Sexual Health & Wellbeing

Sexual health is part of overall wellbeing

Sexual health includes physical comfort, relationships, consent, contraception, infection prevention and access to respectful healthcare. Everyone deserves privacy, accurate information and support without shame. You can ask questions even if you are not currently sexually active.

STIs, testing and prevention

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may have no symptoms. Testing can be important after possible exposure, when starting a new relationship or if you have symptoms. Condoms and other barrier methods can reduce the risk of many STIs, although they do not eliminate all risk.

Sexual health clinics can advise about testing, treatment, hepatitis and HPV vaccination where appropriate, HIV prevention (including PrEP), and urgent HIV post-exposure treatment (PEP). If you think you may need HIV PEP, seek urgent advice as soon as possible; it must be started within 72 hours of exposure. See NHS sexual health information.

Contraception and pregnancy choices

Different contraception methods suit different people. A GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic can discuss effectiveness, side effects, medicines, health history and reproductive goals. Emergency contraception is time-sensitive; ask a pharmacist or sexual health service promptly after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Some methods are effective up to five days after sex, depending on the option and circumstances.

Find reliable information at NHS contraception.

Consent, safety and respectful relationships

Consent must be freely given, ongoing and can be withdrawn. Pressure, threats, manipulation or fear are not consent. If you feel unsafe or controlled, seek confidential support from a trusted service. In immediate danger call 999.

Our Protect Yourself guide and Safety & Support Centre offer further starting points.

Changes in sexual wellbeing

Pain, dryness, erectile difficulties, reduced desire, bleeding after sex or other changes can have many causes. These concerns are common reasons to speak to a clinician, not something to feel ashamed of. Menopause, pregnancy, medication, long-term conditions, stress and relationships may all affect sexual wellbeing.

See our Menopause & Perimenopause guide for additional support. Seek assessment for persistent pain, unusual bleeding, sores or other concerning symptoms.

Finding confidential services in the UK

NHS sexual health clinics offer advice, testing and treatment; services and access routes vary by UK nation and local area. You can use the NHS sexual health service finder in England or contact your local NHS service. Ask the clinic about confidentiality, eligibility and interpreting support. Confidentiality has legal and safeguarding limits, which services can explain.

Be cautious about social media claims, unregulated sexual enhancement products and self-treating symptoms without professional advice.

My private reflection

What sexual health question would I like answered by a professional?

Do I know where to find a local confidential service?

One step I can take to support my health, comfort or safety:

Privacy reminder: If you print or save this worksheet, store it somewhere private and safe.

Feeling unwell? Seek help and stay connected

Do not ignore symptoms that concern you. Contact your GP practice if you feel unwell, especially when symptoms are persistent, worsening or affecting daily life. If you need urgent help and cannot wait for a GP appointment, use the appropriate urgent care service. In England, NHS 111 can advise on urgent but non-life-threatening concerns. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Keep someone you trust informed, if it is safe and you wish to. A family member or friend can check on you, help with appointments, collect essentials or offer emotional support. You decide what personal health information to share. If family contact is unsafe or difficult, choose another trusted person or professional service.

If you live alone, consider arranging a simple check-in with someone you trust when you are unwell.