My Health » Relationships and Sexual Health

Relationships and Sexual Health

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NEW!

Worried about Chlamydia?

The website  www.checkurself.org.uk  is for 16-24 year olds, and allows you  to order self-testing screening kits to an address of your choice. It's also free if you live in South London. Don't take a chance, get tested!

Safe Sex and teenage pregnancy advice

For more information, you can click here to download the latest poster, also you can log on to www.ruthinking.co.uk for more advice.

HIV. What you need to know....

World AIDS Day is fast approaching for December 1st. This years UK theme is RESPECT & PROTECT. So grab a red ribbon from your local school, youth club, GP centre, supermarket or anywhere you can get one! And wear it on December 1st to raise HIV awareness and make a difference!

Most people have heard of HIV and AIDS. Some people find it confusing or frightening, and not something that they want to talk or even think about. But it's important to know about it so that you can protect yourself.  Many people do not know the correct information about HIV and AIDS.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that damages the body's defense systems so it can't fight infection very well. Sometimes having HIV can also make someone ill with a range of diseases, known as AIDS.

HIV can affect or infect anyone no matter what their background is, whether they are gay or straight, male or female. Anyone is at risk if they have unprotected sex or inject drugs.

 

You CANNOT get HIV from:

·      Toilet seats
·      Touching hugging or holding hands
·      Sharing a drink with someone who has the HIV virus
·      Sharing sports equipment with someone who has HIV

 

These are TRUE HIV facts:

·      A person living with HIV can live a long and fulfilled life
·      HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex including oral sex
·      You would not always know if a loved one or if you yourself have HIV
·      The Condom is the only method of birth control that can protect you against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
·      There is no cure for HIV or AIDS

 

 

HIV tests are simple and easy! And you can know the results in as quickly as 1 hour or up to 2 weeks.  You just need to go to your local sexual health centre.

 

Would you like more information on HIV and ways to protect yourself?

For information on HIV and AIDS visit www.playingsafely.co.uk, www.avert.org or www.aidsmap.com 

Downloads Available

Click on one of the files below to download it:

Preview Description Size  
 Image of front cover - click to download Vital Digits - Information card for young people. 1 Meg » download

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Playing It Safe...

So the summer is on its way and a great time for friends to get together and have fun in the sun. For many this is a happy and enjoyable time of the year and for many the season for new friendships and relationships to blossom.

Relationships are fun and we know that a good relationship is when you are happy and comfortable and can truly say that you are friends.

Remember take it slow, talk a lot with your partner and most importantly listen to your feelings. But if you decide that you want to take the next step, what can you do to make sure that you have a fun filled time without any tears?

There are many clinics around where you can get free and confidential help and advice, be tested for STIs, get contraception for you and your partner, receive emotional and relationship support.

Remember that staff at these clinics are fully trained and really friendly and will never judge you, they will just be really impressed that you are taking responsibility for your health. They never ask you embarrassing questions at reception or in front of other people and everything you say is confidential.

To find your nearest clinic visit the RU Thinking Website (see below) or click on the Vital Digits Link that will give you information and numbers on different services across Lambeth. You can also call Sex wise 7 days a week from 7am - Midnight on 0800 28 29 30.

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Find out more

R U Thinking?
www.ruthinking.co.uk
It pays to get the facts from somewhere you can trust. You can’t always believe what your mates tell you.

Young People Sexual Health
www.ypsh.net
In here you will find open and frank info on sexual health, support, services, contraception, emergency contraception and a whole lot more.

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