New Sexual Health Campaign Gets People Talking
4th December 2009
Our first work to help young people make more informed decisions about contraception, look after their sexual health and avoid teenage pregnancies has launched. The first phase of the campaign, Contraception. Worth Talking About will increase young people’s awareness of the different types of contraception and remind them that they won't be protected against STIs unless they use a condom.
Unlike traditional Government campaigns, the Contraception. Worth Talking About advertising features no people – real or illustrated. Instead, the advertising will show snippets of conversations in speech bubbles, in a variety of everyday scenarios.
Despite recent progress, with teenage births down 23 per cent to the lowest level for 15 years, there is still more to do. Research and evidence shows that better communication and more knowledgeable conversations about sexual health, relationships and contraception are crucial to helping people make informed choices and take care of their health.
Gillan Merron, Public Health Minister, said:
“Sex still seems to be taboo – too many of us are holding back from having the open and honest conversations that young people need to make informed decisions, including about when it's right to have sex. There is a method of contraception to suit the lifestyle of everyone, and it’s right to talk about these options.
“The Government’s campaign is designed to change attitudes and show young people that having open conversations with their partners, friends, parents and health professionals is a must – it isn’t something to be embarrassed about. We’re striving for a culture of safer sex and better relationships.”
The first phase of the campaign, Contraception. Worth Talking About, aims to specifically prompt conversations about the range of contraceptive options open to teenagers and young adults. The campaign is backed-up by polling released earlier this month, showing:
92% of people cannot name the 15 types of contraception options available to them;
nearly half of younger women (44% of 16-24 year olds) are not aware they might not be using contraception that is the best ‘fit’ for their age and lifestyle;
one in five feel awkward discussing contraception with friends;
more than a quarter (26%) never discuss contraception with their partner and choose to opt for their current contraception without asking about the potential alternative options.