Good sexual health is important to everyone but some groups are particularly at risk of poor sexual health including some BME communities, young people and gay and bisexual men.
There are a number of factors that can influence sexual health. These include:
- Personal beliefs, for example the degree of perceived risk of pregnancy or catching an STI or HIV.
- Personal understanding and perception of risk associated with certain sexual behaviours.
- Attitudes, for example the belief that condom use can decrease sexual pleasure.
- Social norms and peer pressure.
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Relationships within families: young people who are able to have open and supportive conversations with their parents about sexual health matters are more likely to make better and informed choices about their sexual health and behaviour.
- Stigma and discrimination can prevent individuals from getting early diagnosis and treatment, disclosing to partners or getting the support they need.
Sexual health promotion and prevention work aims to help people to make informed choices and addresses the prejudice, stigma and discrimination that can be linked to sexual ill health.
For further information on our sexual health services, please click on the links below.
For further information about our sexual health services, please use the links below.