After years of hard work, it’s finally time to let loose and celebrate. But as fun as schoolies can be, it’s important that you stay safe, including when it comes to sex.

Use condoms

The easiest way to practice safe sex? Use condoms.

Condoms act as a physical barrier, preventing the exchange of bodily fluids that can carry sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

We get it, whipping out a condom while you’re hooking up with someone may not feel very exciting but it’s way better than having unprotected sex and ending up with an STI or unplanned pregnancy. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check the expiry date!

Remember: Condoms are the best way to reduce your risk of STIs and they’re also a reliable form of contraception when used correctly. Win-win!

Get tested

You’ve finished school and exams are the last thing on your mind. But there’s one more (easy) test you should consider, an STI test!

STI testing is the process of running medical tests to check for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s quick, easy, and confidential.

STIs are pretty common and can affect anyone who’s ever had oral, vaginal or anal sex.

They often don’t have no symptoms so the only way to know you have an STI, is to get tested. If left untreated, many STIs can cause long-term health impacts which is why it’s so important to get tested (even if you use condoms).

There are so many different places that offer STI testing in NSW including in person, and telehealth/online options. So, no matter your circumstances, there’s an STI testing service for you.

Remember: Many STIs don’t have symptoms which is why it’s important that you get tested.

Ask for consent

If you meet someone you like at schoolies, it’s important to make sure that they’re having just as much fun as you are.

Consent means getting permission to do something. In the context of sex, it means that everyone involved understands and is comfortable with what’s happening.

Consent can be verbal, such as saying “yes” or expressing pleasure (“that feels good”). It can also be physical, like showing positive body language, touching, or initiating contact.

Consent is all about communication and respect and can be withdrawn at any time – even during sex.

Keep in mind that if someone is drunk, high, unconscious, or asleep, they cannot give legal consent.

Remember: If you’re not sure, ask. There’s nothing wrong with checking in to make sure both of you are on the same page and still want the same thing.

What to do if you had unprotected sex

Consider emergency contraception

If you had unprotected sex that could result in pregnancy (penis – vagina) and are not on another form on contraception, consider whether you need to take emergency contraception, also known as ‘the morning-after pill’ or ‘Plan B’. It can be taken within five days of having unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy, but the sooner you take it, the better. In Australia, you do not need a prescription to get the morning after pill. Simply head to a chemist and ask for it at the pharmacy counter.

Think about taking PEP

If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, consider getting started on PEP as soon as possible. PEP is a medicine you can take after being exposed to HIV to reduce your chance of getting HIV. PEP must be taken within 72 hours after a potential exposure, but the sooner you can start taking PEP, the better.

If you’re not sure if you need to take PEP, you can call the NSW PEP Hotline on 1800 737 669 (1800 PEP NOW) or if it’s after hours, visit your local emergency department for advice.

Get a STI test

It’s a good idea to wait two weeks after having unprotected sex to get an STI test, or sooner if you notice any symptoms. Testing earlier without symptoms may not detect potential infections yet, so waiting a bit ensures more accurate results. Your doctor may also suggest follow-up testing depending on your situation.

If you have any questions about sex or sexual health before you go, while you’re away, or when you get home, you can always speak to our sexual health nurse team for free (1800 451 624 or online). It’s 100% anonymous and trust us—there’s nothing they haven’t heard before.