Sexual health

About sexual health

Knowing about sexual health is really important. It does not mean we are encouraging children or young people to have sex. It means that when they are older and ready, they will have the knowledge and tools to keep themselves safe.

It’s a good idea to start talking to your child about sex as early as you feel comfortable. 'PANTS' is a simple way to explain some of the most important messages about sex and consent.

For more advice on how to talk to your child about sex, visit the website, Children First - Sex and relationships: Advice for parents

Other good sources of information include the websites:

Brook – Sexual health and wellbeing
Childline - Sex and relationships
Your Sexual Health Matters (specific to Derby and Derbyshire)

Safe sex

Safe sex means sexual activity that is agreed to by everyone, is enjoyable and has a low risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safe sex includes:

consent – everyone involved must agree to what is happening. They need to fully understand what they are saying yes to and they must be able to say “no” or “stop” at any time. Consent is needed every single time, even if people are in a relationship or have done it before. The age of consent (the legal age to have sex) is 16. These laws are designed to protect children, not to punish young people
contraception – this is used to avoid pregnancy
condoms – these help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and also help prevent pregnancy

Contraception

There are many different types of contraception, such as condoms, the pill, patches, implants, and coils. They all work in different ways and some are more effective than others at preventing pregnancy.

For more information on contraception visit the website Contraception Choices

Contraception guide - the methods and how to get them

To discuss more about or to get contraception, visit a GP or local sexual health service.

Emergency contraception

There are also options for emergency contraception. This means methods that can help stop a pregnancy after unprotected sex has already happened. These include the 'morning after pill' and the copper IUD.

For more information about emergency contraception:

Most pharmacies in Derby and Derbyshire can give free emergency contraception to anyone under 25. This includes both types of the emergency contraceptive pill.

Some walk-in centres, sexual health clinics, pharmacies, GPs and contraception clinics can also provide free emergency contraception for people of any age. This may be different from clinic to clinic.

You can also order emergency contraception online by visiting the website Sexual Health Experts - SH:24

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections you can get through sexual activity. They are more common than many people think. There are many different types of STIs, such as, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and herpes, along with several others.

Some symptoms of an STI might include unusual discharge, bleeding, itching, or rashes. But many STIs have no symptoms at all, which is why it’s important to get tested. Even without symptoms, STIs can cause long-term problems, such as infertility (not being able to have children).

The good news is that most STIs can be treated easily with antibiotics.

For more information on STIs go to the websites:

You can get tested for STIs using a kit at home or by going to a clinic. To order a home kit go to the website Your Sexual Health Matters - Order a test online.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can happen if no contraception is used, or if it was not used properly, such as missing a pill. A pregnancy test should be done about 21 days after unprotected sex, or sooner if a period is missed, because the pregnancy hormone needs time to build up before it can show on a test.

You can get free pregnancy testing from a sexual health clinic.

For more information about pregnancy and pregnancy tests go to the website, Brook - Pregnancy test: am I pregnant?:

If someone becomes pregnant, there are three main options:

continue the pregnancy and have the baby
continue the pregnancy and place the baby for adoption
have an abortion

If someone decides to continue with the pregnancy, it is important to know how to keep the pregnancy healthy. This includes things like stopping smoking or drinking alcohol and eating the right foods. It is also important to book an appointment with a midwife as early as possible to get the advice and care needed. This can be arranged through a GP.

For more information on being healthy during pregnancy, visit the website, Brook - Having a baby.

Abortion

Abortion is the term used when someone chooses to end a pregnancy. Abortions are legal in the UK up to 24 weeks, they are free, and they are usually very safe. In most cases, the earlier an abortion is done, the safer it is. Abortions can be done using medicines or through a small surgical procedure, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.

If someone is pregnant and wants an abortion, they can contact an abortion service directly, or they can speak to their GP or community midwife.

For more information and details on how to get an abortion in Derby, visit the website, Your Sexual Health Matters - Abortion advice.

Sexual violence

Sexual violence is a term used for any unwanted sexual act or activity. This includes things like sexual assault, harassment, rape and abuse. Any kind of sexual violence can be extremely upsetting and can have a big impact on a person’s life. It is important that these experiences are not ignored and that support is offered.

If you are worried about sexual abuse or assault, you can speak to any health professional or the police. You can also use the free and confidential NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. You can email the NSPCC at help@NSPCC.org.uk.

For more information, including where to find support, you can visit, Your Sexual Health Matters - Sexual abuse and sexual assault.

What services are available in Derby?

Sexual health services in Derby are free and confidential, even for people under 16. These services offer things like contraception and free condoms, STI testing and treatment and other support.

The best places to find services near you are:

There is also a local C-Scheme (previously called C-Card). This allows anyone aged 13 to 25 in Derby to get free condoms. Go to the website Your Sexual Health Matters - Free condoms.

SV2 is a charity in Derby and Derbyshire that supports people who have experienced sexual violence. They offer things like counselling, therapy, support groups and legal advice, SV2 - Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence.