Sexual Health

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall health and wellbeing. Sex is a normal and natural part of human life but can have unintended consequences. Sex without using contraception could lead to an unintended pregnancy at any time during the menstrual cycle. And sex without using a condom can put a person at greater risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or HIV.

Talking about sexual health can seem awkward, but it doesn’t have to be embarrassing or complicated, and you don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers. The Very Brief Intervention below is targeted towards starting conversations about sexual health and supporting access to further information and services. The Local Support and Contact Details section lists sexual health services that are available in each London borough.

Most (but not all) London boroughs use the online service Sexual Health London as a means of triaging an individual to the most appropriate local support for them. This service is best accessed via the mobile phone of the individual concerned so that it stays confidential to them and will require them to register with the site before using this service.

Very Brief Intervention

Ask

Can I talk with you about sexual health? Would you like to know about services that can help you to manage your sexual health and wellbeing?

Are you worried about pregnancy after unprotected sex or think your contraception might have failed?

You can use emergency contraception up to five days after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception is more effective at preventing pregnancy the earlier it is used. But emergency contraception is not as effective as using other methods of routine contraception.

Are you worried about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)/ HIV after unprotected sex or think the condom might have failed?

Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted infection has signs and/or symptoms. Sometimes these don’t appear for weeks or months and sometimes they go away, but you can still have the infection and pass it on to someone else.

If you have symptoms you should get an STI test. Even if you don’t have symptoms you should think about getting tested if:

  • you have recently had unprotected sex, including oral sex, with a new partner
  • you, or a partner, have sex with other people without using a condom
  • a partner has symptoms.

Have you been a victim of rape or sexual assault?

Go straight to Act section for details on support services.

Assist

Emergency contraception – more information

There are different types of emergency contraception:

• The emergency intrauterine device (IUD).
• An emergency contraceptive pill.
• An emergency contraceptive pill with the hormone levonorgestrel. There are different brands.

You can get free emergency contraception from Sexual Health services and GP Practices. Some community pharmacies can provide emergency contraceptive pills for free (there may be age restrictions), or they can be bought from community pharmacies.

Routine contraception – more information

Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of different types of contraception from methods that you use when having sex to methods that last for years. The full range is available free from sexual health services. Free contraception is also available from GP Practices (although they may not offer all types) and some types from some community pharmacies.

STI and HIV prevention, testing and treatment – more information

There are lots of different types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and they can spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys. Anyone who is sexually active can get one, even if you don’t have lots of sexual partners. Using condoms can prevent STIs.

Most STIs can be treated or managed, and it is usually best if treatment is started as soon as possible. If left untreated, many sexually transmitted infections can be painful or uncomfortable, can permanently damage your health and fertility, and can be passed on to someone else.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. There’s currently no cure for HIV. However, treatment enables most people with HIV to live a long, healthy life, especially if they’re diagnosed soon after being infected. HIV treatment suppresses the virus in the body, and leads to an undetectable viral load, which means HIV can’t be transmitted to others. Using condoms can prevent HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can also prevent HIV – it is a pill HIV-negative people take before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV – and is for people who may be at greater risk of getting HIV.

Free and confidential STI and HIV testing and treatment, and condoms are available from sexual health services.

Act

Reassure them that sexual health services are confidential, and free of charge in most cases.

Self Care

For information about sexual health, STIs, HIV and contraception visit Sexwise, It Starts With Me or the NHS website.

The Sexual Health Helpline provides advice and information on all aspects of sexual health, call free on 0300 123 7123 (open from 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday 11am to 4pm). Calls will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.

Contraception Choices is designed to help people decide which method of contraception might suit them best and provides honest information on the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Community Pharmacies

Emergency hormonal contraception is effective up to five days after sex and is available from most community pharmacies. Some pharmacies may charge for this service, so it is advised to call ahead to check what they offer.

Click here to find a pharmacy

General Practice

If registered with a GP, routine contraception and, in some cases, Long-Acting Reversible methods (such as an Interuterine Device/’coil’ or a contraceptive injection or implant) can be provided. Suggest contacting local practice directly to find out what they can offer.

Click here to find a GP

Support for victims of sexual assault

The Havens provide specialist centres across London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. For urgent advice and an initial assessment call 020 3299 6900.

Other local services

Go to the local support section for information on what is available in each borough.

Local Support and Contact Details