
What does it do?
Ho
w do y
ou get it?
Can it be tr
eated and cur
ed?
HIV/AIDS
•HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
•A
ttacks the body’
s immune system and makes
•Unpr
otected v
aginal, or
al, or anal se
x
•
Ther
e is no cur
e
.
AIDS is f
atal
is the virus that causes AIDS
it difficult for the body to fight off illnesses
•Sharing needles used for drugs
, tattoos
,
•
Se
v
e
r
a
l
tr
eatments ha
v
e
been de
v
eloped
(acquir
ed immunodeficiency syndr
ome)
•Can kill you
or pier
c
ing
t
hat may slow the pr
ogr
ess of HIV
HPV
(Human P
apilloma Virus)
•Caused by a virus
•Some types of HPV cause genital warts
•Skin-to-skin contact with the genital ar
ea
•
Ther
e is no cur
e f
or HP
V
, but in some cases
,
•One of the most common STI viruses
(gr
owths in, on, or ar
ound the genitals
of an infected per
son
o
v
er time
, the virus goes away o
n its own
or anal ar
ea)
•Genetal warts can be tr
eated but may
•Other types can cause cancer of the cervix,
come back
penis
, or anus
Syphilis
•Caused by a bacteria
•Ov
er time
, can cause damage to the heart,
•Unpr
otected v
aginal, or
al, or anal se
x
•
Y
e
s
,
with pr
escription a
ntibiotics
liv
er
, br
ain, and eyes
•Both partner
s must be tr
eated
T
richomoniasis
•Also called “T
rich”
•Causes v
a
ginitis in women (an inflamed
•Unpr
otected v
a
ginal inter
cour
se
•Y
es
, with pr
escription antibiotics
•Caused by a par
asite
and itchy v
agina)
•Both partner
s must be tr
eated
•Causes irritation and r
edness to the head
of the penis
Page 48
If you have ever had vaginal, anal, or oral
sex, you are at risk for STIs.
You might have an STI if you have any of these symptoms:
•
Discharge from your vagina that’s new or that looks or smells
different
•
Bleeding between your periods
•
Discharge from your penis
•
Burning, itching, or pain when peeing
•
Sores, warts, itching, pain, or swelling anywhere in your genital
area
•
Painless lumps anywhere in your genital area
•
Pain or bleeding when you have sex
How can I tell
if I havean
STI
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
46
?
Page 49
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
47
BOTTOM LINE
THE
The only w
a
y to kno
w
if y
ou ha
v
e
an STI is
for y
ou and y
our
partner to be tested
for
all
STIs
.
STIs often have
no symptoms at all.
The only way to know for sure if you have an STI is to
go to a doctor or a health clinic and have all STI tests
(including HIV testing).
Most STI tests are simple—a swab or a urine or blood test is
done. Some STI tests are costly and are not done routinely.
After you’ve been tested, if either you or your partner have sex
with a new partner—even once—it puts you both at risk for STIs.
You both need to be retested.
To be safe, always use a condom or oral dam.
Page 50
When should I get an
STI test
?
Once you become sexually active, you
need a yearly check-up and STI test even
if you haven’t had sex for a while.
You also need an STI test:
•
If you have sex without using a condom or if the condom
breaks
•
If you find out that your current or past partner has an STI
•
If you find out that your partner is having sex with someone
else
•
If you or your partner have piercings or tattoos
•
If you or your partner have ever injected drugs
•
If you are having sex with a new partner
•
If you or your partner have any STI symptoms
•
If you have been raped or think you might have been
If you find out that you have an STI, the sooner
you get treated, the better.
It is important that both you and your partner get treated.
If only one partner is treated, you will just keep passing the STI
back and forth. If either of you has other partners, you’ll pass it
on to them, too.
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
48
Page 51
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
49
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
STIs can spread even when there are no
symptoms. You can have an STI and not know it.
Having one STI increases your risk of catching another.
There are places you can find out more about these and
other STIs—for example, your school nurse, a public
health nurse, your doctor, or Planned Parenthood. Don’t
be afraid to ask. They expect questions and are there to
answer them.
BOTTOM LINE
THE
If y
ou ha
v
e
an
y r
eason
to think y
ou might ha
v
e
been e
xposed to an STI,
y
ou need to get tested.
Early tr
eatment can
mak
e a big differ
ence
.
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
If you think you should be tested for HIV/AIDS,
but are worried about someone finding out, you
can get anonymous testing. This means that
you can get an HIV test without giving your name.
Right now, there is only one anonymous testing clinic in
Nova Scotia, at the Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic in
Halifax. Just call 455-9656 and make an appointment
using only your first name. No one will ask your full name.
The address is listed in the Useful Information section
of this book.
Page 52
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
50
Avoiding
STI
s
You can get an STI from the body fluids of any person who
has a sexually transmitted infection. Body fluids include
semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and sometimes saliva.
You can also get some STIs from skin-to-skin contact with
an infected person, even when they have no sores or other
symptoms. Anyone can have an STI and not know it.
Some sexual activities have higher risks for STIs.
You’ll find information on high- and low-risk sexual
activities on page 14–15.
Safer sex can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
•
Use a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
•
Use a condom or oral dam every time you have oral sex.
•
Stick with low-risk sexual activities where no body fluids
are exchanged.
Page 53
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
51
What’s an oral dam?
An oral dam is a thin sheet of
latex. It covers the vagina or anus during
oral sex to block contact with sores, infected
areas, or body fluids.
To make an oral dam, unroll a non-
lubricated condom, cut off the tip and cut
up one side.
Like a condom, an oral dam can be used
only once.
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
BOTTOM LINE
THE
Not ha
ving se
x is one w
a
y
to a
v
oid STI’
s.
If y
ou ha
v
e
se
x, using a condom or or
al
dam e
v
ery time is the most
important thing y
ou can do
to pr
otect y
our
self fr
om STIs
.
You can get STIs from
sharing sex toys.
CAUTION!
Page 54
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
52
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
Don’t know how to get
condoms and oral dams?
In many communities there are places
where you can get inexpensive or free
condoms and oral dams.
For example:
• Planned Parenthood
• Youth health centres
• Community AIDS prevention groups
You can find out how to contact youth
health centres and community AIDS
groups from any Public Health Office.
You’ll find contact information for
Planned Parenthood and for Public
Health Offices in the “Where to go for
more info” section of this book.
Be prepared!
Carry condoms and oral dams
with you. If you don’t need
them, a friend might.
Page 55
It’s important to protect yourself and your partner from STIs even
when you are in a long-term relationship and having sex with one
person.
People sometimes think that they need condoms or oral dams only
when they are in a new relationship or are having sex with more
than one partner.
The truth is that, over time, many people have steady relationships
with more than one sexual partner. And any one of these partners
could have an STI and not know it or not tell you about it.
