Sexual Health Week 11th-17th September

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Written by Khisa Adams-Amalemba

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It’s the 10th annual sexual health week, don’t worry we aren’t going to have an awkward, uncomfortable talk about the birds and the bees; we just have a few pointers and information about places you can go to for help about your sexual health.


Forms of contraception

These can protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prevent you from getting pregnant. Sometimes they do both (eg, condoms and femidoms). There are different types of contraception, so there is something for everyone that suits your lifestyle.

There are loads of different options available to you from your GP or sexual health clinic. You’re not confined to using a service in your local area, and your details are kept confidential. As well as having contraception, you can ask questions or get tested for STIs. The NHS website has tons of info on contraception and where to find a convenient service.

Remember to stay protected and get checked if you’re concerned at all, espceiclly if you’ve ever had unprotected sex.

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Consent

In any relationship, and especially when sex is involved, consent is extremely important. Consent allows YOU to be in control in what happens to you which gives you the power to stop anything you do not like. No means no, even if you may have said yes at some point. Still confused? Watch this brilliant video about err…tea.


Images

We are bombarded by images every day. Whether it is an advert, TV show, social media, etc., images have an impact on how we see ourselves.

So what has this got to do with Sexual Health?

Often girls and young women compare themselves to the images around them and when they don’t see themselves in these images it knocks their body confidence and they can feel unattractive. There is nothing wrong with the way you are and nobody should hold it against you.

This negative mind-set can affect sex and relationships because you aren’t happy with yourself, you don’t want to be near anyone else. In addition, the presentation of sex and relationships in media can be confusing. Often events take place so quick that we naturally begin to expect the same in reality, but sex and relationships are not that simple.

Just because a TV character chooses to have sex with their boyfriend or girlfriend at every chance they get, does not mean you have to.

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Sexual harrasment, sexual assult

Harassment or assault is linked to consent, when you do not give consent it could lead to one of these issues. Some people do not realise when they have been harassed or assaulted and do not report it.

Sometimes people refuse to report it for fear of confrontation or to avoid having their business exposed. But it is important to speak out and tell someone about it. Recently, celebrities Kesha and Taylor Swift have taken their cases of sexual assault to court for rape allegations and groping. They do not stand for any unwanted attention and neither should you.

Your sexual health is nothing to be ashamed of, if you need more information about sexual health you can call the National Sexual Health helpline 0300 123 7123 or visit the NHS Livewell website

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