Sexual health and relationships

At 16 you can legally have sex. There can be a lot of pressure to be in a relationship or to have sex, however, despite what they claim, the majority of young people don't have sex until they're over 16, and most people who have had sex before 16 regret it. You're the one in charge of your sexual health and well being and, for all the potential pleasures of sex, there can also be painful repercussions, like unwanted pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you're already sexually active, make sure you're playing it safe. If not, don't do anything until you feel ready. Your sex life is up to you, but so you can make responsible choices, here's some information.

You can get free confidential advice about contraception, sexual health and relationships whatever your age, even if you're under 16. This means that services will not tell your parents or anyone else without your permission, unless you or someone else is at risk of harm. If you are having sex, use contraception and condoms to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Contraception

You can get free contraception from a doctor, nurse or local family planning/young people's clinic. There are lots of different types of contraception. Some you have to take everyday, whilst others can last for three to five years, for example implants. For more information about methods available or the services in North Yorkshire visit www.ruthinking.co.uk

These are some of your options:

Condoms
There are lots of different types of contraception

Latex sheaths that fit over the penis to stop sperm getting anywhere near an egg. 98% effective (if you read the instructions). You should always use a condom to help protect against STIs. Condoms are free from family planning services, young people's clinics, some GP's, some youth workers and integrated youth support hubs.

Contraceptive pill

Stops the ovaries producing an egg. Over 99% effective if taken properly but won't protect you from STIs.

There are also implants, diaphragms, patches, even something called a dental dam. Go to your local family planning clinic to find out what method is best for you.

Emergency contraception

If you've had sex without contraception or your contraception failed, you can take emergency contraception up to three days (72 hours) after sex, and in some cases up to 120 hours. The sooner you take it the better. You can get emergency contraception free from a doctor, nurse, family planning/young people's clinic, minor injuries unit, A&E department and some pharmacists.

There are over 70 pharmacies across North Yorkshire and York which can dispense emergency oral contraception, also known as "the morning after pill", free of charge to age 14 to 24, and without a prescription. To find out where your nearest one might be, go to the 'participating pharmacies' download. 

If you just want to have a chat about contraception and get some advice, you can call the following helpline number free on 0800 28 29 30 or visit www.ruthinking.co.uk

Sex myths

You can't get pregnant if the guy pulls out before he cums

Sperm can still be present in pre-cum, the clear sticky drops that are released when he's turned on. It only takes one drop of sperm to get pregnant.

You can't get pregnant during your period

You can because sperm can live in a woman's body for up to seven days. Don't take any chances.

You can't get pregnant while having sex standing up, in the bath or shower, or when you first have sex

If you have unprotected sex you can get pregnant, even on your first time.

Sexuality

One in ten people in the world are attracted to people of the same or both sexes, so no need to feel different or ashamed about your feelings for people of the same sex. If you're not sure about whether you're straight (fancy the opposite sex), gay (guys fancying other guys), lesbian (girls fancying girls) or bi-sexual (fancying both sexes), then give yourself time to grow into your sexuality. 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

There are 25 STIs out there, four of which are untreatable. One in nine people have had an infection at some point. You should get checked at the first sign of any symptoms, and as a precaution, after unprotected sex. Some STIs have no symptoms so you may look and feel ok. Some, like chlamydia, can make you infertile. You don't even need to have sex to catch an STI, some can be passed through close sexual contact including oral sex.

Common STI symptoms:

• unusual discharge from the vagina;
• discharge from the penis;
• sores or blisters on or near the genitals;
• rash or irritation on or around the genitals;
• a burning feeling when peeing; and
• pain during sex.

Got symptoms? Get checked now.

Pregnancy

If you think you could be pregnant, don't panic. You can have a free test at:

• a family planning clinic;
• a young people's clinic;
• a sexual health clinic; and
• some doctors.

You can buy a pregnancy testing kit from pharmacists or supermarkets. If you are pregnant, then you need to get medical advice as soon as possible. There are many organisations who can support you, too.

Help and information

Services in North Yorkshire

• For all your questions answered, to find services in North Yorkshire or for free confidential advice for under 18's call 0800 28 29 30 or visit www.ruthinking.co.uk
• For Chlamydia testing kits, Yorscreen now run a County wide service, contact 01904725440 or check out www.yorsexualhealth.org.uk/index.php?ob=1  for a testing kit.

Services in Craven

• Contraceptive & sexual health service at Skipton general hospital 01756 792 233 x 253
• Settle health centre (young people's drop in available) 01729 822 205
• Young people's sexual health school drop ins for pupils at Settle college, South Craven school, Upper Wharfedale school, Skipton girls school
• Condom distribution at Ermysted's grammar school & Netherside Hall
• Text sexual health queries to 07717 677352

Services in Harrogate & Ripon

• Heatherdene family planning clinic, Harrogate hospital 01423 553 428
• Dragon parade young person's clinic 01423 558 192
• Ripon family planning service, Ripon hospital 01756 602 546
• Pateley bridge young people's drop in, Feastfield medical centre 01423 711369
• Harrogate GUM clinic, Heatherdene centre for sexual health 01423 553 428

Contraceptive & sexual health services (CASH) in Hambleton & Richmondshire

• Bedale clinic 01677 425 111
• Leyburn medical practice 01969 622 125
• Thirsk health centre 01845 522 039
• Catterick garrison health centre 01748 833 431
• Stokesley health centre 01642 710 748
• Zetland House clinic, Northallerton 01609 764 100
• Richmond (Friary) clinic 01748 822 122
• Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, Friarage hospital 01609 764 209
• Free Chlamydia testing kits are also available at your GP or the above services. You can get a free postal kit for Chlamydia testing by ringing 01642 266217 or check out  haveigotit?

Services in Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale

• Young people's drop in/family planning clinic, Northway clinic, Northway, Scarborough 01723 342 764 or 01723 380 635
• Young people's drop in, Belgrave surgery, Belgrave crescent, Scarborough 01723 361 279
• Young people's drop in/family planning clinic, Whitby hospital 01947 824 245
• GUM clinic, Northway clinic 01723 342785
• Young people's drop in/family planning clinic, Train lane, Pickering 01751 472 652
• Sexual health counsellor 01723 380 633
• School/college drop in -  Students at Pindar, Filey, Lady Lumley's school, Yorkshire coast & Whitby community college can access services through the lunchtime drop in

Services in Selby

• Family planning clinic, Raincliffe street, Selby 01904 724 280
• Sherburn young people's drop in, Sherburn health centre 01977 682208 or 01904 721950
• School/college drop in - Students at Selby college, Selby high & Tadcaster grammar can access services through the lunchtime drop in
• GUM clinic, Monkgate health centre, York 01904 725 412
• Young people's sexual health outreach team 01904 725 436
• Yorscreen (Chlamydia screening programme) 01904 725 440
• Condom distribution and Chlamydia screening is available from Sure Start, Connexions & Selby War Memorial hospital