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
53
Protect Yourself
in
Long-Term Relationships
Protect yourself,
your partner, and your future.
Use a condom or oral dam
every time.
Breaking up and making up can be
risky times for STIs. If either of you
have sex with a new partner—even once—it puts you
both at risk for STIs. When getting back together, always
have STI and HIV tests.
CAUTION!
Page 56
I don’t have one with me.
Too bad. I’ll bring some
next time, but for now,
no condom, no sex.
Don’t you trust me?
This isn’t about trust. It’s
about being safe. Either of
us could have an STI and
not know it. We should
both get tested.
But you’re on the pill!
The pill prevents
pregnancy. Condoms
prevent STI. We’re going
to use both!
Good answers
to
excuses for
not using
condoms
or
oral dams
Excuse
Answer
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
54
Page 57
Excuse
Answer
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
55
I swear I don’t have
Nobody knows for sure
AIDS!
that they don’t have an
STI. We could both
have one.
I don’t like the way
I feel better when I’m
they feel.
relaxed, and I’m a lot
more relaxed when I’m
not worried about
getting an STI!
C’mon, just this once.
Once is all it takes.
It’s too risky without
protection.
It spoils the mood.
Condoms don’t spoil
the mood, but getting
pregnant or catching an
STI sure would!
I’ll pull out in time!
That won’t protect us
from STIs or pregnancy!
No matter what your partner says,
you can always just say:
“I’m a person who uses condoms.”
Page 58
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
56
Reducing the Risk of
Cervical
Cancer
Cancer of the cervix is a serious condition that all girls and women
need to be aware of. The good news is that a Pap Test can detect
changes in the cervix before they become cancer. When detected
early, these changes can be treated and cured.
The risk for developing cervical cancer
is increased by:
•
Having the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
There are many strains of HPV. Some cause genital warts, others
cause changes in the cells of the cervix that may lead to cancer.
HPV is passed from person to person through sexual contact.
•
Having sex before the age of 18
Because the cells in the cervix are not fully developed, they are
more vulnerable to damage by HPV, the virus linked to causing
cervical cancer. This increases the chances of developing abnormal
changes in your cervix.
Page 59
•
Having unprotected sex
Having sex without a condom or oral dam increases the risk for all
types of sexually transmitted infection, including HPV.
•
Having more than one sexual partner
The more sexual partners, the greater the risk of contracting STIs,
including HPV.
•
Smoking
Smoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and is also linked
to cancer of the cervix. Chemicals from cigarettes travel in the
bloodstream and have shown up in the Pap tests of smokers.
These chemicals can trigger abnormal changes in a cervix that is
not yet fully developed.
•
Not having regular Pap Tests
This is the biggest risk factor for developing cervical cancer. If
changes aren’t detected, abnormal cells may become cancerous
and eventually spread to other parts of the body.
Se
xually T
r
ansmitted Infections (STIs)
57
BOTTOM LINE
THE
Once a girl starts ha
ving
se
x, or when she r
eaches
the age o
f 18, she needs
a P
ap T
est once a y
ear to
check f
or changes in
cervical cells bef
or
e
the
y
become cancer
ous
.
Page 60
P
reventing
P
regnancy
?
Page 61
Males produce sperm, more or less constantly.
Every time a male ejaculates (or comes), the semen that’s released
contains about 500 million sperm.
Every month, one of a female’s ovaries releases
an egg.
The egg travels down one of her Fallopian tubes toward
her uterus.
An egg and a sperm have to join for pregnancy
to occur.
This is called fertilization. Usually, the egg and sperm
join in one of the Fallopian tubes. If the egg isn’t fertilized, it
leaves the female’s body, and she has her period. If the egg is
fertilized, it moves down the Fallopian tube to the uterus.
Pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg
attaches itself to the wall of the uterus.
Pr
e
v
enting Pr
egnancy
59
“Always protect yourself
when having sex. Pregnancies
can happen anytime.”
How Pregnancy
Happens
Page 62
HELP!
My period is late.
I think I might be
pregnant!
“I always use protection now!
I wasn’t ready to be a mother.”
If you are sexually active and your period is 5–7 days late you
might be pregnant and should have a pregnancy test.
You can buy a pregnancy test kit at any drugstore and test your
urine at home. A pregnancy test is easy—just follow the directions
on the package. Or you can make an appointment with your
family doctor or Planned Parenthood for a pregnancy test.
If you are pregnant,
you need to see a doctor
as soon as possible.
Pr
e
v
enting Pr
egnancy
60
Page 63
Unplanned
pregnancy
affects both partners
Pr
e
v
enting Pr
egnancy
61
If your partner gets pregnant she has to make some difficult
decisions—Adoption? Raising the baby? Abortion?
If your partner gets pregnant, you can support her by:
•
Listening to her and talking with her about how you feel
•
Offering to go with her to appointments—for example,
doctor, counsellor, etc.
•
Standing by her whatever she decides to do
•
Getting more information. Check out the websites and the
contact information in the back of this book
Support your partner’s decision and
find support for yourself.
Page 64
It can be surprisingly easy to get pregnant.
For every 100 couples who have sex at least twice a month
without using birth control, 85 pregnancies will occur within a year.
Not having sexual intercourse is the only sure way to avoid
pregnancy. But birth control is very effective and can greatly
reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
Pr
e
v
enting Pr
egnancy
62
Birth
Control:
Avoiding Pregnancy
Condoms—male and female—are the only
methods of birth control that can also help
protect you from STIs.
But condoms don’t give total protection. They only protect the
part of the genital area that they cover. Some STIs—like herpes
or the human papilloma virus—can still be spread by skin-to-skin
contact with the uncovered parts of the genital area.
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
BOTTOM LINE
THE
An
y method o
f birth
contr
ol will w
ork only
if y
ou use it the right
wa
y and use it e
very
time y
ou ha
ve
se
x.
Page 65
Pr
e
v
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True
or
False?
If a male and female have sex,
a pregnancy can happen:
•
The first time they have sex
True
False
•
No matter what position they have sex in
True
False
•
During the woman’s period
True
False
•
Even if he pulls out of her vagina before
he ejaculates
True
False
•
Even if he doesn’t put his penis inside, but
ejaculates near her vagina
True
False
ALL TRUE!
The only way to avoid pregnancy is to not have
sex or to use a reliable method of birth control every time you
have sex.
Page 66
Do my partner and I
agree about birth
control?
Any method of birth control works best when
both of you agree about what you’ll do.
Being able to talk about these issues is part
of a healthy relationship.
Is this method safe
for me?
Do you have any health problems that would
make a particular method risky for you? There
are health problems that make it risky for
some women to use the birth control pill.
Some people are allergic to spermicides or to
the latex in condoms.
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What kind of
birth control
will work for me
?
In Canada, the
birth control
methods young
people choose
most often are
the condom
and the birth
control pill.
