Connexions BDP

Sexual health

Puberty

As you may have noticed young people's bodies start to go through changes at different ages. Some start at primary school but for many puberty begins at secondary school. Brook website has a useful section called The Facts which explains about these changes.

Sex for the first time

Sometimes it can seem as if everyone’s having sex except you. Only you can decide whether you are ready for sex - don’t let anyone else pressurise you. Just because your friends say they are “doing it” it doesn’t mean they are. If your boyfriend or girlfriend threatens to finish with you, do you really want to go out with someone who is putting you under such pressure?

Safer sex

If you and your partner decide you are ready for a sexual relationship, then there is a lot to think about, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). Discuss what protection you are going to use before the passion takes over.

Condoms

Condoms are the only contraception that provide protection against both pregnancy and STI’s. Be prepared. If you are likely to be in a situation where you may have sex, make sure you’ve got condoms with you. You can get free condoms from lots of places.

Contraception

As well as condoms there are many other types of contraception, which protect against pregnancy only. This includes the combined pill, injectable contraception and the intrauterine device (IUD). These can be used with condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections. Your GP can help you choose the kind of contraception that is best for you and your partner.

Emergency Contraception

If you have had sex without using contraception (or if a condom splits), there are 2 types of emergency contraception that you can use to help prevent pregnancy. Emergency pills must be taken within 3 days (72 hours) but the sooner you take them, the more effective they are. An IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after sex. You can get emergency contraception free of charge from your own GP or from various clinics.

Pregnancy

Signs of pregnancy can include missed periods, tender breasts and feeling or being sick. If you think you may be pregnant it is important to have a pregnancy test as soon as possible.

If you are pregnant, it can be difficult to know what to do. Help and support are available.

Abortion

An abortion (or termination) can be done up to the 24th week of pregnancy. Most usually take place earlier, within 8 weeks of missing a period. If you decide to have an abortion this can be arranged by your GP or a number of other organisations.

Confidentiality

Family planning, health care and GP services are confidential. This means that no one else (not even your parents) will be told about your visit without your permission. This is the case even if you are aged under 16. But if someone you speak to thinks that you are in danger or being abused then that information will need to be passed on to someone to help you - but you would be told about it first.