Sexual health and teenage pregnancy
Sexually transmitted infections, diseases caught through sexual activity, are a real problem in Southwark. Sexually transmitted infections include: chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. And of course HIV — a real threat in Southwark because our population has so many links to parts of the world where HIV is very common.
The best protection from all sexually transmitted infection is to always use condoms, available free on the NHS.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common and rapidly increasing sexually transmitted infection and now infects over one in five men aged 20-24 and at least one in ten young women, especially teenagers. Although often without symptoms, it can lead to several female health problems — from pelvic pain and inflammation, to blocked tubes, ectopic pregnancy or infertility. Boots pharmacies in London are offering free Chlamydia testing and treatment for all16-24 year olds.
Pregnancy rates for under 18 year-olds
Pregnancy rates for under 18 year-olds in Southwark are double those for the rest of the country, and we have the highest pregnancy rates among 15-17 year-olds in the whole of England & Wales. Of course, not all teenage pregnancies are unplanned or unwanted. But an awful lot are - leading to a very high rate of abortions locally. And, for those women who choose to continue the pregnancy, it’s often quite a struggle for mother and baby to do well.
In Southwark, our sexual health and contraception clinics have good drop-in facilities and flexible opening times.
“I work with young people and try to get the message across that sex is a big responsibility and not something you
should enter into casually. It has repercussions — both emotionally and physically that can be long lasting and change the course of your life forever. In Southwark we have lots of services that young people can access to get the help and advice that they need.”
Dorothy Okotie, Teenage Pregnancy Co-ordinator
Local services
- To find your nearest supply of condoms, ring the Sexual Health Line Freephone 0800 567 123.
- In Southwark, our sexual health and contraception clinics have good drop-in facilities and flexible opening times.
- Sexual and Reproductive Health clinics offer full contraception service and screening for some sexual transmitted infections