13/02/2026
PHA Urges Public to Use Trusted Sources for Sexual Health Advice
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has underscored the vital importance of seeking sexual health advice from verified sources rather than relying on unreliable or anecdotal information.
Coinciding with Sexual Health Week (14–21 February), the PHA is promoting the theme 'Sexual health information: who do you listen to?' The initiative aims to guide the public toward professional healthcare providers and reputable websites to ensure they receive accurate medical guidance.
Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, stated: "Your sexual health and wellbeing is important. Looking after it can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health and help you develop healthier, happier and positive relationships. To do this, it is important to get reliable information and our website www.SexualHealthNI.info is a good place to start. It provides a trusted source on subjects like sexual relationships, contraception choices, sexually transmitted infections, as well as advice on where and how to access sexual health services."
She further advised using the PHA and NHS websites to verify information encountered online or through peer groups. Ms Dowds also encouraged anyone with concerns to speak directly with a GP or visit a sexual health clinic for free, confidential advice.
The campaign specifically highlights that while talking about sexual health can feel awkward, particularly for young people, avoiding these conversations often leads individuals to untrustworthy sources.
"Being informed about sexual health, gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and to understand what is right for you," Ms Dowds continued. "As adults it's important to talk openly and accurately about sexual health, so that we can support our young people to recognise they have the right to do so too. This will help to dispel myths and challenge the stigma that exists. It will also support our young people to have the conversations they need to help them make informed choices."
The PHA's dedicated portal, www.sexualhealthni.info, offers comprehensive and confidential resources on several key areas:
• Contraception: Detailed guidance on various methods to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
• Protection: Information on preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Testing: Details on where to access STI testing services.
• Consent: Support for understanding personal boundaries and the importance of being able to say "No" in uncomfortable situations.
For professional support, residents can visit their GP or a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, which operate across all Health Trusts in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the PHA-funded organisation Common Youth provides free, confidential services specifically for those under the age of 25.
Coinciding with Sexual Health Week (14–21 February), the PHA is promoting the theme 'Sexual health information: who do you listen to?' The initiative aims to guide the public toward professional healthcare providers and reputable websites to ensure they receive accurate medical guidance.
Frances Dowds, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, stated: "Your sexual health and wellbeing is important. Looking after it can have a positive impact on both your mental and physical health and help you develop healthier, happier and positive relationships. To do this, it is important to get reliable information and our website www.SexualHealthNI.info is a good place to start. It provides a trusted source on subjects like sexual relationships, contraception choices, sexually transmitted infections, as well as advice on where and how to access sexual health services."
She further advised using the PHA and NHS websites to verify information encountered online or through peer groups. Ms Dowds also encouraged anyone with concerns to speak directly with a GP or visit a sexual health clinic for free, confidential advice.
"Being informed about sexual health, gives you the confidence to make decisions about your own body and to understand what is right for you," Ms Dowds continued. "As adults it's important to talk openly and accurately about sexual health, so that we can support our young people to recognise they have the right to do so too. This will help to dispel myths and challenge the stigma that exists. It will also support our young people to have the conversations they need to help them make informed choices."
The PHA's dedicated portal, www.sexualhealthni.info, offers comprehensive and confidential resources on several key areas:
• Contraception: Detailed guidance on various methods to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
• Protection: Information on preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Testing: Details on where to access STI testing services.
• Consent: Support for understanding personal boundaries and the importance of being able to say "No" in uncomfortable situations.
For professional support, residents can visit their GP or a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, which operate across all Health Trusts in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the PHA-funded organisation Common Youth provides free, confidential services specifically for those under the age of 25.
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