Relationships and sexual health
When you're a young person, looking after your health is really important.
It's a new and exciting time when some young people will be having their first relationships, and some might have questions about peer pressure, sex, smoking, drugs or alcohol and the effect it can have on their lives and bodies.
It is also a time of great change on your body and emotions, which can be worrying, especially if you think you are the only one having these feelings.
We know that a good relationship is when you are happy and comfortable and can truly say that you are friends. Just because you may fancy someone or be going out with someone doesn't mean that you must start having sex. It could take you months or even years before you decide you want to take things further and this is perfectly fine.
Remember take it slow, talk a lot with your partner and most importantly listen to your feelings.
Top tips to stay safe, healthy and happy:
Remember:
- before you go out make sure someone knows where you're going and what time you're due home
- try to go out with friends you know and trust and agree to all look out for each other
- try to get to know someone before you think about having sex. If you really like them, organise a second date, playing hard to get will make them fancy you more!
- make sure you sort out your contraception before you become sexually active – remember that different types of contraception suit different people so talk to a healthcare professional to find out which type will suit you (see below for information about local sexual health services)
- if you are thinking about having sex, stock up on condoms, carry them with you at all times and make sure you know how to use them! Remember that condoms are the best way to prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- talk to your partner about using condoms before you get physical
- if you do have sex, make sure that it is because you want to, not because you feel pressured, and always use a condom
- never be afraid to say no to sex
- if you had sex and did not use a condom you are at risk of getting a STI. If you are not on any type of contraception you are also at risk of getting pregnant. To avoid an unplanned pregnancy make sure you get emergency contraception from your local chemist, sexual health clinic or GP. This can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but is more effective the earlier it's taken
- make sure you have a check up to see that you don't have any STIs. Even if you feel fine don't assume you are, a number of infections like chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and HIV often have no signs at all.
Where can I get condoms from?
You can join the Come Correct scheme and get condoms for free from various locations in Lambeth. Come Correct is confidential, which means they won't tell anyone about your visit and once you've met one of their trained advisors and registered, you'll be given a card so that you can pick up condoms every week, wherever you see the Come Correct logo.
You can also pick up condoms from sexual health clinics may be from your GP clinic too.
Reproductive and sexual health clinics
Reproductive and sexual health clinics provide a free and confidential service consisting of walk-ins (no appointment needed) and appointment sessions and offer a full range of sexual health services including:
- pregnancy testing
- STI testing
- different types of contraception including long-acting and emergency contraception
- advice on all sexual health issues
- emotional and relationship support and advice.
Remember that staff at these clinics are fully trained and really friendly and will never judge you, they will just be really impressed that you are taking responsibility for your health. They never ask you embarrassing questions at reception or in front of other people and everything you say is completely confidential.