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
The important thing is to choose a birth control method that you
will be comfortable using every time you have sex. The questions in
this section can help you make a choice. Think carefully and be
honest with yourself when you answer.
Page 67
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How effective is it?
Some methods of birth control are more effective than others.
For example, spermicide is between 74% and 94% effective in
preventing pregnancy. The pill is between 92% and 99.9%
effective. Any method is effective only if you use it the right way
and use it every time you have sex.
Can I afford it?
Some methods cost more than others. Depo-Provera shots cost
about $30-$50 every 12 weeks. Male condoms cost between $8
and $13 for a box of 12.
Can I get it where I live?
Some methods are available everywhere. You can get condoms
and spermicides without a prescription in any drug store.
Is this method easy and
convenient for me to use?
A male condom needs to be put on right before sex. A female
condom or sponge can be inserted hours ahead of time. Which
would be easier and more convenient for you?
Will I feel embarrassed using this
method? Will my partner be
embarrassed?
Some methods of birth control are used while you’re having sex. If
this would embarrass you, choose birth control that is always in
place or can be inserted in advance.
Page 68
Does it fit with my culture and
religious beliefs?
A method that goes against your cultural or religious
beliefs will probably feel “wrong” to you, and you’ll be
less likely to feel comfortable using it.
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“I just want people to be aware of
what is out there and what is going on
and not feel afraid or ashamed to talk or
ashamed to buy the condom or something.
Because I think somebody should feel proud ...
if they’re going to be sexually active, to take care
of themselves and do it the right way.”
There are lots of kinds of birth control. It’s not always
easy to figure out what will work best for you. It can be
a big help to talk it over with someone who knows the
pros and cons of all the methods, like a nurse, doctor, or
counsellor.
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
Page 69
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BOTTOM LINE
THE
Ev
en if y
ou use another
method o
f
birth
contr
ol, y
ou will still
need to use a male or
female condom to
pr
otect y
our
self
and
y
our partner fr
om STIs
.
Page 70
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Emergency
Contraception
If you have had sex without using birth control you can still prevent
pregnancy by taking ECP—Emergency Contraceptive Pills or
Morning After Pills.
Even if you use birth control, accidents can happen—for example,
condoms can break, or you or your partner might miss several
birth control pills.
ECP prevent pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, they
will not cause a miscarriage or hurt the baby.
ECP work best if you take them within 3 days (72 hours) after
having intercourse without birth control. ECP might still work as
long as 5—7 days after intercourse, but the sooner you take
them, the more effective they are.
ECP are available from some clinics, doctors’ offices, and
emergency rooms.
You do not need your parents’ permission to get ECP.
To find out where to get ECP call toll-free:
1-866-373-7732
CAUTION!
ECP will not protect you from STIs.
You should still go to a doctor or clinic for an STI test
even if you take ECP.
•
•
•
Page 71
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“Pulling out”will not
prevent either pregnancy or STIs.
•
You can get an STI from contact with a penis before
ejaculation.
•
You can get pregnant from the fluid released from the
penis before ejaculation.
•
You can get pregnant even if semen is near the vagina
and not in it.
So if he says, “I’ll pull out,”
tell him to pull on a condom
or no deal!
“Don’t worry,
I’ll pull out in time.”
Don’t believe this line!
Page 72
Birth
Control
Methods
Male Condom
Female Condom
Birth Control Pill (The Pill)
Depo-Provera (The Needle)
Spermicide
Sponge
Diaphragm and CervicalCAP
The Patch
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Page 73
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Whatever method of birth control you choose,
READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!
Every brand is a little bit different.
This is a very brief introduction to
some common methods of birth control.
How well any method of birth control works depends on
how carefully you use it. In this section you’ll find two rates to
show how well each birth control method prevents pregnancy.
•
The first shows how well a method works when you follow the
directions exactly and use it every time you have sex.
•
The second shows how effective the method is likely to be if
you don’t follow the directions carefully or don’t use it every
time. In this case, birth control will not work as well and you
will be more likely to get an STI or an unplanned pregnancy.
You can get more information about any method of birth control
from a youth health centre, a doctor, Planned Parenthood, your
school nurse, or a public health nurse.
You do not need your parents’ permission, and you do not need
to be a certain age to visit a doctor or a clinic or to use birth
control.
Page 74
A condom is a thin cover worn over the penis during sex.
Condoms prevent pregnancy by blocking sperm from
entering the vagina.
MALE CONDOM
Pros
Condoms made from latex or polyurethane are the only
form of birth control that can protect you from STIs.
Condoms are fairly cheap and easy to get. You can buy
condoms at any drugstore or grocery store. Condoms cost about
$8–$13 for a box of 12.
Cons
Some people are allergic to latex condoms or to the
spermicide in some condoms. If you or your partner notice any
burning, itching, or swelling after using a condom, you may be
allergic. Try using condoms made of polyurethane or condoms
with no spermicide.
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CAUTION!
Condoms have a “best before” date.
Check the expiration date on the package. If the
date has expired, the condom is more likely to break or tear.
Condoms don’t give total protection. They only
protect the part of the genital area that they cover. Some
STIs—like herpes or the human papilloma virus—can still be
spread by skin-to-skin contact with the uncovered parts of
the genital area, even if you can’t see any sores or warts.
Page 75
If possible, use condoms that don’t
contain nonoxynol-9. N-9 is a spermicide that can
irritate the vagina or anus, which can increase the risk of
getting an STI.
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
• Condoms come in different sizes and
there are many brands. You may need to try out
several different kinds before you find one that fits well
and feels good. It’s a good idea to practise putting
condoms on before you need to use one for real!
• Lubricants can help make condoms feel more
natural and comfortable. Only water-based
lubricants—like Astroglide—are safe to use with latex
condoms. Oil-based lubricants—like petroleum jelly—will
damage the condom very quickly.
• Condoms need to be stored in a cool, dry place.
Your wallet is too warm. Your glove compartment isn’t a
good storage place either—it’s sometimes too hot and
other times too cold! Store condoms at room
temperature. Carry them in a purse, outside pocket,
or backpack.
CAUTION!
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Used the right way
and used every time:
97% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
86% effective
Do condoms work?
Page 76
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MALE CONDOM
How to put a condom on
Put the condom on your penis as soon as it gets hard
and BEFORE it touches your partner’s body.
1. Check the expiry date. Open the package carefully.
Handle the condom gently so you don’t puncture or tear it.
2. Leave about 1 cm (1/2 inch) of space at the tip of the
condom to hold the semen and help keep the condom from
breaking. You can put a drop of water-based lubricant in the tip
to make it more comfortable.
3. Place the condom on the head of the penis. Squeeze the tip of
the condom to make sure that no air is trapped and unroll the
condom all the way down the shaft.
