Equal, respectful relationships and having access to services and information, are an important part of sexual health. Sexual health risks include the risk of unplanned pregnancy and the risks of getting a sexually transmitted infection. People MAY take more risks when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Sexual Health
Why is Sexual Health Important?
Key Points for Safer Sex
Sex is a natural and positive aspect of any intimate relationship but it is important to keep yourself and the other person safe. Here are some points that may help with doing this:
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Contraception
Don't take chances with your sexual health. Always use condoms and oral dams and practice safer sex. Contraception is a way for you to protect you and your partner against STIs and also from becoming pregnant. There are many different forms of contraception including Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). It's about finding the best one for you and your lifestyle. For more information about LARC see the section below. If you need support or advice around contraception message Jess or El, or your local sexual health clinic. See further information about opening times and venues in the who else can help section.
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Communication
Communication is key when it comes to having sex as this will make the experience enjoyable for all as you are ensuring you are both ready for this stage. Recognise what is and is not a good relationship. Don’t allow others to take advantage of you in any way. If you’re not ready for sex or decide to stop or not to go through with having sex then don’t feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to. Remember choosing to not be in a relationship or waiting for the right person to time is a responsible, positive and acceptable decision to have. If your partner cares for you then they should respect your feelings.
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Consent
Consent is the most important part of sex as this is mandatory!
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Emergency Hormonal Contraception
If you’ve had unprotected sex or your regular contraception fails and you require Emergency Hormonal Contraception then go to a service that can help you as soon as possible. Even though EHC can work up to 5 days after unprotected sex it’s always best to go sooner rather than later for it to be more successful. This is also a good time to get a sexual health check and further sexual health advice. For more information go to our Emergency Contraception | Think Knowsley page.
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Testing
Testing in relationships or when sexually active is important as it keeps everyone safe. Lots of STIs don’t have symptoms making them easier to transmit. This is a free, quick and simple offer, so it is best to get checked regularly. If you’re worried about sexually transmitted infections or for the best advice message Jess or El, or your local sexual health clinic. See further information about opening times and venues in the who else can help section.
Who Else Can Help?
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Contraception is available in various forms from the regular pill, which has to be taken each day to reliable long acting reversible contraceptive options (LARC) such as the implant, contraceptive injection and / or IUS / IUD or coil. All LARC’s have the benefit of being 99% effective and once in place take away the need to think about them until they need replacing or reversing.
LARC Options
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Implant
The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible stick that is around 4cm long, it requires a small procedure to insert and remove it. This device is placed in the upper arm and its just under the skin.
When the implant in inserted it will release progestogen hormone, similar to the natural hormone that ovaries already produce. This stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in ovulation. the implant also makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
The implant can last for 3 year, if the implant is inserted on or before day 5 of your cycle you are protect immediately. If it is inserted after this time it can take 7 days to become effective.
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Injection
There are 3 different types of injections that females can get and it is worth speaking to the health professional about these in more depth. depending on which one you get you will be injected in the muscle of the bottom, upper arm or hip, or into the skin of your thigh or abdomen.
When the implant in inserted it will release progestogen hormone. This stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in ovulation. the implant also makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
Depending on which injection you get they last 8-13 week, you don't have to think about contraception in this time but it is worth making a note for when it will wear off as it.
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Copper Coil - IUD
The intrauterine device is a small plastic T-shape. A doctor or nurse will use a speculum into the vagina so they can open it and they will insert the IUS through cervix into the womb. If you get the IUS the healthcare professional will ask you to check that this stays in place, this is done as there is two threads that hang down into the top of the vagina.
The IUD doesn't use hormone as it releases copper into the womb. This device is over 99% effective, it works as soon as it is put in and it lasts for 5-10 years.
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Hormonal Coil - IUS
The intrauterine system is also known as the hormonal coil which is a plastic T-shape. A doctor or nurse will use a speculum into the vagina so they can open it and they will insert the IUS through cervix into the womb. If you get the IUS the healthcare professional will ask you to check that this stays in place, this is done as there is two threads that hang down into the top of the vagina.
This device release the hormone progestogens into the womb. This device is over 99% effective and lasts 3 to 8 years.
Sexual Health Myths
Check out some of the most common Myths that we hear from young people - and what the actual TRUTH is...
MYTHBUSTERS
You only get STI's from regular sex... False!
The truth is you can spread infections from one person to another through any kind of sexual contact where bodily fluids may be exchanged. This includes penetrative sex (vaginal or anal), intimate touching, oral sex and or sharing sexual toys. It doesn’t matter if you’re a straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual if you have had sexual contact with someone else it is likely bodily fluids would have been exchanged unless you have practiced safer sex and used condoms and dams (dams are designed for oral sex and cover the vagina or anal area). It is possible to spread STI’s through oral sex and anal sex.
I've only slept with one person so I can't have an STI... FALSE!
You may have only had unprotected sex once with one person and think that this means that you have a near zero chance of having caught an STI. The thing is however if your partner has had unprotected sex with someone else in the past and they had unprotected sex with two people and they had unprotected sex with three people and so on then infections could have been passed on and found its way on to you. It is possible to get an STI the first time you have sex so always practice safer sex and use condoms and dams as this the best way of protecting you and your partner.
If they're negative I must be... fALSE!
There are many sexually transmitted infections that act differently and may take time to develop their symptoms after having unprotected sex. This is known as an incubation period so the time a test is taken into account as screening does not always pick up the infection straight away. For example Chlamydia may have an incubation period of one to two weeks before a test would show up as positive. Therefore a person could have unprotected sex with someone who was positive for chlamydia and go for a test the next day resulting in what’s known as a false negative because the infection was not detectable at that time. However if a test was taken one to two weeks after unprotected sex this may identify a positive result because the incubation period would have elapsed and the infection would have had time to develop. So just because someone said they had a test and were negative it’s always worth considering the incubation period.
I'd know if I had an STI... FALSE!
Many people often believe that they would know if they had a sexually transmitted infection or HIV even because there would be visible signs or symptoms present. The fact is that signs and symptoms of many STI’s may only show in the later stages after the infection has had time to take hold. If you’re worried it’s better to get a test rather than wait for noticeable symptoms to appear resulting in long term health problems. For more information on STI’s go to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Axess Sexual Health