Sexual health

There are a range of factors that determine a person's sexual health, including education and geographical access to services. National research conducted by the Department for Education (DfE) found that young people who did not receive any Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) in schools were more likely to take more sexual risks.  

Examples of the sexual risks are: 

• including having sex before the legal age of consent
• unprotected sex
• contraction of a sexually transmitted infection

Lower educational attendance and specifically RSE access could link to poorer sexual health outcomes for young people. 

Stigma

There is also the impact that stigma has on sexual health, as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are often stigmatised, which can deter individuals from seeking testing and treatment. This stigma can worsen health disparities, particularly among marginalised populations, including young people, men who have sex with men (MSM), and individuals in lower socioeconomic groups.  

STIs

STIs can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated, including: 

• infertility 
• pelvic inflammatory disease  
• pregnancy complications  
• neonatal infections

If some STIs, including Syphilis and Gonorrhoea, are left untreated, it can cause more severe outcomes, such as cardiovascular and neurological damage, blindness in newborns and even life-threatening conditions.  

Teenage pregnancy 

Teenage pregnancy can also have poor physical and mental health impacts, alongside educational and economic consequences. Research has shown that teenage pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes for both young parents and their children. Teenage mothers are less likely to finish their education, are more likely to bring up their child alone and in poverty and have a higher risk of mental health problems than older mothers. Infant mortality rates are 60% higher for babies born to teenage mothers. As children, they have an increased risk of living in poverty and are more likely to have accidents and behavioural problems. 

Economic burden 

The economic burden of STIs is substantial. In the UK, the estimated treatment costs for STIs were around £620 million in 2011, excluding costs associated with HIV treatment. Investment into sexual health services can save future associated costs for the NHS. Every investment of £1 into contraception is estimated to return £9 of cost savings to the government. The financial implications extend beyond direct healthcare costs, with poor sexual health affecting productivity and quality of life for affected individuals.