Sex. Just Don’t Do it – think it through

“Sex don’t just do it, think it through” - the sexual health awareness campaign, developed by the Public Health Agency, will be rerun throughout March 2010. The campaign, targeting 16 – 25 year olds, aims to promote respect within relationships and empower young people to delay sexual intercourse until a time when they are ready.

Dr Bernadette Cullen, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Agency, said: “the provision of positive and accurate information about sexual health issues is a key element in the promotion of good sexual health. With proper information and knowledge young people are more likely to avoid risky behaviour, use contraception, and access services. An evaluation of the campaign shows that it has been an effective way of getting the information across to young people”.

Sexual health is identified as an important factor contributing to good physical and mental health. Young people carry a disproportionate burden of sexual ill-health, with those aged 16-24 representing 12% of the population, but accounting for nearly half of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Evidence shows that young people who report an earlier age of first sexual intercourse are more likely not to have used contraception or protection against STIs .