If you don't feel comfortable with these things, ask yourself if this is the right time or the right person. A loving partner will consider their partner's needs as well as their own Avoiding unplanned pregnancy To avoid unplanned pregnancy, you must use a reliable method of contraception. Please consult our section on 'emergency contraception' for more details. These act as a physical barrier between you and the microbes which cause sexually transmissible infection. A condom is a thin rubber sheath designed to fit over the penis.
Condoms are readily available at chemists, supermarkets and through vending machines.
There is no age restriction on who can buy condoms. Latex squares are less readily available. They can be purchased from Family Planning or made by removing the fingers and cutting open a thin rubber glove so that it lies flat. This is because the infected area of skin may be outside of the area covered by the condom such as on the woman's labia or the base of the man's penis. If you think that you might have an STI, visit your doctor or Family Planning as soon as you notice anything unusual.