Sex
December 1st, World Aids Day is often the only time many of us give any thought to HIV or AIDS. However for the remainder of the year some 60,000 people in the UK and around 40 million people world wide think about and live with HIV. Please wear a red ribbon and support World AIDS Day. You can find more information about World AIDS Day here.
Welcome to the sexual health section of Dorset PCT website. Please click on the links below to find out more about sexual health services provided by Dorset PCT.
Sexual Health
Being healthy is about feeling good physically, mentally and emotionally. Being sexually healthy means we avoid infections, illnesses and take responsibility to ensure we protect ourselves and others, emotionally and physically.
In this way, sexual health is an important and integral part of overall health. When we are sexually healthy we make the best decisions for us that we can with regard to our sexual partners and sexual practice.
For people who choose to be sexually active, sex can be enjoyable, safe and should based on mutual respect and agreement.
What is sexual health?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sexual health as:
- Equality and mutual respect
To negotiate with your sexual partner(s) to ensure the sex you have is the sex you want
- Protecting yourself and protecting others
Protecting yourself and others from sexually transmissible infections, unintended pregnancy etc.
- Awareness of emotional and psychological reactions
Be aware of the emotional and mental health difficulties that could arise from undue pressure to have sex or to engage in a sexual activity that makes you feel uncomfortable
- Embracing diversity
We should acknowledge different sexualities without discrimination, prejudice or judgement.
Local Services
We realise that in Dorset there is very little access to information regarding sexual health. However several of the sites below have area specific information in terms of clinic access and availability.
In particular, www.playingsafely.co.uk 
allows users to access their nearest sexual health clinic.
The Park Centre for Sexual Health (Department of Genitourinary Medicine, GUM) offer confidential and professional advice with free treatment in Blandford, Weymouth and Dorchester.
As all of our sexual health needs are very diverse we have aimed to give a broader selection of sites as possible in order that we meet as many people’s needs as possible.
For more information on items within this area of the site, please contact:
Jimmy Dean, Public Health Promoter (Sexual Health) Tel 01305 361362