How to take a condom off
1. While your penis is still hard, hold the condom at the
base and slowly pull your penis out of your partner’s body.
2. Move completely away from your partner before taking the
condom off your penis.
3. Hold the base of your penis and slide the condom off. Be
careful to keep all of the semen inside.
4. Wrap the used condom in a tissue and put it into the garbage.
Do not flush it down the toilet.
5. Wash your penis with soap and water. If you can’t wash, don’t
have physical contact with your partner after removing the
condom.
Use a new condom each time
you have intercourse.
Page 77
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Guys—
Not ready to
be a father?
Of all the methods of
preventing pregnancy,
using a condom is the
only one that YOU
control.
Check it
Out!
Check it
Out!
Male and female condoms
can’t be used at the same
time because they stick
together. If you are using a
male condom, you don’t need
a female condom. If you are
using a female condom, you
don’t need a male condom.
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
Page 78
Female condoms are easy to get. You can buy female
condoms at any drugstore. You don’t need a prescription. A box
of three costs about $13.
Female condoms are a good choice if you are allergic to the
latex in male condoms.
You can insert a female condom up to 8 hours before you have
sex.
Female condoms reduce your risk of getting STIs as
well as male condoms do, and they are less likely to break.
When using it, you might need to help guide your partner’s penis
into the condom to be sure it doesn’t slip around the side.
You might need to put extra lubricant inside the condom or on
the penis to make using the female condom more comfortable
for both partners.
Pros
Cons
FEMALE CONDOM
The female condom is a thin polyurethane pouch
with a flexible ring at each end. You put the closed
end of the condom into your vagina and the inside
ring holds it in place. The ring at the open end of
the condom rests on the vulva outside of your
vagina.
The female condom stops sperm from entering your
vagina.
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Page 79
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
•
Female condoms can be tricky to put in.
Read the package directions and practise until you’re
sure you know how to put it in. Many women find it
helpful to get advice and counselling on how to use
the female condom. You can do this through a youth
health centre or Planned Parenthood.
•
Female condoms are not reusable. Use a
new one each time you have intercourse. After you
take one out, throw it away.
•
Male and female condoms can’t be used at
the same time because they stick together. If you
are using a male condom, you don’t need a female
condom. If you are using a female condom, you don’t
need a male condom.
Used the right way
and used every time:
95% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
79% effective
Do female condoms work?
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Page 80
BIRTH CONTROL PILL
(The Pill)
The birth control pill (also known as an oral
contraceptive) is a combination of the hormones
estrogen and progestin. It prevents pregnancy by
stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs.
Pros
Cons
The pill gives you very effective, non-stop protection from
pregnancy.
Taking the pill can make your periods shorter, lighter, less
crampy, and more regular.
The pill will not protect you or your partner from STIs.
You still need a male or female condom even though you are on
the pill.
Birth control pills work only if you follow the directions
exactly. The pill’s effectiveness depends on keeping a steady
supply of hormones in your body. Anything that upsets the
hormone supply can make the pill less effective. This includes
missing a pill or taking some kinds of medications.
Some women have side effects, like headaches,
moodiness, nausea, sore breasts, or irregular bleeding. These
side effects are usually mild and improve with time.
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Page 81
Where can I get it and how much does it cost?
With a prescription, you can get birth control pills from any
drugstore. They cost around $25–$35 for a month’s
supply. You can also get birth control pills from the Planned
Parenthood Metro Clinic (Halifax) for about $10 for a
month’s supply.
Used the right way:
99.9% effective
Not used the right way:
92%-94% effective
Do birth control pills work?
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Help!! I forgot my pill!
Read the directions that come with your pills.
That will tell you what to do to get back on track. You
could also call a pharmacist or your doctor for
information.
In the meantime: Don’t have sex OR be sure to use
a backup method of birth control anytime you have
vaginal sex for at least 7 days after you miss a pill.
If you have had unprotected sex during a time
when you have forgotten to take your pills, you may be
at risk of getting pregnant. You need to consider
emergency contraception. See page 68 for more info
on ECP.
Page 82
DEPO-PROVERA
(The Needle)
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Pros
Depo-Provera is a hormone injection given once
every 12 weeks. You must get another needle every
12 weeks to stay protected.
Depo-Provera stops the ovaries from releasing an
egg each month.
One injection will give you continuous, extremely effective
birth control for 12 weeks.
You don’t have to think about birth control between needles.
Cons
Depo-Provera does not protect you from STIs. You’ll
still need to use a male or female condom.
You might have side effects like depression or weight gain
or loss.
Irregular bleeding is common in the first few months of using
Depo-Provera. After 1 year of use, about half of all women
will stop having periods. Your periods will gradually start
again when you stop using Depo-Provera.
Page 83
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HELP! I missed my needle!
If you are late for your injection, your protection
against pregnancy is decreased. Use a back-up method of
birth control until you get your shot.
If you are more than 2 weeks late for your injection, and are
sexually active, you may have to have a pregnancy test before
your next needle.
If you’ve had unprotected sex during a time when you have
forgotten to get your needle, you may be at risk of getting
pregnant. You need to consider emergency contraception. See
page 68 for more information on ECP.
Where can I get it and how much does it cost?
You can get Depo-Provera at your doctor’s office or health clinic.
Each injection costs about $30–$50. The Planned Parenthood
Metro Clinic (Halifax) gives Depo shots for $30.
Used the right way:
99.7% effective
Not used the right way:
97% effective
Does Depo-Provera work?
Page 84
SPERMICIDE
Pros
Cons
A spermicide is a chemical that kills sperm.
Spermicides come in many forms—foams, creams,
films, suppositories, gels, and tablets. Most
spermicides are put into the vagina right before sex.
Spermicides are fairly cheap and easy to get. You can get
them without a prescription at any drugstore or supermarket.
They cost between $9 and $15 per package.
Spermicides must be left in place for at least 6 to 8 hours
after you have sex. This means that you should not douche or
have a bath for at least 6 to 8 hours after you have sex. (You
can wash the outside of your pubic area.)
If you have sex more than once in a single night, you need to
put in more spermicide before each act of intercourse.
Spermicides will not protect you from STIs. Your partner
will still need to use a condom.
Some people are allergic to spermicides. If you or your
partner notice any itching, swelling, or burning after using a
spermicide, go to a doctor or health clinic to get advice on
finding another birth control method or another brand of
spermicide.
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Page 85
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
CAUTION!
There are many kinds of
spermicide on the market.
Every brand is a little different.
Read the directions carefully!
If possible, use spermicides that
don’t contain nonoxynol-9.
N-9 can irritate the vagina,
which can increase the risk
of getting an STI.
Used the right way
and used every time:
94% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
74% effective
Do spermicides work?
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Page 86
SPONGE
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Pros
Cons
The sponge is made of soft polyurethane foam.
