What is Sexual Health?

Sexual health means your state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. Maintaining good sexual health means having a respectful approach to sex and relationships. Sex should be physically safe and should not be forced on you.

YorSexual Health is a free and confidential service, running across York and North Yorkshire. You can find the available North Yorkshire sexual health services on their website or phone 01904 721111. There are also other services on their website, including counselling, HIV support services, condom ordering, learning difficulties, sex workers, and LGBTQ.

Contraception

Contraception comes in different forms, and helps to protect you from getting pregnant. Visit the Sexwise website for more information about contraception.

Condoms are the only method of contraception that also protects you from STIs. You can order them for free online via YorSexualHealth, or buy them from local supermarkets or in your local pharmacy. Many pharmacies in North Yorkshire offer them for free to under 25 year olds.

If you use the contraceptive pill (or patch or ring) check now how many you have left and contact the place you get it from as soon as possible if you think you might run out in the next week or two. If you do run out, make sure you have another method of contraception available.

STIs

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. Visit the Sexwise website to find out more about STIs, their symptoms and how to avoid getting one.

If you don’t have any symptoms but have had unprotected sex and want an STI test, you may be able to book an appointment or order one online and have it sent to your home to complete and return.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, it is important that you see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Please call the YorSexual Health central booking line 01904 721111 to make an appointment.

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Getting More Help

Talking to family and friends about your worries can help you feel more supported. You might want to talk to someone outside the family like a GP, teacher or mentor at school, or even a friend’s parent. Choose someone you trust and if you find it difficult to talk about how you are feeling, you could write them a letter or send them a text. Support is also available through Childline, Compass Phoenix and Recovery College Online.

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Getting Urgent Help

If you’ve seriously injured yourself or taken an overdose call 999 or get immediate medical advice from NHS 111.

If you are in a crisis and feel like you can’t cope, speak to somebody straight away. Search below for help or see the Urgent Help page for contact details for the North Yorkshire single point of access Crisis Service.

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