Only total abstinence from sexual contact offers 100% protection from pregnancy and STIs. Almost half of men (45%) and a quarter (26%) of women agreed that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using contraception. (ICCP, 2004). Be Drink Aware. (www.drinkaware.ie) You may not know if you have an STI. Up to 86% of women and 50% of men with gonorrhoea have no symptoms. (HPSC, 2008) Lots of people do not know when a woman’s most fertile time in her cycle is. Recent research found that only 31% of men and 56% of women knew a woman’s most fertile time. (ISSHR, 2006) Young people aged 20-29 have the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections. (HPSC, 2008) 16% of 18 to 24 olds did not use contraception on the most recent sexual encounter because sex ‘had not been planned’. (ISSHR, 2006) Plan Ahead, and Think Contraception if there is a chance you may have sex. In the space of ten years, there has been a 700% increase in cases of Chlamydia in Ireland. (HPSC, 2008) Practicing ‘Double Dutch’ (using condoms with other methods of contraception) will help you to have safer sex and prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics and some other prescribed drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. In all instances another method of contraception should be used. The majority of contraception is 99% effective BUT only if used correctly and consistently.

Sexual Rights

Sexual rights embrace human rights that are already recognised in national laws, international human rights documents and other consensus statements. They include the right of all persons, free of coercion, discrimination and violence, to:

  • the highest attainable standard of sexual health, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services
  • seek, receive and impart information related to sexuality
  • sexuality education
  • respect for bodily integrity
  • choose their partner
  • decide to be sexually active or not
  • consensual sexual relations
  • consensual marriage
  • decide whether or not, and when, to have children
  • pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life

The responsible exercise of human rights requires that all persons respect the rights of others. (Source: www.who.int)