Sexual Health
If you decide to have sex, it is important that it is your decision. No one should pressure you to have sex. Only you can say 'yes'. This is also called giving consent. For a thorough guide about consent and all aspects of having safe and positive sex, you might want to visit the following websites:
It is also important to make sure that you get contraceptive advice to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Use the grey drop-down menus below to find out about getting sexual health support in Gloucestershire.
How to get contraception
Contraception prevents unwanted pregnancy. It is important to use contraception if you have sex and do not wish to become a parent. You can find good explanations of the different types of contraception available using the Sexwise Guide to Contraception.
There are lots of ways to get hold of contraception, including:
- Your GP
- Your local pharmacy
- Any sexual health clinic
- Your school and college nurses
- The C-Card scheme (this provides free condoms for young people through participating GP surgeries)
Protecting against STIs
To protect yourself from an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) you should always use a barrier method of contraception: this is a condom or femidom. Other types of contraception, such as the pill, do not protect against infection, so you should use a condom or femidom as well. To find out more about STIs, visit these useful explanations on Health for Teens.
How to get an STI test?
As a general rule, you should have an STI test:
- Every time you have had sex with someone new
- Or every three months
- Or every year, if you’re in an exclusive relationship.
You can have an STI test at a Sexual Health Clinic (Hope House) or at your GP surgery or you can use a home testing kit if you don’t have any symptoms. If you have any symptoms of an STI, you shouldn’t use a home test kit and should see a healthcare professional.
STI tests are simple and may involve a urine (wee) sample into a tube, taking a vaginal swab (you can do this yourself) or possibly a blood test. All tests are free through NHS services. During your appointment, the Sexual Health Adviser or clinician will explain how you will get your results. For more information about STI testing in Gloucestershire, visit the Hope House website.
Where to get support for my sexual health
Hope House is the name of the NHS service that provides sexual health services across Gloucestershire. You can access confidential services at one of their clinics – even if you are under 16 years old. To make an appointment, contact them by phone by calling: 0300 421 6500.