Risky sex
Sexual behaviour can be influenced by many factors such as, alcohol, drugs, peer pressure, low self esteem and even depression. Engaging in risky sexual behaviour increases your chances of having an unwanted pregnancy or catching a sexually transmitted infection.
Alcohol, Drugs and Risky Sex
- Alcohol and drugs can reduce inhibitions and increases risk-taking
- Alcohol and drugs can reduce your potential to consider consequences ie "I'll be ok just this once if I dont use a condom"
- Alcohol and drugs can make you forget safe sex messages
Alcohol and drugs can affect your judgments and your decision making process. You become more relaxed, more open to suggestion and more easily influenced. Alcohol and drugs can cause you to make rash decisions such as having unprotected sex. These decisions; such as having a one night stand or not using a condom; can have serious repercussions including unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Alcohol and drugs can also put you in danger of sexual assault or rape.
For more information click here http://www.drinkaware.co.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/21015/Unprotected-Sex-Factsheet-no-trims.pdf
Peer Pressure and Risky Sex
Peer pressure is when a person is persuaded by a person or group to change their mind, behaviour or attitudes, most often to be accepted by that group or person.
We are all susceptible to being influenced by our friends or loved ones and more often than not this type of peer pressure is viewed as positive or non harmful.
However peer pressure can be negative and damaging if pressure is put on someone to do things that they know is wrong or goes against their values, such as:
• Having sex
• Drinking alcohol
• Taking drugs
• Shoplifting
• Smoking
Some people can experience peer pressure from their friends or partners to take part in sexual activities that they o not feel ready to or may not wish to participate in.
Examples:
“Using a condom spoils the sensation for me, I’ll pull out before I cum.”
“Everyone will think you’re frigid if you don’t sleep with him”
“We’ll know you’re not really boring if you have a three some”
Sex is about choice. If you don’t feel happy about doing something then you shouldn’t do it. You should never be pressured into any sexual activity unless you consent to do it.
Defeating peer pressure is about having the confidence to say no and stand up for what you believe in.
If a boyfriend or girlfriend threatens to dump you for not providing sexual favours or if someone is continually trying to pressurise you into doing something you don’t want to do, then maybe it’s time to question that relationship. You may decide that you're better off without them, no matter how much you love them.
