Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For instance there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it's important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.

Useful Links

Sex and Young People

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Sexual Health FAQs

Netdoctor - Sex & Relationships

Vasectomy (midhampshirehealthcare.co.uk)

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.

75% of people infected with chlamydia don't have any symptoms. However, testing and treatment are simple.

Useful Links

The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (under-25s) has more information on chlamydia.

NHS Choices - Focus on Chlamydia