Who can I talk to?
To talk about sexual health or
contraception, make an appointment
with your GP or visit a local
contraceptive and sexual health
service where you can make an
appointment, or visit a drop-in clinic,
(where you can just turn up).
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You can also ask your pharmacist
for advice, or visit www.nhs.uk/
worthtalkingabout
Remember anything you discuss
with a doctor or nurse is confidential,
even if you are under 16, so don’t be
embarrassed to ask questions - they
talk to people about sexual health all
the time.
My girlfriend and I didn’t use
a condom last night. Can we
get emergency contraception
and a chlamydia test here, too?
I’ve heard that untreated
chlamydia could stop me having
children. Can I get a test here?
What should I say?
There are lots of things to think about
when it comes to sexual health and
contraception. Sometimes it can
be hard to know where to start and
which question to ask first. We’ve
pulled together some conversation
starters over the next few pages to
help get you on the right track...
Condoms. Worth talking about
I work shifts. Can
you recommend a type of
contraception I won’t forget
to take?
I saw the chlamydia posters in
your waiting room, can I have a
test today?
My girlfriend’s on
the pill but what are our
other options?
I was thinking about
getting a contraceptive implant.
How long does it last?
If you want to protect you and
your partner against STIs as well as
pregnancy then use a condom as
well as your chosen contraception.
Carrying a condom is a simple way
to show you’re in control and ready
to take care of your health when you
have sex.
Whatever your age, even if you’re
under 16, you can get free condoms
on the NHS. Visit www.nhs.uk/
worthtalkingabout to find out more.
Remember that having the
confidence to say what you want is
attractive, and that includes being
able to say ‘no’.
A young person’s guide
07/04/2011 11:54:35
Sex. Worth Talking About is a
campaign designed to help you
get the information you want about
sexual health, relationships and
contraception.
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By making it easier to talk to your
friends, family, partners, doctors and
nurses, teachers or youth leaders you
can make the right choices and look
after your health and well being.
There are 15
different methods of
contraception and they
are all free on the NHS.
Make an appointment with your GP,
practice nurse or local contraception
and sexual health service.
Emergency hormonal contraception
is not a substitute for a regular,
reliable contraceptive.
Find details of your local services on
www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout.
Anything you discuss with a doctor
or nurse is confidential, even if you’re
under 16. They won’t judge you or tell
anyone but they will be able to talk to
you and help you decide which method
of contraception works best for you and
your partner.
I’m going travelling.
Is there any contraception I
can take that will last the whole
year?
My girlfriend’s on the
pill but I want to be protected
against STIs. Do you know where
I can get free condoms from?
Chlamydia is the most
commonly diagnosed
sexually transmitted
infection (STI) in under
25s. Most people don’t know they’ve
got it as it’s often symptomless.
Everyone under 25 may be offered a
confidential chlamydia test as part of
a national programme.
Testing on the NHS is free, simple
and painless - you can do the test
yourself.
If you are under 25 and sexually
active, take a chlamydia test at least
once a year, as if left untreated,
chlamydia can cause health problems.
I get really heavy periods.
Is there a contraceptive that
will make them lighter?
Contact your local services at:
I’ve heard that a chlamydia test
only takes a few minutes to do.
Can I get one here?
07/04/2011 11:54:36