Postal kit service

The Unity online test kit service has reached full capacity and will be temporarily closed to new orders until 16 March 2025. Orders already received will be processed and we will update further before this date.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this disruption.

If you have an urgent clinical problem, please call the clinic on 0117 342 6900.

Sex – all you need to know

All you need to know about sex – worries, concerns and advice.

Not all young people are having sex. In fact most people aren’t even doing “sex stuff”. Lots of people say that they are to avoid peer pressure, and a lot of people don’t have sex for the first time until they are 16 or older.

Some young people haven’t met someone that they want to do intimate things with; whilst others might be with someone they like, but they don’t feel ready.

What is important is that before you do anything – be clear that you and the person you are with both want to.

If you are doing stuff when one of you doesn’t want to, that’s not right and it’s really important to talk and make sure that you are both happy and comfortable with what you choose to do.

If you do both feel happy to take things further, or you just want to know more or know what other things you can do, read on. Our pages below have lots of useful information and advice that can help.

Consenting to sex Consent is about being able to agree to something if you are sure it is right for you to do it. It is also about making sure you have the confidence to say no if you don’t want to do something.
For professionals First Time Deciding to have sex for the first time is an important decision. Most people, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, want their first time to be special and this involves giving it some thought and ...
Doing it Here are some facts around doing it that may make things more pleasurable for you and your partner. Remember it can be fun and exciting, but only when it’s a positive choice for you.
Getting close When you go all the way with the right person it can be amazing, but there are lots of other things you might want to do before you’re ready for oral or penetrative sex.
Sex and alcohol Important information on mixing sex with alcohol
For professionals Sex and the law Important information on Sex and the law

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