It is about 5 cm (2 inches) across and contains
spermicide. You insert the sponge into the vagina
before sex. The sponge blocks the sperm, and the
spermicide kills them.
You can insert the sponge in advance. The sponge will
work for 12 hours and must be left in place for 6 hours after
intercourse. This means that you can insert the sponge up to
6 hours before you have sex.
You can have sex more than once after inserting a
sponge, but the sponge must stay in for 6 hours after the last
time you have sex.
Some people are allergic to the spermicide in the
sponge. If you or your partner notice any burning, itching,
or swelling after using the sponge, try another method of
birth control.
A sponge can become dislodged during sex. Read the
package directions carefully so you’ll know how to put it
in correctly and how to check to be sure it stays in place.
A sponge will not protect you from STIs. Your partner
should still use a condom.
Page 87
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Used the right way
and used every time:
89%-91% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
84%-87%
effective
Does the sponge work?
Sponges are not reusable!
After you take one out,
throw it away.
CAUTION!
Where can I get it and
how much does it cost?
You can get the sponge at any drugstore.
You don’t need a prescription.
The cost is about $10–$15 for
three or four sponges.
Page 88
DIAPHRAGM & CERVICAL CAP
Pros
Cons
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The diaphragm and the cervical cap are soft latex
barriers that block sperm from entering the cervix.
Both are always used with spermicidal jelly. You
insert the diaphragm or the cervical cap into the
vagina before sex.
You can insert a diaphragm or cervical cap as long as 6
hours before you have sex. Both must be left in place for 6
to 8 hours after having sex.
Both the diaphragm and the cervical cap are affordable and
reusable.
A diaphragm or cervical cap will not protect you from
STIs. Your partner should still use a condom.
Some people are allergic to spermicides. See a doctor if
you or your partner notice any itching, swelling, or burning
Page 89
Used the right way
and used every time:
94% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
80% effective
Do diaphragms work?
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Where can I get it and how much does it cost?
You’ll need to go to a doctor or clinic where you’ll be fitted for a
diaphragm or cervical cap and given a prescription. With the
prescription, you can get a diaphragm or a cervical cap at any
drugstore. The diaphragm costs about $45–$65. The cervical
cap costs about $75. You will also need to buy spermicidal jelly
to use with the diaphragm or cervical cap.
Used the right way
and used every time:
91% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
80% effective
Free
Advice!
Free
Advice!
You’ll need to practise a few times to learn how to
properly insert a diaphragm or a cervical cap. You
won’t feel either one of them when it is inserted
correctly.
Do cervical caps work?
Page 90
THEPATCH
Pros
The patch provides excellent, continuous protection from
unintended pregnancy.
You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day. You
only need to think about birth control once a week.
The patch is about the size of a matchbook and
sticks to your skin. You can attach it to your abdomen,
buttocks, upper arm, or anywhere on the front or back of your
torso, except for your breasts. It will not wash off or come off
while swimming.
You put on a new patch each week for three weeks
and then use no patch for the fourth week. Each patch
is left in place for one week.
The patch prevents pregnancy in the same way the
pill does. It contains estrogen and progestin that are absorbed
through the skin. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg.
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Cons
The patch does not protect you from STIs. You will still need
to use a male or female condom.
You may have side effects, including headaches, menstrual
cramps, nausea, or breast tenderness.
Page 91
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Where can I get it and
how much does it cost?
With a prescription, you can get
the patch at any drugstore. It
costs about $35 to $40 a month.
You can get the patch at the
Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic
(Halifax) for about $20 for a
months supply.
Used the right way
and used every time:
99.3% effective
Not used the right way or
not used every time:
98% effective
Does the patch work?
Page 92
1
More
Thing
Page 93
Sexuality is part of everyone’s personality and everyone’s life. It is
a basic need and a part of being human. Sexuality includes
everything in your daily life that makes you a sexual person—
your gender, body, mind, spirit, and emotions.
Sexuality is about more than what you do. It’s about who you are
and how you feel about yourself and your relationships with other
people.
Sexuality is about what feels right to you. It’s not about living up
to someone else’s ideal or image. Your differences make you
unique. They make you special.
Your sexuality develops over time and will change as you grow and
have new experiences. So what feels right to you will change, too.
One Mor
e Thing
91
Sexuality
IsMoreThan
Just Sex
You matter. Take care of yourself,
think about what is right for you, and enjoy
your developing sexuality.
“People need to know that it’s okay
to talk about these things.”
“Sex is a lot more complicated than
some people might think.”
Page 94
Useful
Information
Page 95
Words to Know
Abstinence: Choosing not to have any kind of sexual activity that leads to
an exchange of body fluids. This includes oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex,
and any activity that involves skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.
AIDS: Stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, an incurable
sexually transmitted infection that is fatal.
Anal sex, anal intercourse: A form of sexual intercourse in which one
person’s penis enters another person’s anus. Unprotected anal intercourse
is the sexual activity with the highest risk for sexually transmitted infections.
Bisexual: A person who is emotionally and sexually attracted to both men
and women. Bisexuals are not always equally attracted to each gender.
Cervical mucus: Clear, sticky fluid that is produced naturally by the
cervix.
Circumcision: The surgical removal of the foreskin—the loose skin
covering the tip of the penis.
Criminal offence: An offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Come: A slang word for both male and female orgasm.
Cum: A slang word that is used to describe the semen released when
males ejaculate.
Discharge: Any fluid, mucus or other substance that is released from your
body. A discharge from the vagina or penis can be a symptom of a sexually
transmitted infection.
Ejaculation: What happens when a male has an orgasm. Semen, the
milky liquid that contains the sperm, is released from the penis.
93
Useful Information
Page 96
Erection: What happens when a male is sexually aroused. An erection
occurs when blood rushes into the penis and it becomes erect—larger and
harder.
Gay: A slang word for homosexual men. “Gay” can also refer to or
include lesbians.
Heterosexual: A person who is emotionally and sexually attracted to
people of the opposite sex.
Homosexual: A person who is emotionally and sexually attracted to
people of the same sex.
HIV: Stands for human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes
AIDS.
Hymen: A thin membrane that covers the opening of the vagina. For
most girls, this is broken or stretched during normal physical activity, long
before they have sexual intercourse. However, if it isn’t already stretched
or broken, it may be torn during first intercourse and may bleed a little.
Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
Lesbian: A female who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other
women.
Lubricant: A thick liquid or gel that is used inside or outside male and
female condoms and oral dams to make sex more comfortable and
enjoyable for both partners. It’s important to use only water-based
lubricants—like Astroglide or K-Y Jelly—because oil-based lubricants can
very quickly break down the latex used in condoms.
Masturbation: Touching, rubbing or squeezing the genital area, penis, or
clitoris for sexual pleasure. Masturbation can be done alone or with a
partner. Mutual masturbation is when two people masturbate each other.
