use a condom, there's no problem

But if we use a condom, there's no problem right?

It's very easy to go on about the very real physical consequences of casual sex such as pregnancy, STDs and HIV but casual sex can also have emotional repercussions. People often think that as casual sex doesn't have the emotional ties that a long-term relationship does, there is less chance of getting hurt emotionally.
With casual sex you need to think not just about physical harm but emotional harm also.
Casual sex offers only a moment of emotional intimacy. It does not provide the trusting and meaningful ties that you get with someone from being in a serious relationship.
It has been seen in various studies that not having these close emotional bonds and only pursuing casual encounters with various partners can lead to signs of depression and low self-esteem, especially amongst young women.¹
Important skills are not developed, like trust and communication. There is security and less anxiety in long term relationships, where each partner makes the other feel more valued.

If you wait until you are in love, it will be a much better experience."Dawn

After a while people who have been in casual sex relationships may not feel worthy of being loved in long term relationships, they are used to being abandoned or moving on after a short period of time and therefore can lack the skills and faith in themselves that are needed to have a long term relationship.²
Another study showed that while most young people evaluated their early sexual experiences positively, those who had less control over their sexual encounters were more likely to have negative experiences.³ Basically, if you have lots of casual sex with random people you are more likely to have bad experiences and the sex wont be as good as it would if it was with someone special.

"It was the worst experience of my life. I felt like I was missing a part of me. I didn't love her. Not at all. It was horrible."Jeremy

A look at our 'first time' stories will give you an idea of what some of the emotional consequences can be when you're just having sex for the sake of it. The stories on there are not edited at all in what they say and are the only ones we receive. A lot seem to echo a general feeling of emptiness and regret, something that applies to not only first time experiences but also casual sex in general.

Have Confidence. Have Respect.

These are some useful things that would be worth thinking about if you want to remain active, healthy and having sex!

Respect yourself and respect your body

• Only you can do this.
• Unprotected sex will put your body at risk.
• The risks involved can have very serious consequences.

Respect others you meet

• Make sure you are in it for the same reasons as each other.
• Make sure all involved are happy with the situation.
• Think not just about your emotions but the other person's also.

Have the confidence to make the right choices

• Don't do anything that you don't want to do.
• If you're not comfortable with something don't do it.
• Protect yourself; be confident enough to suggest using a condom.

If you follow these simple suggestions you are more likely to be able to continue having fun and enjoyment.

You make the choice

This page is not here to dictate to people how to live their lives, but is here to provide information.
Casual sex can be risky, to not only a person's physical health but to their mental health also. People who have casual sex need to take these things into account when making decisions regarding their sex lives and personal health.