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Mar 23

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Mar 21

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Mar 18

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Usage and attitudes around hormonal contraception are changing 💊🤔 A recent article from the BBC reported a shift in contraception use from hormonal products like the pill to "natural" (non-hormonal) methods like fertility tracking apps among some women seeking abortions. More people are talking about hormonal contraception, sharing personal experiences and concerns about the side effects. We conducted research with 2,700 people aged 16-24 to explore their attitudes to contraception, condoms and sexual health. We found out that: 25% of young people expressed concerns about hormonal contraception’s side effects. Social media has become a key platform for information on contraception. But could this be negatively impacting attitudes around hormonal contraception and reducing usage? For some people, hormonal contraception has worked well, protecting them against pregnancy and helping them manage difficult symptoms from menstrual conditions like PCOS. But for others, hormonal contraception such as the pill hasn’t worked well, for reasons including the impact on their mental health. Methods of hormonal contraception may work for some but not others. What’s important is understanding what works for you. Are your attitudes and opinions about hormonal contraception changing? What are your honest thoughts about using hormonal contraception? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

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Mar 16

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Heavy periods can make social plans feel impossible - whether it’s swapping a night out for a night in, worrying about leaks, or just feeling too drained to function. The added burden of managing your life around your period can be a lot. But you don’t have to go through it alone. 💞 Getting support from those around you can make a big difference. Talking about it can help reduce the stigma and by talking to others, you might find out that someone you know also experiences heavy periods. It might also help them understand if you have to rearrange or cancel plans. If your work or school work is affected by heavy periods, you could explore ways of making it easier to work or go to school on period days by talking to your teacher, supervisor or manager.If your periods are stopping you from doing normal activities, it’s worth seeing a doctor. There might be nothing wrong or to worry about but it’s best to get peace of mind and to explore your treatment options.Head to the link in our bio to find out more about managing heavy periods and support.#HeavyTalk

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Mar 14

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Everyone is different when it comes to partners being in friendship groups.When it comes to healthy relationships, what matters is doing what you and your partner(s) are comfortable with, communicating and ensuring you spend time together as well as apart. What are your thoughts?

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Mar 11

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"I got my period quite late compared to a lot of people that I know. I was 15 and from the very beginning experienced really heavy bleeding, severe cramps and other symptoms. My periods have always been very hard to manage and very unpredictable."Thank you so much to Eden, 21, for sharing her experience with heavy periods and how it has affected her life. You can read the full story at the link in our bio.For more information about our #HeavyTalk campaign and how you can get involved, head to brook.org.uk/heavy-talkIf you have experience with heavy periods we'd love to hear your story. You can DM us or email press@brook.org.uk to find out how to get involved. You'll receive a £20 voucher if your story is featured on our website.

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Mar 10

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If you’re worried you might be pregnant then it can be hard to think clearly so we’ve put together some of the basics on getting and completing a pregnancy test.If you are pregnant, you have the right to choose if you want to continue or end the pregnancy. For some people, making a decision about pregnancy is easy. For others, it might be difficult. However easy or hard you find the decision, it is your decision to make.If you feel it would help, you can speak to someone at a Brook service, a sexual health clinic. A counsellor can listen to how you’re feeling, answer any questions you might have and give you lots of information and support to help you make a decision that feels right for you.There are also many other organisations that can help you such as the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) @bpas_1968, and MSI Reproductive Choices UK @msichoicesThe most important thing is to talk to someone as soon as possible, that way you give yourself time to consider all the options. If you talk to Brook, we will support you in the decision making process – we cannot and will not make the decision for you but we are here to listen and give accurate relevant advice and we will not judge you for the decisions you make.Head to the link in our bio for more information on pregnancy.

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Mar 8

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This #IWD we need to talk about women’s pleasure. Stereotypes around sexual pleasure focus on being for men’s pleasure in heterosexual relationships, but in reality, anyone can enjoy sex regardless of their gender identity or sexuality. By challenging gender stereotypes around sex and pleasure, it supports people to have sex that is safe, enjoyable and free from shame.

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Your free & confidential sexual health & wellbeing experts

How can we help?

Professionals

Help & Advice topics

Penises & testicles

Periods

Menopause

Contraception

Pregnancy

STIs

Sex

Gender

Abuse

Relationships

Sexuality

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Vaginas & Vulvas

My Body

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