Sex: a risky business

Sex is no longer a taboo subject. The top 100 sex tips have been a regular feature in many of the leading women's magazines for years and a dedicated sex mag has sprung up, in the form of Scarlett, to cater specifically for female sexuality. Sex toys have left the hen-party arena to become a common Christmas gift between couples while female-friendly porn is increasingly in demand. So why are we still so coy about contraception and the potential results of our fumblings?

It's partly down to complacency, but British prudishness, the sheer embarrassment of getting it all wrong, especially among young adults, also plays its part. Public Health Minister Caroline Flint is launching a new sexual health campaign called 'Condom Essential Wear' targeting 18-24 year olds.

She said: 'The aim of the campaign is to make carrying and using a condom as familiar as carrying a mobile phone, lipstick or putting on a seatbelt. This is not about encouraging promiscuity, but telling those who are already sexually active that "sex without a condom is seriously risky, so always use one".'

However, having discussed the issue with a group of girlfriends in their late 20s and early 30s it is clear the 'it won't happen to me' mindset still prevails. Other excuses included 'it would spoil the passion of the moment' and 'you never have a condom when you need one.'

In favour of condoms
Some men and women prefer to avoid using condoms. You've had a bit to drink, passion takes hold, one of you questions the need, or neither of you has one, you're too horny to argue or wait and before you know it, it's too late.

We know condoms provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, but they also mean you don't have to go through that nail-biting visit to your local GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic after having unprotected sex. So why do we do it to ourselves?

Psychologist and sexual health commentator, Dr Petra Boynton, says: 'The best thing is to be prepared and to think about it. If you think sex might be happening, get a supply of condoms even if you're on the coil, pill or using other contraception because these won't protect you from STIs. It's tempting to just think it happens to younger people because they tend to have more partners, but you still need to worry and protect yourself.

'Just get a few condoms you like, whether they're flavoured or ribbed or whatever, and keep a few by your bed or wherever you're likely to have sex. It's also a good idea to put a few in your bag when you're going out.'