I'd like some advice please.

[MalteaserEater]

Hello.

I've been dating a guy for roughly 5 months. Earlier tonight we had sex for the first time. It was my first time too. We used a condom but I want to be sure. I know where my local GUM clinic is but I'm a bit [hblush] about going. Do I need to book an appt with my GP to go on the pill?

Please don't flame me.

[ninah]

sure about what, contraception or sexual health?
are you what they call 'exclusive'? sensible to stick with condoms until you are sure about his sexual health and go on the pill as well if that suits you

[garlicbaguette]

Very sensible. Good for you. Book an appt at the clinic, don't feel embarrassed! I used to go to mine for my pap tests, etc, as they're far more clued up than GPs. I believe they can prescribe contraception for you but do check with them :)

[Flojo1979]

Yes u need to book a gp appointment.

[TeaDr1nker]

Or see your nurse at your GPs they can prescribe contraception too

[MalteaserEater]

Bit of both really.

I'd say we're exclusive, when we talked about situation 2 weeks ago we both agreed that we weren't seeing anyone else & we'd continue in that way. I didn't really think it through, but I think I'm going to call my GP surgery in the morning and arrange an appointment to talk through my contraception options so although we'll continue to use condoms, we've got that as well.

[MalteaserEater]

Ooh loads of x posts! Thank you all.

[ninah]

all sounds good malteaser!

[SolidGoldYESBROKEMYSPACEBAR]

Well, good luck. But no contraception is absolutely infallible (and none protect against either herpes or crabs). If his willy looks a bit manky, avoid it until he's been to the GP himself; if you go on the pill remember to take it (and remember that sickness/diarrhoea and some other medications make it ineffective) and if you are using condoms, check after every bonk that the condom is still intact when he withdraws.

[ErikNorseman]

If you decide to go on the pill make sure he has a full sexual health screen first and that you trust him to be exclusive. You don't really need to go if he was your first partner.