However some age groups are more at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or unplanned pregnancy including those under 25. This is often due to a lack of information or experience with respect to sexual activity, getting tested or using contraception – the best way to reduce these risks is to get the right information…
The Internet can be a wonderful place however it can often include information that is untrue, unhelpful (or even scary) when searching for help about sexual health concerns.
Read the information below and then follow the links to some great trusted websites that have a lot (a lot!) of information about maintaining a happy and healthy sex life.
If you are sexually active (having sexual contact of any type with someone else) it is important to get tested for STIs.
Reasons not to avoid a test:
It’s sensible to test every time you change sexual partners or regularly if your partner has other partners.
STI testing is very normal and worth talking to your partner about to find out when you both had your last check up.
Don’t wait until you are in a situation where you need contraception (condoms, the pill, the morning after pill etc.) before you think about how to prevent a pregnancy that you or your partner aren’t ready for.
Thinking about contraception before you have sex does not mean you have to have sex but it does mean that if you chose to have sex with a partner you will be ready.
There are loads of different types of contraception – some are more effective than others, some last longer than others, some suit one person but not another person etc. etc. – it’s best to have a read about all the different types and then to speak to a healthcare professional about the couple of options you like the sound of to see which might be the best fit for you – and if you don’t get on with your chosen method (you forget, you don’t like a side effect, you change your mind and want something that lasts longer) then healthcare professionals will always be happy to help you alter your method and make sure this happens without leaving you at the risk of an accidental pregnancy.
Happy and healthy sexual activity can’t happen if one partner is not consenting to the activity – i.e. they aren’t able to freely say yes…
Consent should be given every time sexual activity occurs and should be given throughout the activity. Having sex once doesn’t mean you have to have sex another time, being ok with an activity once doesn’t mean your partner will want to do the same thing next time…
Common reasons that consent isn’t given for sexual activity when it should be:
The websites below give great information on so many more topics so click through and browse – then if you have ANY questions about anything you have read or are experiencing (however embarrassing you may think it will be to discuss) call your local sexual health service and ask to speak to a healthcare professional who will be happy and willing to answer your questions.
We have altered the way we work. Please call the clinic before travelling to see us. If you attend the service without an appointment we will assess your need for emergency care and immediate safety and then assist you to book a future appointment.