Departments
Sexual Health
Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health, as well as emotional and social wellbeing. Sexual health does not just affect young people, but different aspects of sexual health may be relevant at different ages. It has a wide definition and includes:
- being free from disease and sexual or reproductive dysfunction
- having the capacity to enjoy relationships and express sexuality without feelings of guilt or shame
- being able to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences
- controlling fertility and avoiding the risk of unintended pregnancy
Sexual health in Northern Ireland is generally regarded to be poor with high levels of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
In November 2002, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety published its Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy and Action Plan setting out the need for a multi-agency approach to address this issue.
This was followed in 2003 by a consultation document A Five Year Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan.
Each year, the Southern Board is required to provide a Report on how it is acting to control the spread of HIV and AIDS. This Report provides an overview of current activities in the Southern Board area related to sexual health. The Report for 2004/05 is available here.
In the Southern Board area, a website has been developed to provide information for young people on sexual health issues. This gives advice on where to go for further confidential information, support and treatment.
Anyone who thinks they may have recently been at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection should contact their GP or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic (Click here to find a local clinic)
To find out more on how the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy and Action Plan is being taken forward in the Southern Board area visit our Teenage Pregnancy page.
Further information
Statistical data on selected sexually transmitted infections in Northern Ireland is available from the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre