Addressing the contraceptive needs of young people

When a young person attends a clinic for sexual health and /or contraceptive advice and treatment there are a variety of different issues that a health care professional needs to be aware of before discussing and administering treatment. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) need to be aware of the legal framework that surrounds the care and treatment of the young person as well as the need for confidentiality and its limitations. Young people may also have specific concerns and worries about sexual health care based on information they have gained from social media and friends and family which need to be addressed. A young person attending a clinic needs to receive holistic assessment and care in a calm, non-judgemental environment which gives them the opportunity to ask about and understand the treatment they are receiving.