Contraception: worth talking about

HEALTH services in Northamptonshire are supporting a new national campaign to help young people make informed choices about contraception, look after their sexual health and avoid unwanted pregnancies.

“Contraception. Worth talking about” is a new campaign from the Department of Health that aims to promote more open and honest discussions about sex and relationships among 16 to 24 year-olds and their parents. Research shows that a lack of knowledge, and misinformation, coupled with poor attitudes and communication is hindering safe sexual behaviour.

In Northamptonshire there are now more places than ever before where young people can go for advice, information and help to make choices about sex and contraception that are right for them.

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust runs 20 contraceptive clinics and more than 30 young people’s drop-in sessions a week in community venues right across the county, in addition to the advice and services available from GP practices.

The drop-ins are held at youth groups, community centres and colleges, giving young people more opportunities to discuss sexual health, make informed choices about their sexual relationships, and access the contraceptive and other sexual health services they may need.

Jane Waite, Northamptonshire’s teenage pregnancy strategy co-ordinator said: “It is important that young people can talk to their families, friends and health professionals without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.

“By providing sex education at school and health advice to teenagers, we are supporting young people to improve their knowledge and understanding about sexual health, and to delay early sex. But it is also really important that they have access to effective contraception when they do start having sex. This will help keep teenage pregnancy rates on the downward trend, and to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.”

Dr Jagruti Doshi, consultant in contraceptive and reproductive healthcare with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “There is a method of contraception to suit the lifestyle of everyone and it is important to understand what the choices are.

“Our drop-ins give young people an opportunity to talk to a doctor or nurse about the contraceptive choices that are available and choose the one that is right for them.”

More information about the new campaign, “Contraception. Worth talking about”, can be found at www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout.