If you're planning on having sex for the first time or you have a sexual health problem help is available.

Sexual health:

• Somerset wide integrated sexual health services (swish) have clinics based across Somerset
• Find your local sexual health information and services
• Go online to research the different kinds of contraceptive 
• National sexual health helpline on 0300 123 7123
• Sexual health for lesbians and bisexual women
• Sexual health for gay and bisexual men

Advice for young people:

• Health for teens for healthy conversations around sex

Safeguarding:

• Childline provides free confidential advice and support for all young people up to 19 years old. Call 0800 1111
• Rape crisis, if you are a girl or woman who has experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual assault you can get help, information and support from trained female support workers. Call 0808 802 9999
• Galop National, lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans domestic abuse helpline on 0800 999 5428
• Thinkuknow offers advice to young people on sex, relationships and staying safe online
• Safeline for everyone affected by or at risk of rape or sexual abuse. Call 0808 800 5005

For professionals and parents:

• Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership

The law says it's legal for you to agree (or consent) to sex from the age of 16. If you're:

• under 16, you can get confidential contraceptive and sexual health services, including advice about an unplanned pregnancy
• under 13, the situation is different because the law says you can't consent to any sexual activity at this age

You're the only one who can, and should, decide if you are ready to have sex. Just because you've had sex before, even with the same person, doesn't mean you have to do it again.

Talk to the other person about sex before you have sex with them:

• Are you both ready?
• Will you be having sex for the right reasons, and not because of peer pressure or partner pressure?
• Do you have contraception sorted?
• Discuss what you want and what you don't want to do

If you think you might have sex, ask yourself:

• Does it feel right?
• Do I love my partner?
• Does he/she love me just as much?
• Have we talked about using condoms to prevent STIs and HIV, and was the talk OK?
• Have we got contraception organised to protect against pregnancy?
• Do I feel able to say "no" at any point if I change my mind, and will we both be OK with that?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the time may be right.

But if you answer yes to any of the following questions, it might not be:

• Do I feel under pressure from anyone, such as my partner or friends?
• Could I have any regrets afterwards?
• Am I thinking about having sex just to impress my friends or keep up with them?
• Am I thinking about having sex just to keep my partner?

Being in a relationship doesn't mean you have to have sex. Even if you have done it once or twice, you still need to make sure the other person is as keen as you are each time.

If you feel pressurised to have sex or take part in intimate behaviours, there are people and organisations that can help. If you are in immediate danger call 999.

When you decide to have sex, even for the first time, there's the possibility of pregnancy, catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia, or both.

Whoever you're thinking of having sex with, it's important to talk about contraception and condoms before you have sex. Both of you have a responsibility to have this conversation. Researching the options together will help both of you feel more confident and in control of the situation.

Using a contraceptive or condom every time you have sex will reduce the chance of becoming pregnant or contracting an STI.

You can get free and confidential advice about sex, contraception and abortion at any time from the Somerset wide integrated sexual health service (swish).

If you have lesbian, gay or bisexual sex, it's important to use an appropriate barrier method as you are at risk of STIs, including HIV. This includes the use of condoms when sharing sex toys.

If you're worried because you think you've got a sexual transmitted infection (STI), go for a check-up at a sexual health clinic as soon as you can.

Do not have sex, including oral sex, without using a condom until you've had a check-up.

You can have an STI without knowing it and infect your partner during sex.

The symptoms of an STI can include:

• an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
• pain when peeing
• lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
• a rash
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• itchy genitals or anus
• blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
• warts around your genitals or anus
• warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare

Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system. You can usually turn up without an appointment.

You'll often get test results quicker than from the GP and you may not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment.

No information about your visit to the clinic will be shared with the GP or anyone else outside the clinic unless you ask for it to be.

You can ask to see a female or male doctor or nurse if you wish.

Common STIs

Types of STI include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Trichomoniasis
• Genital warts
• Genital herpes
• Pubic lice
• Scabies
• Syphilis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)