The World Health Organization WHO defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality - it is not just the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. Sex is a normal and natural part of human life, but can have unintended consequences.
Sex without using contraception can put you at risk of pregnancy at any time during the menstrual cycle. The Very Brief Intervention section below is targeted towards starting conversations about sexual health and supporting access to further information and services. The Local Support and Contact Details section lists sexual health services that are available throughout the region. It just about starting the conversation with those people that might need some additional information, helping them to access this information, and signposting to services that can provide more support.
Can I talk with you about relationships and sexual health? Do you know how to take care of your sexual health? Are you worried about pregnancy after unprotected sex, that is sexual activity without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed? You can use emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex.
Emergency contraception is more effective at preventing pregnancy the earlier it is used. But emergency contraception is not as effective as using other methods of routine contraception. If you have symptoms you should get an STI test. Some community pharmacies can provide emergency contraceptive pills for free there may be age restrictions , or they can be bought from community pharmacies. Details of which pharmacies provide free emergency contraception can usually be found on local sexual health services websites β see links below.
Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different types of contraception from methods that you use when having sex to methods that last for years. The full range is available free from sexual health services, free contraception is also available from GP Practices may not offer all types and some types from some community pharmacies.
