{"id":16348,"date":"2024-11-07T15:09:48","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T15:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/?page_id=16348"},"modified":"2026-02-07T11:22:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T11:22:24","slug":"sexual-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/sexual-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Sexual health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Having good sexual health means having healthy genitals and reproductive organs. It means being able to make decisions to support a safe, healthy and pleasurable sex life, and feeling safe and positive about sexuality and sexual relationships. It also covers contraception and pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Scroll down for more information or:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Explore common queries on the Sexual Health Dorset website<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Find your local sexual health clinic<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What would you like to know?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
About sexual health<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Problems with sexual health<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Local services<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

About sexual health<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Having a \u2018normal\u2019 sex life means taking part in sexual activity that feels fulfilling and satisfying to you and your partner, as often or as little as you both want. You should have the freedom to choose and communicate the types of sexual experiences and relationships you are interested in.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to use contraception to protect yourself and your partner from STIs and to avoid unwanted pregnancies.<\/p>\n<\/div>

If you are experiencing abuse, coercion or violence in relation to your sexual health, or if you or someone you know has experienced or is at risk of female genital cutting, you should tell the police, your doctor, teacher or other professional immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Consent<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Your body<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Having sex for the first time<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sexual pleasure<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Menopause and sex<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Sex during pregnancy<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LGBTQ+<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
How to live well<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Consent<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Consent is essential in establishing boundaries within sexual relationships. While the age of consent is 16 years old, this is not the same as sexual consent.<\/p>\n

Sexual consent is an agreement between two people to engage in sexual activity. You should never feel pressured or forced to have sex. Within a relationship, it is important that you talk clearly about what you and your partner do, and do not, want to do.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>