A variety of services are available to young people who want information about sexual health and tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the Sex Education Forum
Specialist services are available in many locations, including further education colleges, according to coordinator Anna Martinez, which makes it easier for young people to access them.
Ms. Martinez reminds young people that the services, designed specifically to support and assist them, are confidential. She urges them to locate local points of service, which have been designed to be friendly to their age group.
She anticipates that an increasing number of young men will utilize the services since they are now offered in friendly locations.
In the past, young men have been less inclined than young women to seek access to sexual health services, but Ms. Martinez sees that changing.
There has been some dedicated, targeted work for young men, for example with sex and relationships education. And, as services become more accessible, they find it easier to actually approach the services.
Some programs have been designed specifically for young men, including sex and relationship education. She expects they will be more likely to approach the services as they continue to be offered in various locations.
According to one recent study, 84 percent of young men today recognize Chlamydia to be an STI, a sharp increase in awareness since 2000/01.