Safe sex means making sure you don't catch a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or have an unwanted pregnancy. Your best protection is to use a condom - not just sometimes, but every time you have sex.

Why don't you take the safe sex test and see how much you know?

Confidential advice

For free confidential advice on safer sex or to find your nearest sexual health clinic, try these useful contacts:

Condoms and contraception

More information about condoms and other types of contraception can be found on these websites:

The condom card (C-CARD Scheme)

The C-CARD is a co-ordinated condom distribution network specifically designed to ensure that young people within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have access to condoms as well as advice and guidance from trained professionals. Condoms are available free of charge to young people aged 13 to 19 years who live in or visit the borough frequently.

Current C-CARD sites are:

Sexually transmitted infections

STIs affect both sexes. STIs can be either viruses or bacteria, and are passed on during sex. There are 25 types of STIs, some of which can be acquired without having sexual contact.

Things can go wrong and mistakes can be made. So if you didn't use protection at all, the condom split or you forgot to take your contraceptive pill, then you've had unprotected sex and you are at risk of pregnancy and STIs.

The best thing to do is to act fast. The sooner you act, the less likely you are to get pregnant, contract an STI, or pass on any infections you may have picked up from someone else.

What to do if you have unprotected sex

Here are some websites that can offer information about what to do if you have had unprotected sex:


If you feel that you may be pregnant or have an STI, click on the links in the contact section of the page for confidential advice and support in your area.