THE LAW In England and Wales the law on
sex offences has been updated.
Until this law the legal age for young people to consent to have sex is
still 16 years. Whether you are male,female,straight,gay or bisexual.
It is not intended that young people should be prosecuted where the
sexual activity was agreed by both young people of a similar age,
unless it involves abuse or exploitation.
Young people can continue to seek confidential advice on
contraception,condoms, pregnancy and abortion even if you are under 16.
But remember whatever your age you shouldn't have sex until YOU FEEL
READY!
The above is not all the law for more go to: www.brook.org.uk/content/M1_sexandthelaw.asp www.ruthinking.co.uk/sex_facts/sexandlaw.aspx
WHAT
IS SEXUAL HEALTH? Sexual Health is about being
able to enjoy your sexuality in a way that also protects your health
and well-being.
We all face some difficulties or problems around our sexual health at
some point in our lives, by knowing how to stay healthy you could avoid
these problems. Try to deal with sexual problems as they happen.
The best way to protect your own and your partner's sexual health is to
practice safer sex. This means knowing the risks you face, taking steps
to reduce your chances of getting or passing on a STI (Sexually
Transmitted Infection) or having an unplanned pregnancy.
Please don't ignore any symptoms you may have and hope they will go
away. You and your partner (or future partners) may be at risk if you
avoid health checks in the first place.
Need to know more click on 'links' at the bottom of this page
PEER
PRESSURE We all suffer from peer pressure
some times in our lives. From friends' or\and schoolmates, young people
you know and usually it's around how to act, behave, think and look a
certain way.
Worried or suffering from peer pressure please talk to someone. Could
be parents, older brother or sister, youth worker or some different
friends. It will make you feel better if you can find someone to talk
to.
You don't have to do anything you don't want too. Its your choice what
clothes to wear, if you choose to drink alcohol, choose to have sex,
choose to take drugs and you should be comfortable with the way you
feel around other people.
WOT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU ARE OR COULD BE PREGNANT If your period is late or you
think you may be pregnant. You have had an accident using condoms, had
unprotected sex, thrown up while taking the pill. You need to decide
which way is best for you:
a) Get a pregnancy
test either by going to GP's surgery or Family Planning Clinic or
buying one from local pharmacy or supermarket.
b) Talk to someone
who can help you find out if you are pregnant and tell you how and
where you need to go for help eg. Family member, friend, Sexual Health
Outreach Worker, Teacher, Connexions Adviser, School Nurse, Youth
Worker or ring Brook Helpline 0800 0185023.
c) Access
Emergency Contraception (EHOC) as soon as possible after you have had
sex to help avoid pregnancy. The Emergency Contraceptive Pill is
available from GP's surgerys, Family Planning Clinics and some local
chemists (where you see a pill sign in their window). The IUD must be
fitted and is available from Family Planning Clinics.
STI'S
(SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS)
Remember anybody who is having sex can get sexually transmitted
infections - young or old, male or femaile, straight, gay or lesbian.
There are many types of STI's. Some are more common than others:
Chlamydia
Herpes
Genital Warts
Gonorrhoea (Clap)
Good news is that most can be quickly
and easily treated if discovered early. But some can cause serious
long-term problems if not treated. Warning signs are:
An unusual discharge from the penis
or vagina
rashes
Itchiness
sores
Blisters
pain in genital area
A burning sensation when you go to
the toilet or have sex
You are peeing more than usual
If you have any of the above then RING
for an appointment at your local clinic to get checked out
