Objective: To explore the experiences of young men aged 16–19, living in an area of high deprivation, when accessing local sexual health services.

Design: A qualitative design drawing on ethnographic methods.

Setting: A local college.

Methods: A multi-method approach was adopted using: one-to-one semi-structured interviews with young men and stakeholders; focus groups with young men; and participant observation in the areas surrounding the college clinics.

Results: While a number of the young men constructed their masculinity as dominant, promiscuous and deliberately unfeminine, this was not widespread and was often a conscious performance. This was possibly a response to boredom that the young men frequently mentioned but also because they felt it was expected of them. The young men in this study demonstrated the need to take responsibility for their actions, recognized the importance of making good judgements, and to have respect for their partner in relationships. They understood that taking alcohol and drugs could affect their ability to act in a sexually responsible manner. It was also clear that, while targeted sexual health messages remain a beneficial public health strategy, there remained a perception that existing sexual health services were still aimed at women and not suited to the young men.

Conclusion: The young men in this study demonstrated adherence to aspects of hegemonic masculinity but this was extremely complex and suggests a nuanced approach is needed to understand young men’s attitudes to sexual health services. By taking this approach strategies for enabling men to access services will be more appropriate and potentially more successful.