Sex and alcohol
It is illegal to drink/buy alcohol under the age of 18. Quite often people feel more relaxed and less inhibited when they've been drinking alcohol. But just one alcoholic drink can change how you think about a situation.
It is important to remember the affect alcohol can have on the decisions you make. Some people may take more risks with their sexual behaviour when they have been drinking.
This could mean:
- Having sex when they normally would not
- Being less likely to use a condom
- Not being able to remember if they had sex or if they agreed (consented) to having sex
- Being more likely to regret having sex
If someone is drunk and can't look after himself or herself properly, they can put themselves in some very dangerous situations. It could mean being robbed, not getting home on time, or losing their possessions. In some very serious cases it could mean being sexually assaulted or raped.
After drinking alcohol:
- One in seven 16-to-24-year-olds have had unprotected sex
- One in five have had sex that they regretted
- One in 10 have been unable to remember if they had sex the night before
60 per cent of young women who are have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) say they were under the influence of alcohol when they had sex with the infected person (Brook, 2010).
If someone is drunk and can't look after themselves properly, they can put themselves in some very dangerous situations
Mixing sex and alcohol increases the risk of unplanned pregnancy or STIs because you are less likely to use a condom. If you do try to use a condom, you are also more likely to do it incorrectly by tearing it or putting it on the wrong way, which can cause a condom to break or slip off during sex.
Make sure you carry enough condoms on you in case you damage one.
Remember, it is illegal to have sex with a person who is incapacitated due to the use of alcohol.
If you do decide to drink alcohol, make sure you stay safe at all times. Make sure you and your friends look after each other. Watch your drinks at all times incase someone tries to spike your drink and never leave drinks unattended. Wait until you are sober to make any big decisions and know who to call when you need help or assistance.
For more information why not check out the following websites:
Share This!
Featured Items
Chlamydia
What is it? Chlamydia is the most common STI among under 25s and is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis. Chlamydia is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact. What...
Emergency contraception
If you have had unprotected sex (sex without contraception) or you think your contraceptive method may have failed, you can use emergency contraception. There are two methods: Emergency Hormonal...
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC) are very reliable methods of contraception because they are long-lasting. They include the injection, implant, and two types of coil called an IUD and IUS....