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Background The sexual health needs of younger adults with intellectual disability (ID) are not currently being met by mainstream sexual health services. Little research has been conducted into improving these services' accessibility. Method Thirty-four people with ID aged 16-35, who attended ID services in Lothian, Scotland, completed a questionnaire at a face-to-face interview about whom they could go to for advice and information about sex and relationships, which information sources they used, their experiences of sexual health services, and their preferences regarding these services. Results Most participants wanted to attend mainstream services and felt staff from these services should be able to meet their special needs. Preferences on services varied between individuals. Conclusions It is important that there continues to be a variety of sexual health services available and that staff are appropriately trained in working with people with ID. Further research is needed to identify and resolve unmet needs in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]