Skip to content

Grass stains aren't all you'll have to worry about if you get frisky in a field.

Sex life

Contraception in a field

Grass stains aren't all you'll have to worry about.

If there's even the slightest chance you'll be getting it on with a new partner, take some condoms and save yourself time, stress, and money. And ladies, having some in your purse doesn't mean that you're a sleazy slut, it means you care about your health. Even if you don't get lucky yourself, you can be the kind person who lends a few to a grateful friend.

Pack for fun

Condoms are the best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. If you buy them before you go, then they're already in your rucksack, which makes throwing caution to the wind a bit less likely. Store away from heat and direct sunlight to avoid damage. Anything oil-based can weaken them too, so don't be tempted to use Vaseline, body lotion, or moisturiser as a lubricant.

If you need condoms while you're at the festival, they'll be readily available from site stores. Most festivals also have people giving them out for free. If possible only use ones with a British Standard's kite mark or European safety logo on the packet.

Pill popping

Women on the pill should remember to take enough tablets with them to last the festival. Yes, that's easy to say when you're not doing that last-minute packing. If you get sickness or diarrhoea, which is not so unlikely with festival food and all that warm cider you'll be quaffing, use condoms for the next few days, as the pill won't work.

Emergency contraception

If you do have unprotected sex, for example if the condom slips off, then it's important to think about emergency contraception. The post-coital pill (PCP or morning-after pill) is effective at preventing pregnancy for up to 72 hours after you had sex, but the sooner it's taken, the better.

Don't cross your fingers and hope for the best. Go to the medical tent and ask for some advice about what's available. You may be able to temporarily register with a nearby GP who can give you a prescription, or go to the closest casualty department.