The law around sex can be confusing, so Cool2Talk have created this, really clear explanation of consent.

Consent, Rights & Responsibilities

Remember:

• Positive sexual experiences are mutually consensual, respectful and enjoyable.
• Consensual sexual activity means feeling safe and happy.
• You need consent every time you engage in sexual activity whether you’re with someone you have just met, or in a relationship.
• If someone changes their mind and no longer gives consent you must stop what you are doing immediately.
• No one can ever give consent for somebody else.
• Consent is freely given, not as a result of pestering, wearing someone down or making someone feel like they ‘owe’ something. Never try to persuade, pressure or encourage someone into doing things they do not want to do.

Relationships can be as varied, as the people who have them, but what makes a ‘Healthy’ relationship?

Find out more below.

Healthy Relationships

If you’d like to take a quiz to check how healthy your relationship is, click here.

Relationship Quiz

“Act on it” is all about giving you information and advice so that you don’t find yourself in an unsafe relationship. They have loads of resources, information and people’s stories.

Some examples of qualities of  healthy relationships:

• people feel safe, equal, respected and happy, they care about what each other want;
• people don’t put pressure on anyone else and it’s as easy to say no as to say yes; and
• people don’t do things that make others feel uncomfortable, anxious or scared.

The law is there to protect young people from abuse and harm. Young people have the right to access support and advice on their sexual health, find out more below.

Sex and the Law

Condoms burst, pills get missed or we have sex without a condom and regret it later.
Luckily, it’s possible to get emergency contraception that will work to stop pregnancy after you’ve had sex.

This page has everything you need to know about getting emergency contraception in Tayside.

Unprotected sex/condom failure

• Make sure your condom has the British Standard Kitemark (this means the condom has been safety tested) or the CE European standard mark (meaning the factory has been tested).

• Check the expiry date of the condom.

• Open the package carefully (don’t use your teeth!)

• Make sure the tip is pointing up and the ring is on the outside.

• Pinch the tip and keep it pinched as you place the condom on the erect penis or sex toy.

• Place the condom on an erect penis or sex toy and roll it as far down as it will go.  

• The condom should be removed before the penis has totally lost the erection otherwise the contents may spill out.
• When finished, hold on to the bottom of the condom when withdrawing the penis, this stops the condom slipping off.

• Make sure no semen spills out by tying a knot in the condom. Put it in a bin, not the toilet.

• If you have sex again, use a new condom.

• DO Remember you can get Emergency Contraception if a condom breaks or you have sex without using a condom.  You can get Emergency Contraception from your pharmacy or GP free of charge.
• DO Use a water based lubricant If you are having anal sex, if you or your partner have vaginal dryness. Condoms are more likely to burst if there is a lot of friction. You can get this at any sexual health service or CCard/condom outlet
• DO Practice using condoms (if /when you masturbate) if you’re new to using them
• DO Try different brands and styles to see what feels & fits best for you.
• DO Carry fresh condoms with you all the time – it’s great to be prepared!
• DO Check the expiry date before you put one on.
• DO Put the condom on before the action starts!
• DO Use a flavoured condom for oral sex!
• DO Put a new condom on each time you switch between oral, vaginal and anal sex.
• DO Use condoms on sex toys and change them- especially if you’re sharing toys.

• DON’T Flush used condoms down the toilet. Nobody wants to find a condom on the beach, and fish don’t want them in the ocean!
• DON’T Keep condoms in hot places like your car glove-box or wallet.
• DON’T Use more than one condom at a time. More condoms doesn’t mean more protection!
• DON’T Use condoms that are past their expiry date – they might not keep you safe from STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
• DON’T Use any oil-based products as lube – this means baby lotion, lipstick, suntan lotion, moisturisers and body cream, cooking oils and Vaseline. They may damage the condom.
• DON’T Use animal skin condoms – they don’t protect against STIs. If you have an allergy to latex you should try polyurethane/non-latex condoms instead.
• DON’T Use a condom more than once. It’s a one-time deal!

These are a natural fitting condom, shaped to fit at the head of the penis to be more comfortable.

Flavoured and coloured for tasty fun. Flavours include Mint Tingle (green), Strawberry Crush (red), Chocolate Temptation (brown) and Blueberry Blast (blue).

If you find that standard condoms are a loose fit you can try out our trim fit condoms. These are designed to provide a closer fit – getting the size right is important to make sure the condom doesn’t slip.

Female condoms (non-latex) are lubricated sheaths which are worn inside the vagina. The female condom has a ring at each end. The inner ring at the closed end is inserted into the vagina and helps keep the condom in place during sex. The ring at the open end stays outside the vagina.

This non-latex condom is made from is extremely strong and durable material and offers a very high level of protection.

This condom can be safely used by people with a latex allergy. Its unique packaging is easy to open and ensures the condom will always be the right way up.

Lightly lubricated for your comfort, it is safe to use any water and most oil-based lubricants with these condoms.

Lube comes in 5 ml sachets and can be used with all of the condoms above. Definitely recommended for anal sex!