Dear Josie

Firstly, I would recommend that both you and your partner have a sexual health check as a doctor will need to check out whether your boyfriend has genital warts.  Genital warts are painless growths or bumps most often seen on or around the genitals.  They are caused by a group of viruses call human papilloma viruses (HPV).  Genital warts can be passed on by skin to skin contact.  This means that if your boyfriend does have warts they can easily be passed on to you during sex, even through oral sex, and a condom will only help if it covers all of the warts.

It is great that you have decided to use contraception to help prevent unplanned pregnancy, but it is important to remember that the implant does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI's).  Condoms are the only form of contraception that can help protect against STI's.  A sexual health check will make sure you are both free from sexually transmitted infections.

If your boyfriend does have genital warts, there are a whole range of ways to get rid of the visible warts but it is important that both you and your partner get checked out by a doctor.

Best wishes
The CbyC Advocacy team.

Scenario Three:

Dear CbyC
I have been going out with my boyfriend for about 3 months and I am thinking about having sex with him.  My boyfriend has told me that he won't wear a condom because he is allergic to them.  I have been told that condoms are the only way to stop STI's but I don't know what to do if he can't wear them.  What should I do?
Kelly, Townsville.

Dear Kelly,

It might be good idea for your boyfriend to get allergy tested (if he hasn't been already) to find out if he is allergic to the latex, the spermicide or the lubricant that is used in condoms.  Once you know what he is allergic to, you can find an alternative.  There are condoms you can get that are made out of polyurethane, which are a good alternative for people who can't use latex ones.  There are also female condoms available that are made out of polyurethane.  Some women prefer to use these because it gives them a bit more control of contraception.  You can get both types from Family Planning Queensland.

When used correctly, condoms can help stop the spread of STI's and prevent unintended pregnancy but they are not 100% effective.  Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to stop STI's.  It is a good idea for both you and your partner to get a  sexual health check before you decide to have sex and then to have them regularly after you start having sex.  This means that any infections are detected early and can be treated or managed.

You might also like to check out the fact sheets on the different contraception options available to you.

Best wishes,
The CbyC Advocacy team

I am 15 and my boyfriend and I have been deciding whether to have sex but I would like to go on the pill first.  My friend told me that I would need my parent's permission first but I don't think I can talk to them about this.  Do I have to tell them?

Lou, Cleveland

Dear Lou

Under Australian Law, a doctor can provide contraception under the age of 16, without parental agreement if they think that you are mature enough.  Even if they refuse (and many don't) they still have to keep your visit confidential and can't tell your parents.  You can also try going to a clinic (Family Planning QLD) if you don't feel comfortable going to your doctor.  There is always the option of buying condoms as well or instead.  You can get them from clinic, chemists, petrol stations, supermarkets and vending machines in toilets.

It is also important to remember that the contraceptive pill will not protect you against STI's so it would probably be a good idea to either use condoms as well or for you both to get a sexual health check up (if you have had sex before).

If you would like to know more information about different contraception options you can check out the fact sheets.

Best wishes
CbyC Advocacy team