Family Planning and Sexual Health

The Student Health Nurse undertakes Family Planning in the Bodnant Surgery and she will advise on different methods of contraception, issue the contraceptive pill, the emergency contraceptive pill and take cervical smears. Please make an appointment with the Student Health Nurse on 01248 364492.

Emergency Contraception: Students requiring this have a maximum of 72 hours from the act of unprotected intercourse to receive treatment; the sooner the better.

Sexual Health

Play Safe

Whether or not to have sex can be a difficult decision to make. But in the end it’s what’s right for you, and only you can answer that.

If you both decide you do want to have sex, the chances are you’ll both want to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and protect each other from sexual infections. Sexual infections are very common but, used properly, condoms can help protect against them.

Being in Control

Raising the issue of safer sex is difficult and there are no simple solutions. Being prepared is often the first step towards safer sex. It doesn’t mean taking the fun out of it, and it doesn’t mean planning to sleep around. It just makes sense.

So if you’re likely to be in a situation where you may have sex, maybe after parties, pubs, clubs – make sure you’ve got condoms with you. Saying that you want to use a condom is the hardest part, but you may be pleasantly surprised. Your partner may find it just as difficult and would welcome a lead.

Watch Out

Alcohol (not to mention drugs) can lower inhibitions. You may not think so, but even a little alcohol can affect the way you behave, and you could end up doing something you’ll regret later.

What about sexually transmitted infections?

There are many types of sexually transmitted infections; these include:

  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis Herpes
  • Genital Warts
  • Gonorrhoea (sometimes known as the clap)
  • Trichomonas vaginalis
  • HIV

The most important thing to realise about sexual infections is that anybody who is having sex can get them; whether you are young or old, male or female, straight, gay or lesbian.

The good news is that most sexually transmitted infections can be quickly and easily treated if they’re detected early on. But some can cause serious long-term problems, such as infertility in women, if they are left untreated.

Where to go for help:

You can either go to:

  • a sexual health clinic, usually called an STD or GUM clinic (located locally at Ysbyty Gwynedd, contact the clinic 01248 384054
  • your GP
  • The Bodnant Surgery, Menai Avenue, call in or ring 01248 364492
  • Test and post: Home testing for sexually transmitted infections (ST’s)