Sex and pregnancy information for teenagers

Thinking about having sex?

Remember having sex is big decision to make.

Think about whether you are ready to have sex.

You can get good advice about whether it is the right time and right relationship for you to make that decision from websites such as RU Thinking or the BBC.

Remember the legal age to have sex is 16 years, but you can still get help and confidential advice from the local services listed at RU Thinking even if you are under 16 years old.

Remember don’t be pressured into having sex when you don’t really want to, it’s your decision.

If you decide it is the right time, make sure you protect yourself by having 'safer sex' - what does that mean?

Safer sex means protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections by using a condom and from pregnancy with contraception. Condoms are available free and confidentially through local services listed on the RU Thinking website.

I’ve had unprotected sex

What do I do?

If the condom split or you have had sex using no contraception then you can get emergency contraception up to five days after having sex.

The sooner after sex you seek help the more effective it is:

• Up to 72 hours (three days) you can take two tablets (they used to be called the Morning After Pill but tend to be called Emergency Hormonal Contraception now, EHC for short)
• Three to five days after unprotected sex you can have an IUD (intra uterine device) fitted to prevent pregnancy

Local services offering emergency contraception are Family Planning services at the Cumberland Centre telephone 01752 314661, GP’s, casualty departments and The Junction/Junction Plus at the Youth Enquiry Service (YES).

You can buy emergency contraception over the counter at chemists if you are over 16 for about £20 to £30.

For further information visit the RU Thinking website.

Emergency contraception will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections and it may be necessary for you to get checked for infections at the GUM clinic at Derriford Hospital. Telephone 01752 763910 for an appointment.

I think I might be pregnant

Don’t panic! Get a pregnancy test done.

Where?

• RU Thinking provides details of where in Plymouth young women can get free, confidential pregnancy testing done
• Or you can phone the Teenage Pregnancy Team on 01752 254444 for details of services

You also can contact the following for help in making decisions following a negative or positive pregnancy test:

• The Teenage Positive Pregnancy Outreach Worker at YES, telephone 01752 206626
• Sure Start Plus, telephone 01752 254597
• A midwife, telephone 01752 763623
• Your Doctor
• Family Planning, telephone 01752 314633
• The Junction/Junction Plus at YES, telephone 01752 206626

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