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Sexuality and Safer sex

Potency and fertility

Regular and frequent use of substances can impair potency and/or fertility.

Substance use can also lead to menstrual irregularities. Periods can become irregular as a result – but pregnancy is still possible. After a longer break from substance use, the cycle can return to normal.

pregnancy

Vomiting and diarrhea – common side effects of psychoactive substances – can impair the effectiveness of the birth control pill. Sex without contraception (such as condoms or the pill) poses a risk of pregnancy. You can get the morning-after pill at any pharmacy – you can get it even if you are under 16. The morning-after pill must be taken as soon as possible (depending on the medication, within a maximum of 72 hours/3 days or 120 hours/5 days).  

​If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not consume any psychoactive substances. In particular, alcohol, ecstasy, amphetamines, or cocaine, but also nicotine, can lead to serious developmental disorders, behavioral problems, or premature births with low birth weight.

Protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Substances can alter your risk assessment. That's why it's especially important: Before using them, consider which protective strategies you will use and discuss them with your sexual partners.

  • HIV: Protect yourself with condoms or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) during anal and vaginal sex. If you have trouble using a condom while under the influence of substances, PrEP would be a good option. Like all medications, PrEP must be taken regularly. Set an alarm on your phone so you don't forget, even during a long session.

  • Hepatitis C: Use only sterile equipment when using the substance. Avoid contact with blood, disinfect sex toys, and wear gloves when fisting (inserting one or two hands into the vagina or anus).

  • Other STIs: You cannot reliably protect yourself against syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, not even with condoms. The best strategy is regular testing. You can find all testing options at https://get-tested.ch . STIs are easily treatable when detected early.

Unprotected sex

If you had vaginal or anal sex with a partner of unknown HIV status without condoms or PrEP, you have put yourself at risk of HIV infection.

  • If you have unprotected sex with a partner from a high-prevalence group (men who have sex with men, people from high-prevalence countries), PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is recommended. This is an emergency HIV treatment that should be started as soon as possible (within 48 hours). If there is a risk, you should not wait but go directly to the nearest hospital. 

  • Practice safer sex for the next six weeks and then get an HIV test. You can find out how and where at https://get-tested.ch

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