Relationships

Sex and Relationships

As always, there are Connexions Advisers to give you confidential advice. But there are also some places on the web where you can get real information - and not just what your friends tell you.

Probably the best advice is:

  • Don't believe everything you hear or are told.
  • Decide what feels right for YOU.
  • Talk to your partner and think about their point of view. But remember, you do not have to do anything that you are not comfortable with and nor should your partner expect you to.

There is no golden age by which you should have had sex. There are many reasons why people do not have sex. Some people will choose not to have sex because they are not interested or they feel they are not ready. Others will wait until they are married or because they are not in a steady relationship. Others have strong moral or religious beliefs while others have cultural reasons for not having sex before marriage.

All of these reasons are genuine, valuable and deserve respect. You need to understand the choices you have to make for yourself. Whatever decision you make, it has to be right for YOU. Do not get pressured into doing something you don't want to. It's your body - look out for it and it's okay to say NO.

Further information can be obtained from the following:

  • HealthM8 - www.healthm8.net
  • Bodywise - Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby on 01536 493236. Northampton on 07968 866947
  • Sexwise - 0800 282930
  • Brook Advisory - 0800 0185 023 or www.brook.org.uk
  • National AIDS Help line - 0800 567 123
  • Pregnancy Advisory Service - 0845 7 30 40 30
  • Family Planning Association Helpline - 0845 310 1334
  • Emergency Contraception Helpline - 0800 494 847 or www.lifebyte.com
  • www.ruthinking.co.uk
  • www.likeitis.org.uk