On this page you will find information and links to websites and helplines which are relevant to sexual health and relationships.

Lets talk about....
To support parents in talking to their children and teens about growing up, relationships, sex and staying safe there are a range of leaflets in Related Downloads.  Also, Wakefield Teenage Pregnancy has put together two Parent Support Packs containing a selection of easy to use leaflets and tips to help support parents and carers to talk with their children.  The packs are for 8 to 11 year olds and 12 to 16 year olds and can be ordered by calling FIS on 0800 587 8042, texting 07624 809247 or by completing the Parent Support Form (in Related Downloads) and emailing it to fis@wakefield.gov.uk stating which pack you want.

Sexual Health
Sexual health is all about looking after your body and taking the necessary precautions to help prevent contracting one or more of the many sexually transmitted infections which include:-

Chlamydia - one of the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that often has no sypmtoms which is very easy to treat and cure.

Genital Herpes - another common STI caused by the herpes simplex virus and whilst some people get herpes quite mildly some will have painful symptoms.

Gonorrhoea - this common bacterial STI can be painful and cause serious health problems such as infertility in both men and women.

HIV - once infected with HIV the virus will remain in your body for the rest of your life.  There is currently no cure for HIV and no vaccine to prevent infection.

Non-specific Urethritis - this causes inflammation, pain, redness and or swelling of the tube where urine comes out.

Pubic Lice and Scabies - pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects (crab like and about 2mm long) that live in coarse body hair such as pubic hair.  Scabies is caused by tiny parasitic mites which burrow into the skin and lay eggs.

Syphilis - this STI is not as common as others but if left untreated it can cause very serious health problems in both men and women.

Trichomonas vaginalis - a tiny parasite which causes infection in the vagina and urethra in women and in the urethra in men.

Thrush - this is caused by a yeast fungus which can develop on the vagina and on the male and female genitals.  3 out of 4 women will get thrush at some point in their lives.

If you are concerned that you might have contracted an STI and want information or advice, the following organisations can help:

Sexual Health Direct - 0845 122 8690, www.fpa.org.uk
Call for confidential information and advice on sexually transmitted infections, contraception and pregnancy choices.

Sexual Health Line - 0800 567 123, Text 0800 521 361
A 24 hour helpline for confidential information about sexually transmitted infections, sexual health or where to find local services.

NHS Direct - 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Search the NHS Direct websites Health A to Z of conditions to get information on the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and complications of specific STI's.

WFact - Act on Sexual Health - www.wfact.co.uk
If you're in the Wakefield district and need info about sex, relationships, sexual health, where to go for advice, check-ups and more check out this website.

Have you had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours?
Do you need emergency hormonal contraception to avoid pregnancy?
For details of chemists in the Wakefield district offering FREE emergency hormonal contraception for under 18s see Emergency Contraception in Related Links.

Also see the C-Card Scheme for details of distribution points across the district for free condoms.  And if you are in need of a Sexual Health Clinic for what ever reason, follow the Sexual Health Clinic link for a list and contact details of all the clinics in the district.

The Couple Connection is an interactive, self-help website which is for anyone who wants to get back to how things used to be with their partner, and to work through personal issues and how they affect your relationship and how you can make it better. To get the most out of this website you must really want to improve your relationship.