About Sex
Whether it’s your first time, or your hundred-and-first, sex should be something that you enjoy and can have safely.
If you are thinking about having sex, then it is important that you are ready, can enjoy it, and can take responsibility for it.
It is also important to make sure that you get contraceptive advice to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
Where can I find advice?
Healthy lives for young people
Brook operates a number of sexual health and wellbeing services across the UK and they are committed to supporting young people.
They offer advice on many different areas related to sexual health and below you can some example pages:
Let's talk about sex!
Sexwise is run by the national sexual health charity FPA and they can give you honest and informed advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs, and pleasure.
You can visit their website here.
They offer advice on many different areas related to sexual health and are a few examples:
Contraception and sexual advice & services IN BEDFORD, LUTON & MILTON KEYNES:
The iCaSH (integrated Contraception and Sexual Health) service provides all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing and treatment, including online STI test kits. As part of the wider system contraception offer, across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, some pharmacies provide free emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) and dual testing and treatment for chlamydia. There is the option for local residents to have a free test for HIV and syphilis online by going to https://freetesting.hiv/
There is also a psychosexual therapy service for local residents. There are specific services aimed at young people including some clinics and outreach services.
We also work with Terrence Higgins Trust, who provide community outreach services including free condoms, Chlamydia screening and sexual health advice and signposting.
iCaSH clinics are available at locations across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
Bedfordsire services:
- Kings Brook, 5 St Johns Street, Bedford, MK42 0AH
- Grove View Integrated Health and Care Hub, Court Drive, Dunstable, LU5 4JD
Milton Keynes: 624 South Fifth Street, Milton Keynes Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK9 2FX
Visit the iCaSH website for information and support around a range of sexual health issues, which may affect you, and learn about and choose contraception that suits you.
Luton Sexual Health offers free, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support for young people aged 24 and under. People of any age are welcome to access Luton Sexual Health clinic sessions, at any time or location.
If you have any concerns or questions about sexual health, no matter what age you are, they can help. They offer free, friendly and confidential access to:
- information and advice on any sexual health issue or concern
- one-to-one support
- self-esteem, sex, relationships and sexual health choices support
- advice on safer sex and reducing risks
- a full range of contraception methods, including emergency contraception (‘the morning after pill’)
- pregnancy testing
- non-judgemental support and advice around pregnancy options
- referrals for abortion
- signposting to maternity services
- testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and genital symptoms
- information and advice about HIV
- HIV testing
- testing and treatment for chlamydia
- free condoms for clients attending Luton Sexual Health
- the C-Card scheme
There are many types of contraception available and none are perfect. The Contraception Choices website provides honest information to help weigh up the pros and cons.
Having sex for the first time
When you decide to have sex for the first time, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and do what makes you feel good.
It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to have sex.
For more detail please visit the Brook webpage on having sex for the first time. Here is some advice they give:
- Consent: their number one tip for great sex is consent. It’s important that everyone involved is consenting at all times
- Don't rush: the right time to have sex for the first time is when you are ready and want to
- Communicate: communication is the key to consensual and enjoyable sex and you should talk with the person you are going to have sex with
- Be safe: know about the contraception you want to use and discuss this with the person you are going to have sex with
- Relax: it's normal to feel nervous before you have sex for the first time but you shouldn't feel stressed. If this is the case then you should slow things down
- Go with the flow: In reality, things don’t always go smoothly and this is why feeling ready, comfortable and communicating with your partner is really important.