The government wants more talk about sex

Published on Tuesday 16 June 2009 22:45

A NEW website to encourage Scots to be more open when talking about their sex lives is being launched today to help cut unplanned pregnancies and sexual diseases.

The Scottish Government is launching the site – www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk – ahead of a campaign starting next month.

The aim is to get people to be more open about sex, such as asking new partners about sexually transmitted infections and what would happen if a woman became pregnant.

But it also includes general advice about having a good love life, with tips on how to keep sex "fresh and exciting".

The campaign will also go on to encourage wider use of long-last, reversible contraception – such as injections and implants – and also reducing HIV rates.

The new website – aimed at people aged 20 to 40 and costing 78,000 – provided facts and advice in a "light-hearted" way, said the Scottish Government.

It gives advice on how best to communicate with a current or potential sexual partner, with advice such as not interrupting when they speak, concentrating on what they are saying and maintaining eye contact.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "We Scots may not have a reputation for talking about our feelings but there's definitely a case for being more open when it comes to building successful relationships."