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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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Mar 5

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Heavy periods, medically known as menorrhagia, affects approximately 3 in every 10 people who menstruate. It can be hard to know if you have heavy periods because it is under researched and often dismissed as just a normal period, so here are some of the common symptoms of heavy periods.1.Your period regularly lasts more than 7 days2.You soak through pads/tampons more than every 2 hours 3.You have blood clots bigger than 2.5cm4.Your periods are stopping you from going about normal life5.You flood or leak onto your underwear or clothes regularly6.Other symptoms: Feeling dizzy, breathless and getting tired easily due to anaemia, painful periods and disrupted sleep. You may show all these symptoms of heavy periods or just a few. If you’re periods are worrying you or, stopping you from doing normal activities, it’s a good idea to see 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 heavy periods.

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Mar 4

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Brook believes normalising discussion of sex and sexual pleasure is key to tackling harmful stigma around sex, sexuality and bodies.It supports people to manage sexual feelings without shame, but with an understanding of boundaries, rights and responsibilities.Being silent on the issue of sexual pleasure when sex is being discussed is not a neutral position, it reinforces shame and stigma associated with sex and conveys a strong message that pleasure is or should be a taboo.It is dishonest to avoid discussion of sexual pleasure given that most people have sex in order to experience and/or provide pleasure; and that sex for pleasure/fun/enjoyment is an everyday part of cultural and commercial representations of relationships that we are exposed to in film, television, literature and advertising from an early age.

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Mar 3

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Heavy periods (menorrhagia) are under researched and often dismissed as just a normal period. But it’s a condition that can affect your sleep, education, work, social life and more. That’s why we’re launching our new campaign #HeavyTalk to get the conversation flowing about heavy periods and help you understand when normal isn’t normal. Let us know what questions you have about heavy periods in the comments and we'll answer them over the next few months.Head to brook.org.uk/heavy-talk to find out more! (🔗 in bio too)

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Feb 27

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If you’re not sure what condoms to buy here is a brief guide to finding the right condom for you ⬇️⬇️⬇️SizeCondoms generally come in three different sizes: small, medium and large. Sizes can differ between brands so always check the packaging to work out which one is for you based on your measurements. If your size does not match a condom size exactly, choose the nearest size and try out different sizes until you find the most comfortable option for you.MaterialThe most common material for condoms to be made from is latex, but you can get condoms made from other materials including polyurethane and polyisoprene. Some people are allergic to latex and cannot use this type of condom so remember to check the pack for details. TextureYou can buy condoms in different thicknesses ranging from extra thin to extra thick.You can also buy textured condoms. These are normally ribbed or dotted and they can help enhance pleasure for both parties.Other types of condomsFlavoured condoms – some people like to use these for oral sex. Flavours include strawberry and chocolate.Condoms that delay male ejaculation – these might be worth a try if you are worried about finishing too quickly.Glow in the dark condoms.Lubricated condoms – these come with lube already applied to them so you don’t have to worry about which lube is compatible.Condoms with warming or cooling sensationsFlared condoms – condoms with more room for the end of the penis. This can make them easier to put on, and more comfortable.Internal condoms – these are inserted into the vagina or anus rather than covering the penis.For more information on condoms head to the link in our bio.

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Feb 26

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Did you know that the age of sexual consent used to be different for queer people?Welcome back to Queer History Lessons - your essential Queer history and knowledge series!Let’s learn about the history of sexual consent in the UK… #queerhistorylessons

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Penises & testicles

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Gender

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Sexuality

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Best Contraception For Me

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Contraceptive Implant: Nexplanon Implant

Contraceptive Injection

Contraceptive Patch: The Patch

Contraceptive Ring: The Vaginal Ring

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