Sexual Health

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
• Netdoctor
  Here you’ll find tips for a fulfilling sex life plus advice on STDs, contraception and common sex problems.

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

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
    Information on Contraception from NHS Choices including why, when and how it should be used and with links to other useful resources.

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 – focus on Chlamydia Information, videos and advice from the NHS website