Relationships and sexual health
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children and Young People's Health Services
As you move toward becoming an adult it is likely you will continue to develop close relationships with others, some of which might become intimate and involve sexual contact.
Consent
From the age of 16 young people are considered old enough to give consent to engage in sexual activity with other people over the age of 16, if they want to. There are still some laws in place to protect young people where there might be an imbalance of power in the relationship and you can find out more about this and what makes a healthy relationship in the links below.
It is important to understand that consent is variable and can be withdrawn at any stage or time. People under the influence of drugs or alcohol are not considered able to consent to sexual activity.
Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes and there is a wide variation on what is normal. It is important for you to get to know your body and have an awareness of your sexual and reproductive health. Read more about your body.
Sometimes we can feel and think differently to the sex we were given at birth, you can find more information at the links below.
Sexuality describes your sexual preferences. Sexual orientation makes up a part of someone’s sexuality, however, it covers more than just who a person is attracted to. You can read more in the link below.
Having sex without contraception puts you at risk of pregnancy or catching a sexually transmitted infection. For more information about types of contraception and STI’s click the sexual health links at the bottom of this page.
Remember, sending or receiving sexual images of a young person under 18 (sexting) is a criminal offence.
What you can do to help
From 15 years old testicles (balls), you should check your testicles monthly. View this guide on how to check your testicles.
If you feel a sudden or severe pain in your testicles, seek medical help immediately. There are lots of possible reasons for testicular pain. Read more about testicle pain.
Sometimes testicles can twist. This is called testicular torsion. Testicular torsion needs emergency medical care. It happens when the cord carrying blood to the testicle (spermatic cord) becomes twisted. It can range from 180 degrees (half a turn) to 720 degrees (2 full turns). The twisting cuts off the blood supplying causing sudden pain and swelling.
Testicular torsion symptoms include:
- pain in the testis or scrotum (the pain is often severe, often comes on suddenly and may be associated with nausea and/or vomiting. Pain may come and go but tends not to go away)
- wwelling, especially on one side of the scrotum
- redness
- abdominal pain
- the testicle may be sitting higher than usual in the scrotum. It may also be more horizontal than usual
Read more about testicular torsion in teenagers.
Breasts should be checked for lumps from 20 years old and smear testing begins at 25 years old (screening for cervical cancer).
Be aware of any changes, lumps, bumps, sores, itching or discharge in your genitalia (vagina, clitoris, vulva, penis, testicles) or anal area. You can get support from your family doctor or local iCaSH if you have symptoms you are worried about.
Read more about sexual health for young people on Everyone Health Young and Free.
Do not engage in sexual activity unless you are sure you want to. Do so at your own pace and on your terms.
If you feel you have been pressured into sex or experienced sexual violence or abuse you can get help from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership.
Get to know your own body and learn about what you like and don’t like, communicate openly with any partners you have sexual activity with. It’s OK to say no and don’t feel pressured to do anything you are uncomfortable with.
Take steps to prevent unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections by using appropriate contraception. If you have unprotected sex this puts you at risk of pregnancy and STI. You can access free testing, contraception and advice at your local integrated contraception and sexual health clinic (iCaSH) or email ccs-tr.HYPAnurse@nhs.net or call 0300 300 3030.
Young people in Cambridgeshire can also access free of charge contraception and sexual health advice at Centre 33 (Ely, Wisbech, Cambridge, call 0300 4141819 or drop-in).
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a very common group of viruses. They do not cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer.
Most people who have HPV do not realise and do not experience any problems. Although sometimes you may experience painless growths or lumps around your vagina, penis or anus.
The Elms SARC (based at Hinchingbrooke Hospital) offers free support and practical help to anyone in Cambridgeshire who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse, both adults and children. You can access the Elms SARC via the police and other professionals, as well as via the self-referral pathway (booking an appointment at the SARC without police involvement).
Who can help?
For more advice about relationships and sexual health speak to one of our team.
You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation.
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
