Getting advice from reliable sources and not listening to unverifiable information is essential for our sexual health, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said.

During Sexual Health Week (14-21 February), the PHA is using the theme of ‘Sexual health information: who do you listen to?’ to encourage people to visit reliable health websites and talk to healthcare professionals for accurate information.

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

“To do this, it is important to get reliable information and our website www.SexualHealthNI.info is a good place to start. It provides a trusted source on subjects like sexual relationships, contraception choices, sexually transmitted infections, as well as advice on where and how to access sexual health services. 

“The website, alongside the NHS website, is a good place to double-check any information you’ve heard either online or from friends to see if it is accurate. It is also important that if you have any questions, talk to a healthcare professional who can provide free confidential advice on your sexual health either at your GP surgery or at a sexual health clinic.

“If you’re unsure of any information you’ve came across, our advice is to always use these reliable sources to check.”

Whether you’re in a relationship or not, it’s healthy to talk about sex. However, for many young people talking about sexual health with a parent might feel embarrassing leading to some people seeking out advice from less reliable sources. 

Frances continued: “Being informed about sexual health, gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and to understand 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.”

The PHA website www.sexualhealthni.info provides reliable, trusted and confidential information on all aspects of sexual health and wellbeing including:

• Contraception – guidance on the many contraceptive options available to help prevent unplanned pregnancy and to choose what works for you.
• Protection – if you are sexually active, information on preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Testing – get to know about where to go to get tested if you have been at risk of an STI.
• Consent – support on understanding personal boundaries, trusting your instinct and knowing you can always say ‘No’ to any situation that makes you uncomfortable.

You can also visit your GP or local Sexual and Reproductive Health (Contraception) and Sexual Health (GUM) Clinic for confidential, reliable and professional support. GUM Clinics operate across all Health Trusts in Northern Ireland with more information available at: www.sexualhealthni.info/contraception/visiting-a-contraceptive-clinic

The PHA also funds Common Youth to offer free, confidential sexual health and wellbeing services to under 25s. Find out more at www.commonyouth.com