Useful Information
94
Page 97
Useful Information
95
Oral sex: A form of sexual activity where the mouth and tongue stimulate
the genital or anal area.
Orgasm: An intense sensation that happens at the peak of sexual arousal
for both males and females. This is sometimes called “climax.” Males and
females don’t usually reach orgasm together during intercourse. Males
usually ejaculate during orgasm. Some females also release a fluid during
orgasm.
Pap Test: A test to check for changes in the cells of a woman’s cervix
that could be an early sign of cancer. Once you start having sex, or when
you reach the age of 18, you must have a Pap Test once a year. From then
on, you must have a Pap Test every year even if you are no longer having
sex.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of a woman’s inner
reproductive organs. PID can be very painful and lead to infertility.
Respect: Valuing people for who they are, and treating them fairly and
equally.
Self-esteem: A feeling of pride, confidence, and satisfaction in yourself—
the feeling that you are worthy of respect.
Self-respect: Valuing yourself as a person and as an individual and feeling
proud of who you are and what you do.
Semen: A milky liquid containing sperm that is released through the
urethra during ejaculation.
Sex toys: Things, like vibrators and dildos, that people might buy in a
store and use during sex—with themselves or others.
Sterility: Being unable to reproduce. This is also called infertility. For
women this means being unable to get pregnant. For men it means being
unable to father a child.
Page 98
Sterilization: Sterilization is a surgical procedure that makes a woman
unable to get pregnant or a man unable to father a child. For males,
sterilization surgery is called a vasectomy. For females, it’s called a tubal
ligation (getting your tubes tied).
Transgendered: People who feel that their gender identity conflicts with
their sexual anatomy—that is a girl who feels like she ought to have been a
boy or a boy who feels like he ought to have been a girl. People who are
transgendered often choose to live the role of the opposite gender. Some
have surgery to alter their physical bodies to match the gender they feel.
Unprotected sex: Sexual activity without using some form of birth
control to prevent pregnancy and/or without using protection from STIs—
like a male or female condom.
Vaginal sex, sexual intercourse: Sexual activity during which the penis
enters the vagina.
Useful Information
96
Page 99
Useful Information
97
Page 100
Useful Information
98
TheFemaleBody
10
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
1
4
11
Page 101
Useful Information
99
Anus: The opening from which stool leaves the body during a
bowel movement (BM).
Bladder: The organ that holds urine.
Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that extends into the
vagina.
Clitoris: A sensitive, pea-sized organ that is right above the
urethra. The clitoris gets a bit bigger and more sensitive when
it’s touched or when a girl has sexual thoughts or feelings.
The clitoris plays an important part in sexual arousal and
orgasm.
Fallopian tubes: Thin tubes that extend out on both sides of
the uterus. The Fallopian tubes carry the eggs from the
ovaries to the uterus. They are about 10 cm long.
Labia: The two folds of skin that cover the clitoris and the
openings of the vagina and the urethra.
Ovaries: The two glands, one on each side of the uterus, that
produce eggs. The ovaries also produce the hormones
estrogen and progesterone.
Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. The
opening of the urethra is right below the clitoris.
Uterus: The muscular organ (also called the womb) in which a
fertilized egg implants and a baby grows. When not pregnant,
the uterus is about the size and shape of a pear (about 7.5 cm
long).
Vagina: The passage that goes from the uterus to the outside
of the body. The vagina is about 9 cm long.
Vulva: A woman’s pubic area. The vulva includes the
reproductive organs on the outside of the body—the clitoris,
labia, and vaginal opening.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
7
9
11
Page 102
Useful Information
100
ThemaleBody
1
2
4
6
7
8
10
9
5
3
Page 103
Useful Information
101
Anus: The opening from which stool leaves the body during
a bowel movement (BM).
Bladder: The organ that holds urine.
Foreskin: The fold of skin covering the end of the penis.
Penis: The male sexual organ. Both semen and urine leave
the body through the penis (but never at the same time!)
Prostate gland: A gland that adds fluid to sperm to make
semen.
Scrotum: The sack of loose skin just behind the penis. The
scrotum holds the testicles.
Seminal vesicles: Two small organs—one on each side of
the prostate gland—that, with the prostate gland, add fluid to
sperm to make semen.
Testicles: Two oval glands that hang inside the scrotum.
(Testicles are usually a bit lopsided, with one hanging a little
lower than the other.) The testicles produce sperm and the
hormone testosterone.
Urethra: The tube that carries both urine and semen through
the penis and out of the body.
Vas deferens: The tubes that carry sperm from the testicles
to the prostate gland.
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
10
Page 104
Useful Information
102
Websites
There are hundreds of websites where you can get information
about sexuality, relationships, birth control and STIs. Here are few
good places to start.
www.gov.ns.ca/OHP
Nova Scotia Office of Health Promotion
www.sieccan.org
The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada
www.canadian-health-network.ca
Canadian Health Network
www.sexualityandu.ca
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada Youth Site
www.gov.ns.ca/health/PublicHealth
Nova Scotia Department of Health
Where to Go
for More Info
Page 105
Useful Information
103
Amherst
18 South Albion Street
Phone: 667-3319 or
1-800-767-3319
Annapolis Royal
Annapolis Community
Health Centre
St. George Street
Phone: 532-2381
Antigonish
23 Bay Street
Phone: 863-2743
Arichat
1 Bay Street
Phone: 226-2944
Baddeck
30 Old Margaree Road
Phone: 295-2178
Barrington Passage
Causeway Shopping Plaza
Phone: 637-2430
Local Public Health
Services Offices
You can get more information about healthy sexuality by contacting
one of these offices and asking to speak with a public health nurse.
