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Sexual Health

Everything you need to know

Safer Sex

It’s important for young people to understand safer sex because it helps them make informed choices, avoid legal issues, prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancies, and maintain healthy, respectful relationships.

Sexting and Sending Nudes

Sexting involves sharing intimate images or messages online or through mobile devices. While it can be consensual, young people must understand the legal and emotional risks. In the UK, sharing or possessing explicit images of anyone under 18, including yourself, can lead to criminal charges. Open communication and education about boundaries are crucial.

Sex and Consent

Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity and must be mutual, enthusiastic, and ongoing. It's essential to understand that consent can be withdrawn at any time. Without consent, it is sexual assault and must be reported to the police.

Methods of Contraception

Contraceptives help prevent unintended pregnancies and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Options include:

Barrier methods like condoms, also reduce STI risks.

Hormonal methods, such as the pill or implants.

Long-term solutions like intrauterine devices (IUDs).
Seek guidance from healthcare professionals to choose the best method for you.

STIs

Sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV, can have severe health implications. Regular testing and the use of condoms are vital to reduce risks. Early treatment ensures better outcomes.

For questions and advice please call:

Haymarket Sexual Health Clinic - 0300 124 0102

Kildare St, Leicester LE1 3YT

For free contreception ask a trusted member of staff for a C card or go to your local sexual health clinic and ask for one there.

Sexuality

Sexuality is personal and can change over time. Coming out can be empowering but challenging, and support helps. Discrimination like homophobia and transphobia harms mental health, so awareness and inclusion are important.
Definition

Sexuality encompasses attraction, behaviour, and identity, including heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and more. It's unique to every individual and can evolve.

Coming Out

Coming out is the process of sharing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It can be empowering but also challenging due to societal pressures. Support from trusted friends, family, or organisations can make this process smoother.

Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia

These forms of discrimination and bullying target individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. They can severely impact mental health and well-being. Raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and seeking support are essential to combat prejudice

STIs

Sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV, can have severe health implications. Regular testing and the use of condoms are vital to reduce risks. Early treatment ensures better outcomes.

For questions and advice please call:

Haymarket Sexual Health Clinic - 0300 124 0102

Kildare St, Leicester LE1 3YT

For free contraception ask a trusted member of staff for a C card or go to your local sexual health clinic and ask for one there.

Resources
  • Brook: Advice on sexual health and relationships (Brook).
  • Stonewall: Support for LGBTQ+ individuals (Stonewall).
  • Terrence Higgins Trust: Guidance on HIV and sexual health (Terrence Higgins Trust).

Types of Abuse

Young people must understand and identify types of abuse so they can become aware and cautious in case of an event. They must know that they aren't alone and that there is a lot of support around them to help them understand what the next steps are when reporting a case.

Contact Sexual Abuse

This involves physical contact of a sexual nature without consent. Examples include:

  • Unwanted touching or fondling.
  • Rape or attempted rape.
  • Sexual assault, covers any forced sexual act, including oral sex.
Non-Contact Sexual Abuse

This type of abuse doesn't involve physical touch but still violates a person's boundaries. Examples include:

  • Forcing someone to watch sexual acts or pornography.
  • Sexual harassment, such as unwanted sexual comments or advances.
  • Indecent exposure or flashing.
Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of children occurs when an adult or older individual exploits a child for sexual gratification. This may include:

  • Grooming (befriending a child to exploit them sexually).
  • Inappropriate touching or exposure to explicit material.
Online Sexual Abuse

This involves exploiting someone in a digital context. Examples include:

  • Sextortion (blackmailing someone with explicit images).
  • Sending unwanted sexual messages or images.
  • Coercing someone into sharing explicit photos or videos.
Resources
  • Brook: Advice on sexual health and relationships (Brook).
  • Stonewall: Support for LGBTQ+ individuals (Stonewall).
  • Terrence Higgins Trust: Guidance on HIV and sexual health (Terrence Higgins Trust).

To Report Any Concerns Contact Our DSL’s

Contact Our DSL Team by filling out this form:

0116 504 7303 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

0116 504 7354 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Or call the Leicestershire police: 

Emergency - 999

Call anonymously - 0800 555 111