Sexual Health

Sex and relationships are deeply connected for many people, and both should be based on trust, respect, and understanding. Healthy relationships provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of security.

What Makes a Healthy Relationship?

A healthy relationship is built on mutual care and understanding. It should include:

• Open and Honest Communication – Being able to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns freely with your partner is essential. Good communication helps build trust and prevents misunderstandings.
• Respect for Each Other’s Boundaries – Each person should feel comfortable expressing their boundaries and know that their partner will respect them.
• Mutual Trust and Support – A strong relationship is one where both people can rely on and encourage each other without feeling controlled.
• Equality and Fairness – No one should feel like they have more power in the relationship than the other. Decisions, including those about sex, should be made together.
• Enjoying Time Together and Apart – A healthy relationship allows both individuals to have personal interests, hobbies, and friendships outside of the relationship without jealousy or control.

How to Talk About Sex in a Relationship

If you're considering having sex in a relationship, it’s important to talk about it with your partner first. Here’s how to approach the conversation:

• Choose the Right Time and Place – Make sure you’re both comfortable and not feeling rushed.
• Be Honest About Your Feelings – Share any worries, expectations, or thoughts about sex.
• Discuss Contraception and Protection – Talk about how to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancy together.
• Respect Each Other’s Boundaries – If one person isn’t ready, that should be accepted without pressure.
• Talk About Consent – Make sure both partners understand that consent is essential every time and can be withdrawn at any moment.

Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Not all relationships are healthy. If you feel uncomfortable, pressured, or controlled, it may be time to seek help. Some warning signs include:

• Feeling pressured or forced into sex or other activities you’re uncomfortable with.
• Being made to feel guilty or manipulated for saying no.
• Feeling scared or afraid of how your partner will react if you disagree or make a different choice.
• Your partner isolating you from friends and family or controlling where you go and who you talk to.
• Constant criticism or put-downs that make you feel bad about yourself.
• Lack of respect for your boundaries and repeated attempts to change your mind about decisions you've already made.

What to Do If You Feel Unsafe

If you feel unsafe in a relationship or suspect that you are being pressured or controlled, you are not alone. Help is available:

• Talk to a trusted friend, teacher, family member, or counsellor.
• Contact organisations like Childline (0800 1111) or Brook for confidential advice and support.
• If you feel in immediate danger, call 999 for help.

You deserve to be in a relationship that makes you feel safe, valued, and respected. No one should ever feel pressured into sex or any other activity they are not comfortable with.

Consent means freely and willingly agreeing to engage in any sexual activity. It is an ongoing process, meaning that just because someone has consented once does not mean they will again in the future.

Key Points About Consent:

• Consent must be given enthusiastically – If someone is hesitant, unsure, or silent, that is not consent.
• Consent can be withdrawn at any time – Even if sex has already started, anyone can change their mind and say no.
• Consent must be given without pressure or influence – If someone is pressured, threatened, or coerced, their consent is not valid.
• Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can affect consent – If someone is too intoxicated to make a clear decision, they cannot legally consent.

The Law in the UK:

• The legal age of consent is 16 years old, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
• Under 13s cannot legally consent to any sexual activity under any circumstances.
• If someone is under 16 and their partner is over 18, it may be illegal and could be considered a crime.
• Sex without consent is legally classified as rape or sexual assault, regardless of gender.
• Sharing, receiving, or possessing sexual images or videos of someone under 18 is illegal, even if the images were self-taken (this includes sending nudes).

How to Talk About Consent

Consent is a normal and necessary part of any sexual relationship. To ensure both partners feel safe and comfortable, try:

• Asking “Are you okay with this?” or “Do you want to keep going?”
• Respecting your partner’s response without trying to persuade them.
• Being aware of body language and non-verbal cues—silence is not consent.
• Reassuring your partner that they can say no at any time, and that it will be respected.

What to Do If Consent Is Violated

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, harassment, or any situation where consent was not given, support is available:

• Rape Crisis UK – Offers confidential support for survivors of sexual violence.
• Childline (0800 1111) – Provides free, confidential advice for young people.
• Victim Support (0808 168 9111) – Helps individuals affected by crime, including sexual offences.
• Police – If you are in immediate danger, dial 999.

Contraception helps prevent pregnancy and protects against STIs. There are various options, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and health needs. It’s important to use contraception correctly to ensure effectiveness.

Types of Contraception:

• Male and Female Condoms – Condoms provide protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are easily accessible and available for free in many locations.
• The Combined Pill – This pill contains oestrogen and progestogen and must be taken daily. It is highly effective when used correctly but does not protect against STIs.
• The Progestogen-Only Pill – An alternative to the combined pill, this is suitable for those who cannot take oestrogen. It requires strict daily intake to be effective.
• The Contraceptive Implant – A small rod inserted under the skin in the upper arm that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. It lasts up to 3 years and is over 99% effective.
• The Contraceptive Injection – This injection prevents ovulation and needs to be repeated every 8-12 weeks. It is highly effective but does not protect against STIs.
• The IUD (Copper Coil) – A small, hormone-free device inserted into the uterus that prevents pregnancy for 5-10 years.
• The IUS (Hormonal Coil) – Similar to the IUD, but it releases hormones to prevent pregnancy and can last 3-5 years.
• The Contraceptive Patch – A small patch worn on the skin that releases hormones similar to the pill. It is replaced weekly.
• The Vaginal Ring – A flexible ring inserted into the vagina, releasing hormones over 3 weeks before being replaced.

If you have had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed (e.g., a condom broke), emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy.

• The Morning After Pill – This should be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex and is effective up to 3-5 days after.
• The IUD (Copper Coil) – This is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.