Berwick
Western Kings Memorial
Health Centre
Orchard Street
Phone: 538-8782
Bridgewater
Suite 109, 215 Dominion Street
Phone: 543-0850
Canso
Eastern Memorial Hospital
Phone: 366-2925
Chester
Phone: 275-3581
(voice mail only)
Cheticamp
15102 Cabot Trail
Phone: 224-2410
Digby
Digby General Hospital
67 Warwick Street
Phone: 245-2557
Page 106
Useful Information
104
Glace Bay
633 Main Street
Phone: 842-4050
Guysborough
Guysborough Hospital
Phone: 533-3502
Youth Health Centre
27 Green Street
(Chedabucto Place)
Phone: 533-2250
Halifax Regional
Municipality
201 Brownlow Ave., Burnside
Phone: 481-5800
Head of Jeddore
Forest Hills Shopping Centre
Phone: 889-2143
Inverness
Inverness Consolidated Hospital
Phone: 258-1920
Liverpool
175 School Street
Phone: 354-5738
Lunenburg
14 High Street
Phone: 634-8730
Meteghan
Center Clare Health Centre
Phone: 645-2325
Middle Musquodoboit
492 Archibald Brook Road
Phone: 384-2370
Middleton
462 Main Street
Phone: 825-3385
Neil’s Harbour
Buchanan Memorial
Community Health Centre
Phone: 336-2295
New Germany
#5246, Highway 10
Phone: 644-2710
New Glasgow
825 East River Road
Phone: 752-5151
New Waterford
New Waterford Hospital
Phone: 862-2204
Port Hawkesbury
708 Reeves Street
Phone: 625-1693
St Peter’s
Phone: 1-888-272-0096
(Voice mail only)
Sheet Harbour
Eastern Shore
Memorial Hospital
Phone: 885-2470
Page 107
Useful Information
105
Shelburne
Roseway Hospital
Phone: 875-2623
Sherbrooke
St. Mary’s Hospital
Phone: 522-2212
Shubenacadie
5 Mill Village Road
Phone: 758-2050
Sydney
235 Townsend Street
Phone: 563-2400
Sydney Mines
7 Fraser Avenue
Phone: 736-6245
Truro
201 Willow Street
Phone: 893-5820
Windsor
Windsor Mall
264 Belmont Road
Phone: 798-2264
Wolfville
23 Earnscliffe Avenue
Phone: 542-6310
Yarmouth
60 Vancouver Street
Phone: 742-7141
Page 108
Useful Information
106
Local Planned Parenthood
Contacts
You can also get more information about sexuality and birth
control by contacting the Planned Parenthood office closest to you.
• Cumberland County Family Planning—Amherst
12 La Planche Street
Phone: (902) 667-7500
Website: www.cumberlandcounty.ppfc.info
• Planned Parenthood Cape Breton—Sydney
150 Bentick Street
Phone: (902) 539-5158
Website: www.capebreton.ppfc.info
• Planned Parenthood Lunenburg County—Bridgewater
12 Dominion Street
Phone: (902) 543-1315
Website: www.lunenburgcounty.ppfc.info
• Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic—Halifax
201-6009 Quinpool Road
Phone: (902) 455-9656
Website: www.pphalifax.ca
• Planned Parenthood Pictou County—New Glasgow
36 Riverside Street
Phone: (902) 755-4647
Website: www.pictoucounty.ppfc.info
• Planned Parenthood Sheet Harbour
17 Behie Road
Phone: (902) 885-2789
Website: www.sheetharbour.ppfc.info
Page 109
Thanks
107
Thanks!
This booklet is the product of the advice, insight, experience, and support of
many people. The Office of Health Promotion wishes to acknowledge and
thank the following individuals for their commitment, energy, and
dedication to providing youth in Nova Scotia with the information
they need to make healthy sexual choices.
Healthy Sexuality Working Group
•
Core Working Group Members
- Shirley Campbell
(Chair), Health Educator,
Office of Health Promotion & the Nova Scotia Department of Health
- Janis Wood Catano
, Health Education Consultant
- Heather Christian,
Coordinator, Population Health,
Office of Health Promotion & the Nova Scotia Department of Health
- Frank Covey,
Acting Assistant Director, English Program Services,
Nova Scotia Department of Education
- Helen Farrell,
Public Health Nurse, Pictou County Health Authority,
Colchester East Hants Health Authority, and Cumberland Health Authority
- Maureen Flick
, Public Health Nurse, Capital District Health Authority
- Larry Maxwell,
Health Educator, Public Health Services, Guysborough
Antigonish Strait Health Authority, Cape Breton District Health Authority
- Karen McMullin,
Public Health Nurse, South Shore Health, South West
Health, and Annapolis Valley Health
•
Contributing Members
- Rick Tully,
Health and Physical Education Consultant, Nova Scotia
Department of Education
- Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic
(Halifax)
- Youth Representatives
- Gerry Brosky, M.D., CCFP,
Dalhousie Family Medicine
The Office of Health Promotion would like to acknowledge, with
thanks, the work of the many people who contributed to the early
stages of the development of this resource.
Page 110
Focus Group Participants
The most valuable contributors to this book were the more than
500 students from the following schools, universities, and health
centres who (with the support of their school administration)
identified the key messages and provided expert review of the
content and design of this book.
- Amherst Regional High School
- Canso Academy
- Dalhousie University
- Dartmouth High School
- Ellenvale Junior High School
- Flexible Learning and Education Centres
- Forest Heights Community School
- Hantsport School
- Inverness Education Centre
- J. L. Ilsley Teen Health Centre
- Malcolm Munroe Junior High School
- Memorial High School
- Metro Planned Parenthood
- Prince Andrew High School
- Ridgecliff Middle School
- Saint Mary’s University
- St. Michael Junior High School
- Sir Robert Borden Junior High School
- South Queens Junior High School
- Thorburn Consolidated School
- Truro Junior High School
- West Kings High School
- Yarmouth Junior High School
Youth Contributors
A special thanks to the many youth who informally shared their
opinions, ideas and insights as we moved through the process of
developing the many drafts of this resource.
Thanks
108
Page 111
Thanks
109
Reviewers
The Office of Health Promotion would like to thank the many
organizations and individuals who generously contributed their time
and expertise in reviewing drafts of this book. A special thanks to:
Amanda Black, M.D., FRCSC, Society of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists of Canada
E. Sandra Byers, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Psychology, UNB
Donald Langille, M.D., MHSc, Associate Professor, Community
Health and Epidemology, Dalhousie University
Alexander McKay, Ph.D., Research Coordinator, The Sex
Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN)
All of the “Quotes from Teens” are
direct quotes from youth in Nova Scotia.
They were taken from one of these sources:
•
Students participating in the focus groups that tested this
booklet.
•
So Many Bricks in the Wall: Developing Understanding from
Young Women’s Experiences with Sexual Health Services and
Education in Amherst, Nova Scotia. D. Langille, J. Graham & E.
Marshall. Maritime Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health,
June 1999.
•
Just Loosen Up and Start Talking: Advice from Nova Scotian
Youth for Improving their Sexual Health. M. Agnes. Planned
Parenthood Nova Scotia & the Nova Scotia Department of
Health, 1996.
•
The Association between Substance Use, Unplanned Sexual
Intercourse and other Sexual Behaviours among Adolescent
Students. C. Poulin & L. Graham, Addiction (2001) 96,
607–621.
