Sexual Health
Sexual health includes taking steps to protect yourself from infections. Knowing the facts about STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and HIV is the best way to stay healthy and safe.
If It’s Not FRIES, It’s Not Consent
Consent must be Freely given, Revocable, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific. Every single time.
Your Right to Choose
You have the right to information and healthcare regarding your body — confidentially and without judgement. Understanding your rights empowers you to take charge of your health and wellbeing.
Know Your Body
Learn the correct terms and basic functions of your body. Accurate knowledge from trusted sources helps you make safer, more confident decisions.
Ask Without Shame
No question about your body or your health is too embarrassing to ask a doctor. That’s literally what they’re there for.
Prevention, Testing & the Facts
Knowing the facts about STIs and HIV is the best way to stay healthy and safe. Knowledge replaces fear with control.
Know Your Status
Regular testing is a normal, responsible part of sexual health — especially with new partners. Testing is often quick, confidential, and essential for early treatment and stopping the spread.
🛡️ Use Protection
Consistently and correctly use barrier methods like condoms. They’re the only method that significantly reduces the risk of both pregnancy and STIs.
💉 HPV Vaccine
Protects against the most common types of Human Papillomavirus — including strains that cause cancers and genital warts. Most effective before sexual activity begins.
📖 Facts Over Fear
Many STIs are treatable. HIV is manageable with medication. Accurate knowledge reduces stigma and helps you make responsible choices.
Understanding Your Options
If you are sexually active, understanding contraception is essential for planning your future and protecting your health.
Explore Your Options
Talk to a healthcare professional about the different types of contraception available. A doctor or nurse can help you choose the best method for your health and lifestyle — confidentially.
Correct Usage
Whatever method you choose — pills, injection, patch — learn exactly how to use it. Even the most effective methods fail if not used correctly every time.
Emergency Options
Know what emergency contraception is and how to access it if a primary method fails. It’s a safety net — but not a substitute for regular contraception.
A Common Virus — With a Powerful Solution
There is a safe and highly effective vaccine that reduces your risk of getting the types of HPV infections that can cause these cancers. Cancer of the cervix is one of the more common cancers affecting Barbadian women.
What Can HPV Cause?
Some HPV infections can lead to cancers of the cervix, throat, anus, and penis. HPV is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, and many people who have it don’t know it — the virus often causes no symptoms at all. That’s why vaccination is so important: it protects you before you’re ever exposed.
When to Get Vaccinated
For the best effect, the HPV vaccine should be taken around 11–12 years old, but taking it up to your mid-twenties can still be incredibly helpful. The vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity begins.
In Barbados
The HPV vaccine is available in just one dose and is completely free of charge at all Polyclinics in Barbados. Ask a trusted adult or doctor about it today.
Three Reasons to Act Now
Here’s everything you need to know about the HPV vaccine — timing, safety, and what it’s already achieved around the world.
Best Around Ages 11–12
For the best effect, the HPV vaccine should be taken around 11–12 years old, but taking it up to your mid-twenties can still be incredibly helpful.
The vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity begins. It trains your body’s immune system to fight off the virus before it can make you sick.
Trusted Around the World
The success of the HPV vaccine has been proven around the world, and millions of children have safely received it. The most common side effects are just a sore arm or a mild fever.
In countries where the HPV vaccine is given, there are far fewer cases of HPV infections and precancerous cells.
Free at Every Polyclinic
In Barbados, the HPV vaccine is available in just one dose and is completely free of charge at all Polyclinics.
Taking proactive steps to protect your health is a normal and responsible part of growing up. Future you will thank you.
Drop in cervical pre-cancers in young women in the U.S. since 2006
In countries where the HPV vaccine is given, there are far fewer cases of HPV infections and precancerous cells. In the U.S., cervical pre-cancers in young women have dropped 80% since 2006 — that’s the power of this vaccine in action.
Find Help Near You
Explore our interactive map to locate youth-friendly services, polyclinics, counseling centers, and community resources across Barbados.