Consent means freely agreeing to a sexual activity. It should be clear, voluntary and respected throughout the experience. Understanding consent can make sex safer, more respectful and more comfortable for everyone.
Consent is not complicated, but a few important things matter.
Someone should agree because they want to, not because they are being pressured, threatened or manipulated.
Consent can be expressed with words, but clear communication is the safest way to avoid misunderstanding.
Someone can change their mind at any point, even if they agreed earlier.
Agreeing to one sexual activity does not automatically mean agreeing to everything else.
Someone who is unconscious or too impaired to make a clear decision cannot give meaningful consent.
Healthy sexual experiences allow both people to communicate their comfort and boundaries.
Some situations are easier to understand when you see them plainly.
You can change your mind. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
Being in a relationship does not mean automatic agreement to every sexual activity.
Silence should not automatically be treated as enthusiastic agreement. Check in and communicate clearly.
Consent applies to the activity being discussed. One agreement does not automatically cover everything.
Stop the activity and respect the decision. Changing your mind is allowed.
Simple questions such as “Are you comfortable?” or “Do you want to continue?” can make communication easier.
Consent is easier when people can talk openly about what they are comfortable with and what they are not.
You can tell a partner what you want, what you do not want and what you would rather avoid.
You do not need to give a long explanation before setting a boundary.
A healthy relationship makes space for both people to say yes, no or not yet.
You can check in before or during sex rather than assuming what the other person wants.
Sometimes you simply need a private place to ask a difficult question.
Discuss questions about sex, consent or boundaries without embarrassment.
Talk through a confusing or uncomfortable sexual experience and understand possible next steps.
When a question overlaps with sexual or reproductive health, you can continue privately with a clinician.
Get support from your phone without needing to discuss personal concerns in public.
Simple answers to questions people commonly ask.
Sexual consent means freely agreeing to a sexual activity. It should be voluntary, informed and clear.
Yes. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. If someone changes their mind, the activity should stop.
No. Being married, dating or in a relationship does not mean someone automatically agrees to every sexual activity.
Silence should not automatically be treated as agreement. Clear communication is important when deciding whether to continue.
Someone who is unconscious or too impaired to make a clear decision cannot give meaningful consent.
Yes. You can change your mind at any point, including after sexual activity has started.
Simple questions can help, such as “Are you comfortable?”, “Do you want to continue?” or “Is this okay?”
You do not have to figure it out alone. Consider talking to someone you trust or seeking confidential professional support.
If you're unsure about a situation, you can talk about it privately and without judgement.
SRHN is developed by Vaedoc, a Nigerian digital health company building accessible healthcare services for Nigerians. We provide confidential support for sexual and reproductive health, including sexual wellbeing, STI symptoms, testing, treatment and contraception.