Emergency contraception is available for free from sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and some pharmacies.

How to Access Contraception

• GP Surgeries – Provide free contraception advice and prescriptions.
• Sexual Health Clinics – Offer free contraception, STI testing, and confidential advice.
• Pharmacies – Provide emergency contraception and some methods of birth control.
• The C-Card Scheme – Offers free condoms and sexual health advice to young people under 25.

The C-Card Scheme

The C-Card scheme is a free and confidential service that provides young people with access to condoms and sexual health advice.

How Does It Work?

• You sign up for a C-Card at a participating GP, pharmacy, or sexual health clinic.
• Once registered, you can collect free condoms and sexual health information from various locations that accept the card.
• Some areas also provide additional support, including STI testing and advice on relationships and contraception.

Who Can Use It?

• Available for young people under 25 years old.
• It is completely confidential – your parents or guardians won’t be informed.
• No judgment – trained professionals will help answer any questions you have.

The C-Card scheme ensures that young people have easy, discreet, and free access to condoms and accurate sexual health information. To find out if the service is available in your area, check with your local NHS sexual health services or visit a nearby participating pharmacy or clinic.

All contraception is free through the NHS, and discussing options with a healthcare professional can help find the best method for you.

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs have symptoms, while others may not show any signs, making regular testing important.

Common STIs and Their Symptoms

Understanding different STIs can help you recognize the signs and seek treatment early.

• Chlamydia – Often has no symptoms, but can cause pain when urinating, unusual discharge, and, if untreated, serious reproductive issues.
• Gonorrhoea – May cause pain when urinating, abnormal discharge, and can lead to complications if untreated.
• Syphilis – Can start with painless sores, but if untreated, can lead to severe health problems over time.
• Genital Herpes – Causes painful blisters and sores, but symptoms can come and go.
• HIV – A virus that weakens the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – Some strains cause genital warts, while others can increase the risk of cervical and other cancers.
• Trichomoniasis – A parasitic infection that can cause itching, discomfort, and unusual discharge.

How STIs Are Transmitted

STIs are most commonly spread through:

• Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Sharing sex toys without properly cleaning them or using a new condom for each person.
• Skin-to-skin contact (some STIs like herpes and HPV can be transmitted this way).
• Pregnancy or childbirth (some STIs can pass from a mother to her baby).

How to Protect Yourself from STIs

• Use condoms every time you have sex.
• Get tested regularly, especially if you have a new partner or multiple partners.
• Avoid sharing sex toys, or clean them properly and use fresh condoms.
• Limit the number of sexual partners and communicate about STI testing.
• Get vaccinated – The HPV vaccine can protect against strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

STI Testing – When and Where to Get Tested

Regular STI testing is important because many infections do not have symptoms. You should get tested if:

• You have had unprotected sex.
• You have symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain during sex or urination, sores, or itching.
• Your partner has tested positive for an STI.
• You are starting a new relationship and want to check your sexual health.

Where to Get Tested:

• Sexual health clinics – Offer free and confidential STI testing.
• GP surgeries – Some GPs provide STI testing.
• Pharmacies – Some offer STI tests or self-testing kits.
• Online home testing kits – Available in some areas for free or for purchase.

Treatment for STIs

Many STIs are easily treatable with antibiotics or antiviral medication. If left untreated, some can cause long-term health problems, such as infertility or increased risk of other infections. Seeking treatment early can prevent complications and protect your health.

What to Do If You Test Positive for an STI

• Don’t panic – Many STIs are treatable.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s advice – Complete any prescribed treatment and attend follow-up appointments if needed.
• Inform your partner(s) – They may need to be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
• Avoid sexual activity until treatment is complete – This helps prevent spreading the infection.

STIs are nothing to be ashamed of – they are common, and testing and treatment are widely available. The key is to stay informed, take precautions, and seek help if needed.

Teenage pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience, but support is available. If you think you might be pregnant, the first step is to take a pregnancy test. Free pregnancy tests are available from sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, some pharmacies, and organisations like Brook.

Signs of Pregnancy

• Missed period (although some people may still experience bleeding)
• Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Frequent urination
• Changes in appetite or cravings

If you suspect you are pregnant, taking a test as soon as possible will help you explore your options.

What Are Your Options?

If you are pregnant, you have several choices:

• Continue the pregnancy and become a parent – Support is available for teenage parents, including financial aid, housing, and parenting advice.
• Adoption – If you do not feel ready to raise a child, you can carry the pregnancy to term and place the baby for adoption.
• Abortion – A legal and safe option in the UK, available up to 24 weeks in most cases. Some exceptions allow later abortions if there is a risk to your health.

Where to Get Help and Advice

Making a decision about pregnancy is personal, and you should never feel pressured into making a choice you are not comfortable with. Support services are available to help you explore your options and provide non-judgmental guidance:

• Brook (www.brook.org.uk) – Confidential advice and support for young people.
• bpas (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) (www.bpas.org) – Information on abortion services and pregnancy options.
• NHS Sexual Health Services (www.nhs.uk/sexual-health) – Medical advice and referrals for pregnancy care.
• Family Planning Association (FPA) – Offers guidance on pregnancy and sexual health.

Teenage Parenthood – What to Expect

If you choose to continue with the pregnancy, there are resources and support networks designed for young parents:

• Health and Social Care Support – Midwives, doctors, and health visitors can provide medical care and parenting advice.
• Financial Support – You may be eligible for benefits, such as Child Benefit, Universal Credit, and the Sure Start Maternity Grant.
• Education Support – Schools and colleges have policies to help teenage parents continue their education.

Pregnancy at a young age can be challenging, but help is available. Talking to a trusted adult, GP, or counsellor can help you navigate this important decision.