Knowledge is power, but taking action is being in control. Wherever you live, work or study across Australia, here is some really practical advice for looking after your sexual health.

Across Australia, there are several types of health service where a young person can get advice about their sexual health and a test for Chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections. The list includes:

• General practitioners
• Sexual health clinics
• Family Planning Clinics
• Youth Health Services
• Aboriginal Medical Services

Australian young people have told health professionals and researchers a lot about what they would like from a health service:

That health care is

• confidential
• free

That the health service

• is open when young people can get there - such as in the late afternoon, evening, and on weekends
• is easy to get to - by walking or public transport
• is located somewhere where young people hang out
• is interested in having young people go there - by having appropriate magazines, posters and other reading material in the waiting room and by having friendly reception staff

That the doctors or other health professionals

• are non-judgemental
• have time to talk to them and not rush them
• don't use lots of technical words without explaining them

Confidentiality is one of the main concerns that young people have when they go to see a doctor or health professional. This can be especially true for personal issues such as sexual health. It might be helpful to know that doctors and health professionals are legally bound to keep patient or client confidentiality.