Crazy Jamie
January 26th, 2005, 10:03 AM
In this section of the Instruction Manual we will be dealing with sex and the issues surrounding it. We will not only deal with questions such as the right age to start thinking about sex and how to know when you are ready for it, but also the more practical issues of contraception and precautions that you need to take. We understand that sex is probably the hardest issue to actually talk about. Most of the information in this section will be written by me personally, so if you have any queries or questions that you do not wish to ask in public, feel free to PM me. Everything will be treated in the strictest confidence.
What is sex all about?
What does sex mean?
How do I know when I am ready to have sex?
What are STDs?
Tips on making sex more enjoyable
Contraception
Condoms
The Pill
Contraceptive Injections (DEPO)
The Morning After Pill
Other Methods
What is sex all about?
What does sex mean?The simple answer to this is that sex means different things to different people. For a lot of religious people, sex is something highly sacred that should be saved for marriage. For others, sex is simply a lot of fun and has little meaning beyond that. Views on what sex actually means vary greatly. However, it is generally thought that within a relationship sex signals an emotional and physical link between two people. It allows people to move closer to each other emotionally, and often also enables a relationship to move to the next level.
How do I know when I am ready to have sex?For the majority of people the first time that they have sex is a special moment that they may well remember for the rest of their lives. For this reason most people quite rightly will not just jump into having sex for the first time. However, there is no definate way to tell when you are 'ready' to have sex for the first time. The only advice that I can suggest is that you have sex only when you yourself feel ready, and only then with someone that you feel secure with. Do not let anyone else tell you when you are ready, and don't let anyone force you into having sex when you are not sure. Only you can really know when you are ready for sex, so listen to your own feelings.
Despite this, be aware that legally you must be of a minimum age to have sex, and this age varies depending on where you live. In England the age of consent is 16. In America the age of consent varies depending on what state you live in, and is either 16 or 18. Having sex below the age of consent is illegal.
What are STDs? Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs for short, are one of the dangers that come with having sex and must be protected against. There are many different STDs that have varying effects. Some are minor and can be cured easily, whereas others cannot be cured and can lead to problems such as impotence or even death. Incidents of all STDs are on the increase in young people today, and it is therefore even more important that precautions are taken to protect against them. Be aware that some contraceptive methods explained below protect against STDs but others don't. Know the difference and make sure you are protected- one mistake with regards to this could have terrible consequences.
Tips on making sex more enjoyable
Contraception
Condoms- Condoms are long rubbery "balloons" which are worn by the active male partner during intercourse. They protect against both pregnancy and STDs. Condoms are manufactured to be durable, and while breakages can occur, there is a somewhat low risk of this happening, especially if the condom isused properly. If a breakage does occur, then seek emergency contraception immediately. Condoms come in a wide variety of styles, available generally in packs of 12 or 24. Many people may find purchasing condoms to be an embarassing rite of passage, so it is suggested that you purchase a 24 pack to reduce the frequency of visits to the supermarket. Also, purchase around 2 other items, just so it's not too obvious.
Condom packets often come with instructions for use, but the premise is often the same. Simply place the condom on the penis' head, roll it down a little under half way, and press the small reservoir (the small storage area at the top on top of the condom) to remove the air. This will help prevent breakages. Continue rolling it down, and make sure it fits comfortably.
Note: Flavoured condoms should be used as a novelty item, and not as much for intercourse. They tend to be smaller and not manufactured to the same degree as standard condoms.
The Pill- The Pill is a long term method of contraception, and involves the girl taking a small pill once a day as you would take an aspirin. There are many different types of the pill, usually requiring the girl to take each pill at around the same time each day.
The Pill is an excellent long term method of contraception, and once taken for a certain length of time (usually 7 days, but sometimes the effect is immediate) the mix of hormones in the pill ensure that the girl is protected from pregnancy. The pill is around 98% effective as long as it is taken according to instructions. There are several disadvantages to the pill. The primary disadvantage is that there are numerous possible side effects caused by the hormones contained within the pill. These vary from person to person and a hard to predict, but can include mood swings and minor weight gain. The side effects are usually minor, but if they become more serious then the girl should come off the pill immediately. The pill does not protect against STDs, and as such should only be used in relationships where both partners have been tested for STDs.
Contraceptive Injection (DEPO)- The Contraceptive Injection is a relatively new method of long term contraception that has only been in common use in recent years. It essentially involves the girl receiving an injection (administered by a doctor) that contains a mixture of specific hormones which prevents her from becoming pregnant, and it is over 99% effective. Typically a girl will have to have one injection every three months. The main advantage of the contraceptive injection is that it is an extremely easy method, as once the injection is received you don't need to worry about contraception on a day to day basis like with the Pill. The disadvantages are that there are several possible side effects as with the pill, but these can be slightly more severe due to the amount of hormones being injected at once. If any of these side effects become severe or too uncomfortable for the girl, the she can simply refuse furture in injections. It also does not protect against STDs, so should only be used in a relationship where both partners have been tested for STDs.
The Morning After Pill- This is an emergency form of contraception that should only be taken when other forms of contraception have failed (e.g. when a condom splits). It is simply a pill that is taken by the girl. Despite the name, the pill can actually be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse and still be effective. However, it is advisable that it be taken within 24 hours. The morning after pill induces a number of side effects including headaches, nausea, and sickness as well prematurely starting a girl's period. This makes taking it an extremely unpleasant experience. Therefore it should only be used as a last resort.
