Sexual health is about preventing pregnancy when you do not want it, protecting yourself from HIV and other infections, and getting help when something does not feel right. You do not need to have symptoms to ask for advice about testing or protection.
If no contraception was used, a condom slipped or broke, or you are worried about HIV or another infection, do not wait for symptoms before asking for help.
Emergency contraception can reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraceptive pills and a copper IUD are possible options. Access it as soon as you can because timing matters.
Use our online service promptly to discuss emergency contraception and the most appropriate next step. Get help with emergency contraception →PEP is emergency medicine taken after a possible HIV exposure. It must be started within 72 hours and works best when started as soon as possible.
Our online consultation service is available 24/7. Ask for help immediately so a healthcare professional can assess the exposure and guide you to PEP without delay. Get urgent help after HIV exposure →A healthcare professional can explain which tests may be useful and when to take them. Testing immediately may not detect every recent infection, so follow-up testing may be recommended.
Use our online service for non-emergency STI testing and treatment advice. Get urgent in-person care for severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding or if you feel very unwell. Get help with STI testing or treatment →Use contraception if you do not want to become pregnant. Condoms can be used with another method.
Learn about contraception →Condoms, regular HIV tests and prevention medicines can help you stay protected.
Condoms lower the chance of many infections passed through sex. Some can spread through skin that a condom does not cover.
For example, use an implant, injection, pill or IUD to prevent pregnancy, and condoms to lower the chance of HIV and other STIs.
External and internal condoms lower the chance of HIV when used correctly every time you have sex. They also help protect against many other STIs.
PrEP means medicine taken before possible contact with HIV. It is for people who do not have HIV and want extra protection. A clinician will discuss an HIV test and check whether PrEP is suitable for you.
PEP means medicine taken after possible contact with HIV. It must be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours afterwards. A clinician will ask what happened and decide whether PEP is right for you.
An HIV test checks for signs of HIV in your body. A test may not show a very recent infection, so you may need another test later. A healthcare professional can explain which test to take and when.
STI means sexually transmitted infection. Some people use the older term STD, meaning sexually transmitted disease. Many STIs cause no symptoms, but they can still be passed to someone else. Think about testing after sex without a condom, sex with a new partner, or if a partner has symptoms or tells you they have an STI.
Unusual fluid from the vagina or penis, pain when passing urine, sores, blisters, pain low in the tummy, pain in the testicles, bleeding after sex or pain during sex.
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and other infections can be present without obvious symptoms. Testing is the only way to know.
Different infections can look alike and need different treatment. A clinician can decide which tests are useful and explain the results.
A clinician may ask about your symptoms, when they started, recent sexual contact and the protection you used. Depending on the concern, you may need a urine test, blood test, swab or an in-person examination. Your answers help them choose the right tests and treatment.
Vaginal discharge means fluid that comes from the vagina. Normal discharge can be clear or white and can change during the month. It usually does not have a strong smell and should not cause itching or pain. A sudden change in smell, colour or amount may need checking.
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. It often causes strong itching, irritation and thick white discharge. It is not usually passed through sex.
BV happens when the usual balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. It often causes thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell. It is not the same as thrush.
Yellow or green discharge, pain low in the tummy, bleeding, pain when passing urine, sores, or symptoms after sex with a new partner may be signs of an STI.
If discharge keeps returning, looks different from usual or does not improve, get medical advice instead of repeatedly treating yourself. The wrong treatment can delay the care you need.
Check the expiry date and make sure the packet is not damaged. Open it carefully without teeth or sharp objects.
Pinch the tip and roll it all the way down the hard penis.
Lubricant is a slippery gel that can reduce rubbing. Use a water- or silicone-based type. Oil can damage many latex condoms.
Remove it carefully and use a new condom every time you have sex.
The closed inner ring is placed inside the vagina and the outer ring stays outside.
Make sure the penis enters the condom pouch and does not slip between the condom and the side of the vagina.
Rubbing between two condoms can make them slip or tear.
HPV is a common virus passed through sexual contact. Some types can cause cancer of the cervix—the lower part of the womb. The HPV vaccine protects against important types of HPV that can cause cancer.
Cervical screening is a test that looks for changes that could later become cancer. When you should be tested depends on your age, HIV status and previous results. A clinician can check the right schedule for you.
Screening is for people without symptoms. Bleeding after sex, discharge that does not go away, pain low in the tummy or other worrying symptoms need a medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine screening test.
Ask about cervical screening →A healthcare professional can discuss contraception, discharge, STI testing, HIV prevention, PrEP, cervical screening and other sexual-health concerns privately.
Consult with a professional