Sexual Health Week: Let’s talk about sex!

Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement
couple having sex

The theme of this year’s Sexual Health Week campaign (10-16 February) is having open conversations and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to do just that.

Good sexual health is about having safe, positive and respectful experiences and relationships throughout life. To do this, we all need to be able to have open, age appropriate conversations. Talking about sex and sexual wellbeing can help establish healthy relationships due to the confidence that comes from being informed.

Speaking about issues such as consent, choice and respect, health and wellbeing can help people recognise these are rights we all share in common.

Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Your sexual health and wellbeing is important and looking after it can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health and help you develop positive relationships.

“Sexual health involves embracing and enjoying our sexuality throughout life, with a positive, safe and respectful approach to sexual experiences and relationships. Talking about sex and being informed, gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and what is right for you.

“As adults it’s important to talk openly and accurately about sexual health, so that we can support our young people to recognise they have the right to do so too. This will help to dispel myths and challenge the stigma that exists. It will also support our young people to have the conversations they need to help them make informed choices.”

Let’s talk about sex

  • Consent – always trust your instinct and be empowered to say ‘No’ to anything or any situation you are uncomfortable with.
  • Contraception – there are lots of different types of contraceptives available to help prevent unplanned pregnancy, what works best will depend on what matters to you. 
  • Protection – if you are sexually active, it is important to help protect yourself. Only condoms protect against STIs.
  • Testing – get to know about STIs and get tested if you have been at risk.

The PHA has information on all aspects of sexual health and wellbeing including information on contraceptive options and how to prevent STIs at www.SexualHealthNI.info  

Sexual and Reproductive Health (Contraception) and Sexual Health (GUM) Clinics operate across all Health Trusts in Northern Ireland with more information available at: www.sexualhealthni.info/contraception/visiting-a-contraceptive-clinic