Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
For instance there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it’s important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.
Useful Resources:
Sex & Young People
A comprehensive guide to the questions you may have about sex from the NHS
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Issues, symptoms and treatments
Sexual Health FAQs
Expert answers from a qualified Doctor
FPA – The Sexual Health Charity
Netdoctor
Here you’ll find tips for a fulfilling sex life plus advice on STDs, contraception and common sex problems.
Sexual health advice and information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy.
Contraception
There are so many different types of contraception available that you should be able to find the right method. You may have to try several different things before you choose the one you like most.
Types of contraception
Combined pill
Diaphragm or cap
Female condoms
Implant
Injection
IUD (coil)
IUS (hormonal coil)
Male condoms
Natural family planning
Patch
Progestogen-only pill
Vaginal ring
Female sterilisation
Vasectomy (male sterilisation)
If you need contraception, call your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Only go in person if you’re told to.
You’ll usually have a phone or video consultation. You’ll get an electronic prescription you can use to collect your contraception from a pharmacy or get it delivered.
It can take longer to get contraception at the moment and some types are not widely available.
You’ll be told about other types you can use if you’re unable to get the type you want.
Visit the NHS website below for their full guide on contraception.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/
Where do you get contraception?
You can get contraception free of charge, even if you’re under 16, from:
- contraception clinics
- sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics
- some GP surgeries
- some young people’s services
If you’re under 16
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won’t tell your parents or carer, as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given and the decisions you’re making.
Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won’t make you.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
Find out more about sex, contraception and young people.
Useful Resources
NetDoctor
A Family Planning specialist writes about the different types of contraception, the benefits and pitfalls and how effective they are
Contraception – NHS Choices
Information on Contraception from NHS Choices including why, when and how it should be used and with links to other useful resources.
Hormonal Contraception
This factsheet is for women who are taking hormonal contraceptives, or who would like information about them.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection among under 25s. Often there are no symptoms, but testing and treatment are simple.
Causes and risk factors Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by sharing sex toys. It can live inside cells of the cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes in the throat and eyes.
Useful Links
NHS Choices – focus on Chlamydia
Information, videos and advice from the NHS website
Chlamydia
This factsheet is for people who have chlamydia, or who would like information about it.
HIV and AIDS Prevention
These links take you to local and NHS resources and advice regarding HIV and AIDS prevention (PREP).
If you think there’s a chance you could have HIV seek medical advice immediately. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the earlier you can start treatment and avoid becoming seriously ill.
Some HIV tests may need to be repeated 1-3 months after exposure to HIV infection, but you shouldn’t wait this long to seek help.
Your GP or a sexual health professional can talk to you about having a test and discuss whether you should take emergency HIV medication.
Anti-HIV medication called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may stop you becoming infected if taken within 72 hours of being exposed to the virus.
Read more about treating HIV.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
