Often, we avoid conversations about relationships and sexual health because we are embarrassed, but our relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality - it is not just the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.
Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences which are free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled (WHO).
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are carried in the blood and can be spread from one person to another. Those infected with a BBV may show little or no symptoms of serious disease, but other infected people may be severely ill.
Ask
Use open discovery questions to make the most of conversations by recognising an opportunity to discuss health and wellbeing. This could be 'How are you?' or 'How are you finding everything at the moment?'
Be responsive & curious if people have concerns about relationships, sexual health or changes in their bodies. For example:
- Can I talk with you about relationships and sexual health? Do you know how to take care of your sexual health?
- What do you already know about contraception/ STIs/ HIV/ sexual health? Is there more you’d like to know about?
- Are you worried about pregnancy after unprotected sex, that is sexual activity without using contraception, or think your contraception might have failed? · Are you worried about STIs/ HIV after unprotected sex, that is, sexual activity without using a condom, or think the condom might have failed?
Assist
Emergency Contraception can be obtained from all pharmacies for free. You can use emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is more effective at preventing pregnancy the earlier it is used. But emergency contraception is not as effective as using other methods of routine contraception.
- Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted infection has signs and/or symptoms. Sometimes these don’t appear for weeks or months and sometimes they go away, but you can still have the infection and pass it on to someone else. If you have symptoms, you should get an STI test. Even if you don’t have symptoms you should think about getting tested if:
- you have recently had unprotected sex, including oral sex, with a new partner
- you, or a partner, have sex with other people without using a condom
- a partner has symptoms.
- There are lots of different types of STIs, and they can spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys. Anyone who is sexually active can get one, even if you don’t have lots of sexual partners. Using condoms can prevent STIs.
- Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different types of contraception from methods that you use when having sex to methods that last for years. The full range is available free from sexual health services. Free contraception is also available from GP Practices (may not offer all types) and some types from some community pharmacies.
- Free and confidential STI and HIV testing and treatment, and condoms are available from sexual health services. NHS Tayside Sexual Health Services provide postal testing kits for people without symptoms.
- Information on blood borne viruses and harm reduction can be found HERE
- Reassure around access to services, confidentiality, and a non-judgemental approach.
- Address stigma by being open and willing to discuss and answer any questions.
Act
Tayside Sexual Health Website
Information on sexual & reproductive health, blood borne viruses & services in Tayside, including access to free condoms, appointments and STI testing by post
Cool2talk.org
Website for 12- 25-year-olds in Tayside. Answers all questions within 24hours
For non-specialist workers: An introduction to sexual health & healthy relationships on TURAS There are three modules aimed at the non specialist workforce covering Sexual Health & Relationships, Contraception & Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Turas Modules