Sex and Relationships
We have relationships with different people: our parents, our best friends, our teachers or a boyfriend or girlfriend. A relationship means a connection between two or more people or groups of people. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend then your relationship with them may involve strong feelings and may even be sexual. So what is sex?Sex and Emotions
Sexual Intercourse – when two people, usually a male and a female want to be very close to each other, so close that the male’s penis goes inside the female’s vagina. When this happens it is possible for a male and female to make a baby (once their reproductive organs have grown up). Most people don’t have sex just because they want to have a baby. They have sex because it feels good and they want to be close to that person and having sex is one way of expressing love. You do not have to have sex to show someone that you love them. Kissing, holding hands, cuddling and touching are all ways of showing someone that you love them.Here are some important things to remember about sex:
- It is illegal to have sexual intercourse under the age of 16
- There are ways you can protect yourself from having a baby, or catching a serious infection from sex like HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Contact the Family Planning Association 0845 310 1334 for information about protection called contraception, or ask your doctor if you need contraception.
- You have the right to say no to any kind of sexual contact, including hugging, kissing, cuddling and sex.
- Sexual contact with another person often comes with complicated feelings
Heterosexuality – A heterosexual person is someone who is attracted to someone of the other, or opposite sex (a male and a female).
Homosexuality – A homosexual or gay person is someone who is attracted to someone of the same sex (a male and a male or a female and a female)
Where to get more help
If you have any questions about sex, emotions or contraception, the following organisations may be able to help:
- BILD – British Institute of Learning Disabilities works to improve the quality of life of people with Learning Disabilities. Has publications on Sexual Health. Tel: 01562 723010. www.bild.org.uk
- Cheltenham Family Planning Clinic – offers the full range of contraceptive services. Tel: 01242 272374
- Cinderford Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 01594 598000
- Coleford Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 01594 598050
- Dursley Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 01453 562050
- Family Planning Association – UK charity with a confidential helpline (0845 310 1334) providing information and advice about all aspects of contraception.
- Gloucester Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 08454 226201
- Lydney Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 01594 598240
- Stroud Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 01453 766331
- Tewkesbury Family Planning Clinic – offers the full range of contraceptive services. Tel:01684 293303
- Wotton-under-Edge Contraceptive and Sexual Health Clinic – confidential and free advice on all forms of contraception. Tel: 01453 562350


