Sex myths, sex talk and looking after yourself...
Hope you've got some fab plans for the weekend! We've got some old friends coming to dinner and I'm doing rack of lamb - got a great recipe for an herb crust for it. Then I'm going to keep it simple and make hot chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Maybe throw some hot chocolate sauce on the top!
I was delighted to be selected to work as an independent expert and spokesperson on a major piece of research commissioned by the Department of Health and Department of Children, Schools and Family about our embarrassment around sex talk and sexual health. I'll continue to work with them over the coming months to get various important messages out about sexual health. The research we discussed today found that 77% of people will give sex advice to their friends when they’re NOT even sure if they've got their facts right. So don't believe what your friends tell you unless you know they're well-informed!
62% said that when they start a conversation about sex (like with a partner) it descends into a joke and a bit of banter leaving many without the answers they want. 11% of people didn't know a woman can get pregnant standing up and one in five people didn't realise she can get pregnant when on her period.
I spoke with radio stations around the country about getting people to have honest and open conversations about sex where they wouldn't feel embarrassed. I could barely stifle giggles, though, when speaking to Terry Christian on Sun Talk radio - he's so cheeky - but I wanted to keep him on the message!
We need to make this happen to help the continued decrease in unintended pregnancies. Also to prevent the spread of STIs and to make people - young and old - feel more confident about sex.
TODAY’S THOUGHT: treat your sexual health as you would any aspect of your health - just as you'd find out about dietary advice, ‘flu jab advice, breast screening for women, etc., you should be informed about your sexual health. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be, and the less likely you’ll make poor choices.
If you're a parent check out my 'Powerful Parenting' section and see the article called 'Teen sex and relationships'. Also you can check out the NHS Choices website and look at their 'sexual health' area for great advice on STIs, contraception and more.
Phew, glad I got that off my chest, that's my lecture for the week, enjoy the weekend, Pam xx