Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
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Growing up and being a teenager is difficult, and no issue seems to cause more anxiety than the subject of sex.
Everyone seems to be talking about it. Everyone seems to be doing it. Everyone seems to be enjoying it… but you.
The fact is that a lot of what you hear from other young people is myth and legend. It’s quite common for your mates to tell tales in order to sound sexually experienced; you’ve probably done it as well. It’s normal, but not helpful. Sex can be a stressful and sometimes scary thing, and it’s difficult to know when you are ready. There is no right and wrong way to feel, and it is always okay to wait for the right time. If you do start to have a sexual relationship, it is very important you look after your sexual health.
When you decide to have sex, there’s the possibility of pregnancy, catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia, or both. If you have had unprotected sex and think you might have an STI, you can use this symptom checker.
Whoever you’re thinking of having sex with, it’s important to talk about contraception and condoms before you have sex. Both of you have a responsibility to have this conversation.
If you need sexual health advice and support, you can find out more about times and locations of drop in services from the following:
You can always talk to your school nurse in confidence or ask for advice via our texting service. It’s discreet and quick, and it only takes one message to start making a difference.
Our working hours are Monday to Friday, 9am-4,30pm (excluding weekends and bank holidays). Your message will be seen during those times, and we aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours. If you need help urgently, you should contact your doctor, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call 111. If it is an emergency, dial 999 or visit A&E. Click here for more information: bit.ly/ChatHealthPrivacy.
