What happens at Registration?

So you want free condoms and lubes and you know where to go to get them so what’s next?

Well, first of all make sure you’ve got plenty of time to go through the registration because it takes between 30-45 minutes; however, if you want more information it can take longer!

Key things to remember:

• This is your chance to ask all those questions about sex and sexual health.
• Don’t rush it, use the time to your advantage -, this is your time!
• The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask and wish you had!!
• However, don’t worry if you get home and think "Oh I wish I’d asked...," come back and ask it!
• It’s not just about your one and ONLY opportunity, it’s about support and advice in the future, too.

So the registration, firstly, you will be told about confidentiality. You will be told it is a confidential service and that what is discussed will not be told to anyone, including your parents, teachers and others.

Why we would need to break Confidentiality:

Confidentiality will ONLY be broken if the worker feels you or someone else is at risk from serious harm. The worker will work with you to protect you in the future.

If you are under 16 you will be asked a few more questions. The worker will not automatically inform anyone about this or break your confidence unless he/she feels you are at risk from abuse, just the same as for anyone joining the scheme. However, because the legal age for sex in the UK is 16 if you are under 16 we need to talk to you about some things to ensure you are not being forced to do something you don’t want to. Check out young people and the law for more details.

Discussing sex and relationships

So long as you’ve no problems that need to be dealt with the worker will have a chat with you about sex.

• Are you having sex?
• Are you thinking about having sex?
• Is the thought of sex worrying you and you just want honest answers from someone?
• Are you worried that the stuff you hear from your mates isn’t quite true but don’t know who to ask?
• Do you want to have sex or are your mates having sex and you think you should too?
• Have you had sex and didn’t enjoy it but feel you have to now you’ve started?
• Do you want to wait to have sex but don’t know how to discuss this with your partner?
• Have you had sex and want to wait to have sex again but don’t know how to discuss this with your partner?
• Do you want to have sex or is someone forcing you?

Answer "yes" to any of the above questions? Discuss it during the registration!

Next you’ll have a chat about STIs, HIV, pregnancy and any other worries you may have. Remember, if it’s bugging you, ask it!!

How to use a condom correctly

Next, so you think you know how to put a condom on? Condoms break for a reason and it’s usually down to poor technique. So whether you know already or leave it to someone else, you will be shown how to put one on a plastic demonstrator and you will be expected to practice what you’re shown. Don’t be embarrassed; if it’s going to break better it breaks on the demonstrator than during sex. Practice makes perfect, so they say!! Check out "How to put a condom on."

Lubricants, (Lubes.)

The worker will chat to you about what lubes are and how to use them. If you’ve heard about them before, I bet you’ve got some thoughts about what they’re for but I can promise you, you’re going to be surprised, they’re not just for what you’re thinking, they can be so much more fun!! Check out: "All about Lubes."

Drugs and alcohol

You will be reminded of the higher risk of unsafe sex, (sex without a condom) if/when you use alcohol or drugs, so be aware of this. Always carry condoms with you-, it doesn’t make you look "easy" it makes you look responsible! Check out "Drug/alcohol Information." for more information.

C-Card Sites

You will be given a leaflet with useful information about condom/lube use and services in Nottingham. You will be told where your nearest C-Card point is if it’s different to the one you’re registering at and how many condoms & lubes you’ll be given. Check out "List of Registration & Pick Up Points" for your nearest site.

What to do if a condom breaks or you forget to use one?

You will be told what to do if a condom breaks or if you didn’t use one for emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Check out Sexual Health Advice for more information and Services in Nottingham for where to go.

Contraception

You will be told about the "Double Dutch" method. This is when you use a long-term form of contraception, e.g. the pill, with a condom.

If you are a guy having sex with a woman, it’s an idea to have a chat with her about her method of contraception, if she has one, and what to do/where to go if she hasn’t and doesn’t want to get pregnant.

If you are a woman having sex with a male partner and you don’t want to get pregnant you need to think about a longer-term form of contraception.

Remember, whatever contraception is chosen, you should still use condoms, as well. Condoms are the only way to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

You will be told about specialist services where you can get all sorts of contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Check out Services in Nottingham for details.

Finally you will be advised to come back to see any worker in the future for advice. Some details will be taken to register you onto the scheme and you will be given a C-Card with your number on it.

Whether you are gay or straight, male or female, C-Card is for you!

Girls, you should know how to use condoms and lubes properly as well as boys.

If you’re thinking "I don’t need to know as I’m a girl who only has sex with other girls" well think again, ladies - condoms should be used on sex toys if you are sharing them so you still need to know!!

Welcome to the C-Card Scheme!!