Your sexual health is an important part of your wellbeing, yet is often overlooked. The music industry has high levels of sexual harassment, and this was the subject of a House of Commons enquiry, Misogyny in Music.
Understanding Sexual Health
Sexual health goes beyond just preventing infections or planning pregnancy – it’s about empowering yourself to make informed choices about your body and relationships.
It encompasses understanding your body, accessing reliable information, and knowing how to protect yourself and your partners. Most importantly, it’s about creating relationships that are enjoyable, safe, and based on mutual respect.
Communication and Consent
The foundation of healthy sexual relationships is clear communication and enthusiastic consent. This means:
- Having open discussions with partners about boundaries and comfort levels
- Understanding that consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time
- Recognising that saying ‘no’ is always valid, regardless of circumstances
- Building relationships based on trust and mutual respect
Sexual relationships should be enjoyable, pleasurable and safe; free from coercion, discrimination and violence. A healthy relationship also needs trust and good communication. It is important to talk with your partner about sex to ensure you have each other’s consent.
If you’re unsure about having sex, it is always OK to say ‘no’. Even if you consent to a sexual act, you can change your mind at any time.
Practical Steps for Protection
Protecting your sexual health involves several key strategies:
- Using barrier methods like condoms to prevent STI transmission
- Choosing and using appropriate contraception methods that work for your lifestyle
- Getting regular STI testing, especially with new partners
- Staying current with preventive care, including HPV vaccination and cervical screening
- Understanding emergency contraception options
There are lots of different types of contraception and different things work for different people. Some forms of contraception have added benefits as well as preventing pregnancy, for example, some help with irregular or heavy periods. Emergency contraception can reduce the chances of getting pregnant.
Understanding STIs and Testing
While some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause symptoms like unusual discharge or discomfort during urination, many people experience no symptoms at all. Regular testing is crucial because:
- Early detection allows for more effective treatment
- Some untreated STIs can lead to serious health complications
- Testing is free and confidential at sexual health clinics
- Modern treatments are highly effective when started promptly
There are also some important public health initiatives designed to optimise sexual health:
- Check you are up to date with your HPV vaccination
- Attend for cervical screening when invited
Remember: Quality sexual health services are free in the UK. When abroad, plan ahead – healthcare access, costs, and attitudes vary widely between countries.
Advice and support can be found at the following organisations
Common Youth: free, confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for under 25s: www.commonyouth.com
The Rainbow Project: promoting the health and well-being for the LGBTQIA+ community: www.rainbow-project.org
Cara-Friend: support and training for the LGBTQIA+ community: www.cara-friend.org.uk
