If you want to know more about sex and relationships to make the most of your sex life or to help you talk to your partner, child or teenager, the organisations listed on this page can help.
The more you know about sex, the more confident you will feel when it comes to talking about it. There's lots of information available, especially on the internet, but not all of it is accurate.
All information on NHS Choices is up-to-date, accurate and based on the latest scientific evidence.
Various clinics and health professionals offer confidential and accurate information about sex, safer sex, contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can talk to:
- Your GP.
- Your midwife or health visitor.
- A community contraceptive clinic.
- A sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
People under 25 can go to a young person’s service, a Connexions centre or a Brook Advisory Centre.
Websites and helplines
The following organisations give information and support.
- fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association)
www.fpa.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 122 8960
Confidential information, advice and a range of booklets on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion, planning a pregnancy, and talking with your child about sex and relationships.
- Parentlineplus
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 2222
24-hour information and support on all aspects of parenting, including talking with your teenager about sex and relationships. The website includes a special area for parents of teenagers. (www.gotateenager.org.uk).
- Contact a Family
www.cafamily.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
Information and advice on all aspects of caring for a disabled child.
- Lesbian and gay switchboard
www.llgs.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7837 7324
Information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual or transexual people.
- Brook Advisory Service (under-25s only)
www.brook.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 802 1234
Free confidential information and advice on sexual health and contraception.
- Sexual Health Line
Helpline: 0800 567123
Free confidential information and advice on sexual health.
- Terrence Higgins Trust
www.tht.org.uk
Helpline: 0845 122 1200
Information, support and advice on HIV and sexual health.
- Relate
www.relate.org.uk
Information line: 0300 100 1234 (a trained consultant will point you towards the help you need)
Relationships support for people of all ages, including counselling for individuals, couples, children and young people, families and sex therapy.
- Local pharmacists
These can provide free and confidential advice and signpost you to more specialist advice if you need it.
To find your nearest sexual health service you can search for your nearest service here, or call the fpa helpline on 0845 122 8690
