Sexual health information and support

People need information on STIs, contraception, sexuality, relationships and pregnancy. Often the basics of 'how to do' sex are also needed, as is a reassurance that sexual feelings are normal and that there is someone who will listen to their problems sympathetically.

Family Planning Clinics and GPs usually provide information people need about contraception, but sometimes people find out that they are not as well informed as they hoped . Even though many people feel shy talking about contraception when they're younger, by their late teens and early twenties most feel reasonably comfortable .

She had been using the pill for 4 years for medical reasons before she found out that she should not rely on it when on antibiotics.

Was anxious about going to the Family Planning Clinic (Brook) as a 14 year old but thought they were very good.

Detailed information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be harder to find - and more embarrassing to ask for. Most of the people we talked to knew the names of the main STIs and would be concerned about an unusual discharge or smell, pains, urinary symptoms, lumps and bumps.

But there's often a lack of awareness of what symptoms go with what disease, or how serious they might be . People may even not talk about STIs with good friends - which adds to secrecy and feeling of stigma.

Says that the information she was given about STIs was inadequate. (Actor)

However, those who overcame their fears and had an STI test encouraged others to do the same if they had any reason to suspect a problem (see 'STIs: ideas about risk and decisions to test').

Talking with friends about sex can be very entertaining, reassuring and helpful, but sometimes leaves people feeling inadequate . They can be a source of practical advice and support, but, unlike doctors, nurses and the telephone service NHS Direct, are not always trusted to have the correct information. People do feel they can talk to health professionals, but aren't always certain what to ask them.

The emotional side is left out of sexual health information - and it can be hard to express insecurities about sex. (Actor)

Some people like the internet because it is anonymous and private and can be used when issues seem too embarrassing to raise face to face.

Mothers are often an important source of information for younger people , and most are happy to give advice, although some people don't like to ask, and others find their mum's don't always want to talk . Some people talk to their mums about relationships, but avoid details of their sex lives, which both might find it embarrassing to discuss.

Prefers to talk to her mum about relationship issues, but not about sex. (Actor)

Thinks her mum would be too embarrassed to talk about sex with her. (Actor)

Magazines like Just Seventeen (for young teenagers) and Cosmopolitan were an important source of 'sex tips' for girls, which they discussed with friends. Boys whose sisters had copies of girls' magazines lying around the home usually took a peek and wondered how men without sisters manage.

He says that he read his older sisters teen magazines for sexual health information.

According to women, young men vary in their knowledge of contraception, with some being aware, other's being relatively 'clueless' ;

In her experience boys don't know nearly enough about contraception.

Boys are less willing than girls to talk openly about sex - boys need the equivalent of girls magazines.

Both boys and girls need to know about each other . Good sex education is needed in schools as well as mass media advertising about safe sex and contraception. Different approaches are needed to ensure everyone finds out what they need to know. .