Other Methods- There are other methods of contraception that have not been mentioned in depth. The main one relevant to younger couples is the contraceptive patch, which is simply worn by the girl and changed every week. However, be aware that there are many bogus methods of contraception and myths that either have a low success rate or simply do not work. The main example is the withdrawal method, where the guy withdraws his penis before orgasm. It should be noted that using this method is extremely risky, and is not recommended under any circumstances. Always consult with a doctor before using a new method of contraception.
What is sex all about?
What does sex mean?
How do I know when I am ready to have sex?
What are STDs?
Tips on making sex more enjoyable
Contraception
Condoms
The Pill
Contraceptive Injections (DEPO)
The Morning After Pill
Other Methods
What is sex all about?
What does sex mean?The simple answer to this is that sex means different things to different people. For a lot of religious people, sex is something highly sacred that should be saved for marriage. For others, sex is simply a lot of fun and has little meaning beyond that. Views on what sex actually means vary greatly. However, it is generally thought that within a relationship sex signals an emotional and physical link between two people. It allows people to move closer to each other emotionally, and often also enables a relationship to move to the next level.
How do I know when I am ready to have sex?For the majority of people the first time that they have sex is a special moment that they may well remember for the rest of their lives. For this reason most people quite rightly will not just jump into having sex for the first time. However, there is no definate way to tell when you are 'ready' to have sex for the first time. The only advice that I can suggest is that you have sex only when you yourself feel ready, and only then with someone that you feel secure with. Do not let anyone else tell you when you are ready, and don't let anyone force you into having sex when you are not sure. Only you can really know when you are ready for sex, so listen to your own feelings.
Despite this, be aware that legally you must be of a minimum age to have sex, and this age varies depending on where you live. In England the age of consent is 16. In America the age of consent varies depending on what state you live in, and is either 16 or 18. Having sex below the age of consent is illegal.
What are STDs? Sexually Transmitted Diseases, or STDs for short, are one of the dangers that come with having sex and must be protected against. There are many different STDs that have varying effects. Some are minor and can be cured easily, whereas others cannot be cured and can lead to problems such as impotence or even death. Incidents of all STDs are on the increase in young people today, and it is therefore even more important that precautions are taken to protect against them. Be aware that some contraceptive methods explained below protect against STDs but others don't. Know the difference and make sure you are protected- one mistake with regards to this could have terrible consequences.
Tips on making sex more enjoyable
Contraception
Condoms- Condoms are long rubbery "balloons" which are worn by the active male partner during intercourse. They protect against both pregnancy and STDs. Condoms are manufactured to be durable, and while breakages can occur, there is a somewhat low risk of this happening, especially if the condom isused properly. If a breakage does occur, then seek emergency contraception immediately. Condoms come in a wide variety of styles, available generally in packs of 12 or 24. Many people may find purchasing condoms to be an embarassing rite of passage, so it is suggested that you purchase a 24 pack to reduce the frequency of visits to the supermarket. Also, purchase around 2 other items, just so it's not too obvious.
Condom packets often come with instructions for use, but the premise is often the same. Simply place the condom on the penis' head, roll it down a little under half way, and press the small reservoir (the small storage area at the top on top of the condom) to remove the air. This will help prevent breakages. Continue rolling it down, and make sure it fits comfortably.
Note: Flavoured condoms should be used as a novelty item, and not as much for intercourse. They tend to be smaller and not manufactured to the same degree as standard condoms.
The Pill- The Pill is a long term method of contraception, and involves the girl taking a small pill once a day as you would take an aspirin. There are many different types of the pill, usually requiring the girl to take each pill at around the same time each day.
The Pill is an excellent long term method of contraception, and once taken for a certain length of time (usually 7 days, but sometimes the effect is immediate) the mix of hormones in the pill ensure that the girl is protected from pregnancy. The pill is around 98% effective as long as it is taken according to instructions. There are several disadvantages to the pill. The primary disadvantage is that there are numerous possible side effects caused by the hormones contained within the pill. These vary from person to person and a hard to predict, but can include mood swings and minor weight gain. The side effects are usually minor, but if they become more serious then the girl should come off the pill immediately. The pill does not protect against STDs, and as such should only be used in relationships where both partners have been tested for STDs.
Contraceptive Injection (DEPO)- The Contraceptive Injection is a relatively new method of long term contraception that has only been in common use in recent years. It essentially involves the girl receiving an injection (administered by a doctor) that contains a mixture of specific hormones which prevents her from becoming pregnant, and it is over 99% effective. Typically a girl will have to have one injection every three months. The main advantage of the contraceptive injection is that it is an extremely easy method, as once the injection is received you don't need to worry about contraception on a day to day basis like with the Pill. The disadvantages are that there are several possible side effects as with the pill, but these can be slightly more severe due to the amount of hormones being injected at once. If any of these side effects become severe or too uncomfortable for the girl, the she can simply refuse furture in injections. It also does not protect against STDs, so should only be used in a relationship where both partners have been tested for STDs.
The Morning After Pill- This is an emergency form of contraception that should only be taken when other forms of contraception have failed (e.g. when a condom splits). It is simply a pill that is taken by the girl. Despite the name, the pill can actually be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse and still be effective. However, it is advisable that it be taken within 24 hours. The morning after pill induces a number of side effects including headaches, nausea, and sickness as well prematurely starting a girl's period. This makes taking it an extremely unpleasant experience. Therefore it should only be used as a last resort.
Other Methods- There are other methods of contraception that have not been mentioned in depth. The main one relevant to younger couples is the contraceptive patch, which is simply worn by the girl and changed every week. However, be aware that there are many bogus methods of contraception and myths that either have a low success rate or simply do not work. The main example is the withdrawal method, where the guy withdraws his penis before orgasm. It should be noted that using this method is extremely risky, and is not recommended under any circumstances. Always consult with a doctor before using a new method of contraception.