Sexual health & contraception

Sex for the first time

Only you can decide whether you are ready for sex. Just because your friends say they are "doing it" doesn't mean that they are. If your boyfriend or girlfriend threatens to finish with you if you don't have sex with them, do you really want to go out with someone who is putting you under such pressure?

Safer sex

If you and your partner decide you are ready for a sexual relationship, then there is a lot to think about, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI's). Discuss what protection you are going to use before the passion takes over.

Condoms are the only contraception that provide protection against both pregnancy and STIs. Be prepared. If you are likely to be in a situation where you may have sex, make sure you have condoms with you. You can get condoms from lots of places. As well as condoms there are many other types of contraception, which protect against pregnancy. 

If you have sex without using contraception (or if a condom splits), there are two types of emergency contraception that you can use to prevent pregnancy. Emergency pills must be taken within 3 days (72 hours), but the sooner you take them, the more effective they are. An IUD (intrauterine device) can be fitted up to five days after sex. You can get emergency contraception free of charge from your own GP or from the clinics

Useful Websites

Under-cover  a Bedfordshire web site with local information about services and resources.

NHS Live Well  sex facts, relationships, emergency help and information on local services.