The age of consent means the legal age a person is allowed to consent to sexual acts. The age of consent in the UK is 16 for anyone regardless of gender or sexual orientation or whether they are in a heterosexual or homosexual relationship.
An adult who has any form of sexual activity with a person younger than 16 can not claim that the sexual activity was consensual - such an act would be considered child abuse and/or rape.
If you have had unprotected sex this puts you at risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection.
Symptom Checker Find a clinic Do I have an infection? What to expect at the clinic?CNET engaged professional translators to ensure good quality translations in Hungarian, Slovakian and Romanian and therefore do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. However, if you wish to highlight an inaccuracy, please contact saima@cnet.org.uk
Chlamydia Trachomatis is a type of bacteria which can often go undetected, it is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK.
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Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacteria called gonococcus or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea used to be known as “the clap”.
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Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis, it is sometimes known as “TV” or “Trichs”.
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Genital warts are caused by certain viruses of the human papilloma family (HPV).
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Genital Herpes is caused by a virus called the Herpes Simplex virus (HSV). There are 2 different types of the virus, one type is the same virus that causes cold sores around the mouth.
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Syphilis is a bacterial infection, it is one of the easiest sexually transmitted infections to catch.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a bacterial infection affecting females that causes inflammation of the upper part of the reproductive organs.
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Most types of viral Hepatitis can be passed on through having unprotected sex - some are more easy to catch that others.
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Most types of viral Hepatitis can be passed on through having unprotected sex - some are more easy to catch that others.
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HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus which weakens your body's ability to fight infections and disease.
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Also known as crabs, pubic lice are very small insects that live on thick body hair such as pubic hair.
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It is important to get tested at a sexual health clinic so that you can receive treatment. If you don't receive treatment you are at risk of having serious health issues in the future. You may also be passing on your infection to other people.
Find a clinic near me What to expect at the clinic?If you feel that you are in a situation that could get heated or violent very soon, and you are unable to stay safe, or if someone else is in immediate danger please call the police on 999.
If you've witnessed or been the victim of crime, please report it. It will help the police to bring the offender to justice and make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.
Just answer a few quick questions below to find out the best way to get in touch.
How to report a crimeIf you’ve been the victim of rape or sexual/physical assault, there are many different ways you can report it to the police. Trained officers and partner organisations are available to listen and to support you in any way they can.
Importantly, your information could help us bring the offender to justice and to make sure you and other people in a similar situation are kept safe.
If the assault has just happened, or you are in immediate danger call the police on 999.
If you’d like to report online, rather than speaking to an officer by telephone, then you can contact the police using the online crime reporting service, this is secure and confidential.
All reports made using this service are reviewed by the police's 24/7 contact centre, usually within a few hours and an officer will get back to you in a maximum of two days (although usually quicker).
If you’d like to talk to someone, the police's national non-emergency telephone number is staffed 24/7. Call 101 and report what happened or just get some advice.
If you’d like to speak to an officer in person, they can provide a safe and comfortable environment at a local police station.
There is also non urgent support from other organisations :-
www.victimsupport.org.uk - or call Helpline for confidential support 0300 303 1971
NHS Help after rape and sexual assault
Bradford Rape Crisis (For women and girls) or telephone Helpline: 01274 308 270
You can buy a pregnancy test from pharmacists or supermarkets.
Then ring Locala as soon as possible on 030 3330 9500 or make an appointment with your GP or midwife as soon as you find out you're pregnant.
You should also try find out about local maternity services in your area.
If you're not yet registered with a GP, use the NHS service search to find a GP near you here.
Your pregnancy can be treated confidentially, even if you are under 16.
