It's important to take care of your sexual health and, if you have children, evidence shows that it's good to talk about sex and relationships. Young people who talk openly about sex with their parents tend to delay having sex and are more likely to use contraception when they do.

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.

To find out more, visit the NHS Choices website for articles, videos and information on sexual health. You can take a short quiz to see if your sex life is putting your health at risk, and you can find services and clinics in your area (in England) including contraceptives, emergency contraception and infection testing.

• Sexual health information from NHS Choices  
• Quiz: is your sex life putting your health at risk?  
• Sexually transmitted infections - NHS Choices
• Am I Clear? website from the Suffolk Chlamydia Screening Programme

The NHS Direct website answers common sexual health questions on issues from contraception and smear tests to STIs and sex therapy.

• Sexual health questions answered on NHS Direct  

You can also talk to your doctor or nurse at your GP surgery or family planning clinic. Surgeries often hold family planning sessions or clinics for young people - both are aimed at creating an atmosphere where people can talk openly about sex and relationship issues.

The best way to start talking about sex is to:

• start when your child is small, encourage them to ask questions, and answer them simply
• make talking about sex a part of everyday life, not just a one-off talk, and keep the conversation going as they get older
• try to introduce the topic before your child reaches puberty - waiting until then can make it awkward
• ask your child what they think about different situations to find out how much they know already - you can then give them answers and advice that they can understand
• use everyday media to start conversations (soaps, adverts, TV programmes, magazines) - then you can talk about other people, which is sometimes easier to start with
• use books, leaflets and websites (including those listed below) if you need information or ideas for how to start talking
• recognise that, as your child grows, they need privacy and may not always want to talk to you
• talk about the importance of considering the feelings of others in relationships, and not just the biology
• try to be open-minded and keep talking, even if you are shocked by your teenager's attitudes and values
• talk to other parents about how they answer difficult questions and discuss difficult issues

Talking to your child about sex and teenage pregnancy

Call Parentline Plus free on 0808 800 2222 to talk in confidence.

There's also a free textphone service on 0800 783 6783 for people with speech or hearing impairments.

fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association) can provide information and advice. Their helpline number is 0845 122 8690       

• Parentline Plus website
• fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association) website
• My contraception tool
• Find out what your child will learn at school about sex and relationships
• Publications for young people and parents
• FFLAG (Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)  

For advice on sex, relationships and contraception, young people under 18 years old can call Sexwise on 0800 28 29 30.

There is a textphone for people with hearing impairments on 0800 328 1651.  Calls are free from landlines and are confidential.

Young people can find more information by using the links below.

• Sexual health and preventing pregnancy
• If you think you're pregnant
• Suffolk Young People’s Health Project
• Suffolk Youth and Connexions Service