Page 112
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Index
abstinence
43, 62, 93
age and contraception
71
and legal consent
36-37
and risk of cervical cancer
56
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) 43, 45, 93
see also STIs
alcohol and drugs
22, 28, 30, 39
and consent to sexual activity
37
and date rape
39
and sexual assault
33, 37, 39-40
and unplanned sex
30
allergy
to latex 64, 72, 76
to spermicide
64, 72, 82, 84, 86
anal sex/anal intercourse
11, 33, 93
risk of STI
15, 43, 44-45, 50
anatomy female
98-99
male
100-101
anus
99, 101
assault, sexual
32-41
and consent
35-37
date rape
38-40
definition
32-33
drinking and drugs
37
getting help after
41
protection against
40
birth control
64-66, 72-89
abstinence
62
and protection from STIs
62
emergency contraception
68
cost
65, 72, 76, 79,
81, 82, 85, 87, 89
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effectiveness
65, 73, 77, 78, 79,
81, 83, 85, 87, 89
methods of
72-89
permission for
71
side effects of
64, 78, 80, 88
where to get it
52, 65, 72, 76, 79,
81, 82, 85, 87, 89
birth control pill
78-79
bisexual
8-9, 43, 93
bladder
99, 101
bleeding
46, 81
body fluids, and STIs
43, 50
body piercing, and STIs
43
breaking up and making up
53
cancer, anus
45
cancer, cervical
45
and sex under age 18
56
and smoking
57
reducing risk of
56-57
cancer, penis
45
cervical cancer
see cancer, cervical
cervical cap
86-87
cervical mucus
93
cervix
99
cancer of
see cancer
chlamydia
44
choices, making
5
about sexual activity
12, 20-21, 26, 30
about birth control
64-66
things to think about
20-21
unplanned pregnancy
61
circumcision
93
clap
44
clitoris
94, 99
come
59, 93
Page 114
commitment
24
see also relationships
condom, male
50, 51, 53, 62,
72-75
and STIs
62
dealing with excuses for not using
54-55
how to use
74
lubricants and
73
storing
73
where to get
52, 65, 72
condom, female
62, 75, 76-77
confidentiality
23
consent, legal and sexual assault
35-37, 39
legal age
36-37
contraception
see birth control
contraceptive patch
88-89
criminal offence
93
see assault
cultural beliefs
66
cum
93
date rape
see assault
date rape drugs
40
decisions
see choices
Depo-Provera
80-81
diaphragm
86-87
discharge
46, 93
dose
44
drip
44
drugs
see alcohol and
drugs
ECP
68, 79, 81
where to get it
68
egg
59
ejaculation
59, 63, 93
emergency contraception (ECP)
68, 79, 81
where to get it
68
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emotions and feelings
about sexuality
5, 8-9, 11, 13, 25
in a healthy relationship
16, 18, 61
in an unhealthy relationship
17, 25
and sexual assault
33, 39, 41
erection
59, 74, 94
excuses for not using a condom
54-55
Fallopian tubes
59, 99
female condom
see condom,
female
feelings
see emotions
fertilization
59
foreskin
101
gay
8-9, 43, 94
genital herpes
see herpes
genital warts
45
gonorrhea
44
help, getting
6, 41, 61, 68,
102-106
Hepatitis B
44
herpes
25, 43, 44, 62, 72
heterosexual, definition of
94
HIV
43, 45, 94
homosexual
8-9, 43, 94
hormone injection
see Depo-Provera
HPV (human papilloma virus)
45, 56, 62, 72
hymen
94
hysterectomy
94
infertility
44-45, 95
information, sources of
6, 23, 49, 61, 66,
71, 102, 103-107
confidentiality
23
intercourse
11, 33, 93, 96
risks of STIs, pregnancy
15, 44-45, 50
see also sexual activity
kissing
11, 14
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Page 116
labia
99
lesbian
8-9, 43, 94
lubricants
73, 74, 76, 94
making up, breaking up
53
masturbation
11, 94
morning after pill
68
needle, the
80-81
needles, and STIs
43, 45
nonoxynol-9
73, 83
oral contraceptive
see birth control pill
oral dam
50, 51, 53
dealing with excuses for not using
54-55
where to get
51, 52
oral sex
11, 24, 44-45, 95
risk of STI
15, 25, 50
see also sexual activity
orgasm
95
ovaries
59, 99
Pap Test
56, 95
parents, talking with
6-7, 23, 41
patch, contraceptive
88-89
penis
59, 74, 94, 101
period
59, 60, 78, 80
PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
44, 95
pill, birth control
78-79
pregnancy
59, 63, 69
avoiding
62, 72-89
tests
60
unplanned
61
pressure
5, 17, 22, 26, 27,
54-55
and sexual assault
36, 39
prostate gland
101
protection against date rape
40
against pregnancy
22, 62, 72-89
against STIs
21-22, 48, 50, 53,
57, 72-89
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Page 117
readiness to have sex
20-22
reasons not to have sex
28-29
relationships and birth control
64
and STIs
48, 53
and unplanned pregnancy
61
healthy
16, 18, 64
long-term
53
unhealthy
17, 18
see also pressure
religious beliefs
66
respect
5, 16, 41, 95
risks
14-15, 53
emotional
15, 25
physical
11, 25
reducing
56-57
see also pregnancy, STIs
safer sex
50
see pressure, protection, relationships
saying no
26, 27, 34, 38
scrotum
101
self-esteem
16, 95
self-respect
16, 95
semen
50, 59, 93, 95
seminal vesicles
101
sex definition of
11
safer
50
sex toys and STIs
15, 51
sexual activity and sexual assault
33
defined
11
high-risk and low-risk
14-15
legal consent to
35-37
making choices about
12, 20-21, 26, 30
readiness for
20-22
risk of STI or pregnancy
15, 43, 48, 53
safer
50
unplanned
30
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Page 118
unprotected
44, 48, 53, 57,
68-69, 79, 96
sexual assault
see assault
sexual intercourse
see intercourse
sexuality
5, 8, 91
healthy choices
see choices
image in media
24
sexually transmitted infections/diseases
see STIs
smoking, and cervical cancer
57
sperm
59
spermicide
82-83, 84, 86
allergy to
64, 72, 82, 84, 86
nonoxynol-9 in
73, 83
where to get it
65
sponge
84-85
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
see STIs
sterility
44-45, 96
sterilization
96
STIs (sexually transmitted infections)
11, 43-57
and birth control
72-89
chart
44-45
protection against
22, 48, 50, 53, 57,
62, 72-89
symptoms
43, 46-47, 49
treatment
44-45
when to be tested
48
straight
8, 43
symptoms
see STIs
syphilis
45
tattoos, and STIs
43
testicles
101
tests
anonymous
49
Pap
56, 95
pregnancy
60
STI
47
transgendered
8-9, 43, 96
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treatment for STIs
43, 44-45
trichomoniasis (trich)
45
tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied)
96
unprotected sex
96
and emergency contraception
68-69, 79, 81
and STIs
48, 57
urethra
99, 101
uterus
59, 99
vaccination
44
vagina
99
vaginal intercourse/vaginal sex
11, 33, 96
risk of STI
15, 44-45, 50
risk of pregnancy
15
see also sexual activity
vaginal secretions
50
vaginitis
45
vas deferens
101
vasectomy
96
virus
see HIV, HPV
vulva
99
websites
102
withdrawal
55, 63, 69
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Public Health Services
The
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