Sexual Health

Sexual Health

Sexual health is an important part of growing up, and teenagers in Scotland have access to a range of resources and support to help them make informed, safe, and responsible decisions about their bodies and relationships.

Understanding sexual health

Sexual health is not just about contraception and STIs—it also includes:

• Understanding relationships, consent, and boundaries
• Knowing how to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Making informed decisions about sex and emotional well-being
• Accessing confidential sexual health services

Legal age of consent in Scotland

• The legal age of consent for sexual activity in Scotland is 16 for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
• Sexual activity with someone under 16 is considered illegal, even if both people agree.
• However, if a young person under 16 seeks confidential sexual health advice, they will not be reported to authorities unless they are at risk of harm (e.g., exploitation or abuse).

Contraception & pregnancy prevention

Teenagers in Scotland can access free contraception, including:

• Condoms – Protection against pregnancy and STIs
• Birth Control Pills – Taken daily to prevent pregnancy
• Implants & Injections – Long-lasting hormonal contraception
• IUDs (Coils) – A device inserted into the womb for long-term protection
• Emergency Contraception ("Morning After Pill") – Can prevent pregnancy if taken within 3-5 days after unprotected sex

Where to Get Contraception:

• GP (Doctor’s Surgery) – Can provide contraception and advice
• Sexual Health Clinics – Offer confidential services for young people
• Pharmacies – Some offer free emergency contraception
• C-Card Scheme – Provides free condoms to young people

Sexually transmitted infections (stis) & testing

STIs can be passed through unprotected sex, including oral and anal sex. Common STIs include:

• Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea – Often no symptoms but can cause infertility if untreated
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) – Some strains can lead to genital warts or cervical cancer
• HIV & AIDS – A serious but preventable virus affecting the immune system
• Genital Herpes & Syphilis – Can cause painful sores and long-term health problems

How to Prevent STIs:

• Use condoms during all sexual activity (free through C-Card).
• Get regular STI testing if sexually active.
• Be open and honest with partners about protection.

Where to Get STI Testing & Advice:

• Sexual Health Clinics – Free, confidential testing and treatment.
• GP Services – Some offer STI tests and advice.
• Online Testing Kits – Available in some areas for home use.

Where to get help & advice in Scotland

Teenagers in Scotland can access confidential and non-judgmental support from:

Sexual Health Services

• NHS Sexual Health Scotland – Free contraception, STI testing, and advice
  www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk
• Local GP or Pharmacy – Advice and prescriptions

Support for Relationships & Consent

• Rape Crisis Scotland – Support for survivors of sexual violence
  www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk | 08088 01 03 02
• Childline – Free, confidential support for young people
  www.childline.org.uk | 0800 1111

LGBTQ+ Sexual Health Support

• LGBT Youth Scotland – Support for LGBTQ+ teens
  www.lgbtyouth.org.uk

Sexual health is about being informed, staying safe, and making choices that feel right for you. Scotland provides free, confidential services to ensure teenagers have access to contraception, STI testing, and relationship advice.

Resources:

Queen Margaret Hospital
Whitefield Road
Dunfermline,

KY12 0SU

Drop ins welcome  –  Monday               9am – 12.30pm

                                  Wednesday         12pm – 3.30pm

                                  Thursday             12pm – 3.30pm

Sex, Relationships and You (Real and Relevant Guide) - Sex Relationships and You.pdf

Free condoms by post and advice on contraception: Condoms | NHS Fife