Sexual wellbeing

Having an active sex life can lead to health benefits such as improving the condition of your heart, reducing stress and improving mental health. Being part of a happy, healthy relationship can also reduce depression and anxiety. Even just having a hug can reduce your blood pressure and improve your sense of well-being.

These pages provide information and advice on topics that we hear about in our clinics every day that are related to your sexual health and general well-being. We hope you find them useful.

News & Stories

Our top 5 tips for healthy bits!

Our top 5 tips for healthy bits!

The genital area, including the surrounding skin is very delicate and can easily be damaged. Here are our top 5 […]

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Covid-19 vaccines and fertility, an update from the BFS and ARCS.

Covid-19 vaccines and fertility, an update from the BFS and ARCS.

The British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists have created this document in response to questions that […]

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Updated blood pressure readings if you are taking combined hormonal contraception
BP check

Updated blood pressure readings if you are taking combined hormonal contraception

Why do we need an up to date blood pressure (BP ) reading to start or continue with Combined Hormonal […]

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Termination of pregnancy

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Pre-conception advice

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PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

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Sexual Assault Referral Centres

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Safer sex

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Accessing our service during the COVID pandemic

How to access our service:

We have now implemented a telephone triage system for all of our clinics. This system will be in place for the duration of the pandemic. Please contact our services to access this triage system. Our central telephone number is 0300 303 3989.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus please do not attend the clinic. Clear advice for people with symptoms of coronavirus is available at nhs.uk/coronavirus .

Advice from our service:

We have updated information on the provision of routine contraception during this pandemic here.

If you need the combined contraceptive pill please try (if you can) to get updated measurements of your height, weight and blood pressure before calling us.

We are currently prioritising these groups for coil and implant (LARC) fits:

  • Those with vulnerabilities including but not limited to those who are: <18, attending abortion and maternity services, homeless, sex workers, victims of sexual assault, people with language barriers, drug and alcohol problems, learning disability, serious mental illness
  • Those aged <30 years

More details on LARC fittings at our service are found here

There is also specific advice on coronavirus available for People Living with HIV here, and for pregnant women here. 

Self-requested Sexual Health screening by post is available for for under 25s only - more info here

For others with testing requirements please contact the service on 0300 303 3989.

Information is now also available to advise on sexual contact during a time of social distancing here.

Alternative provision:

Please be aware that we may have to cancel, rearrange or shut clinical services in response to changing clinical and staffing pressures created by the Coronavirus pandemic. 

If you are struggling to access sexual health services, alternatives may be available:

  • Emergency Contraception - at your local pharmacy - more info
  • Contraceptive pills and LARC procedures - obtained from your GP
  • HIV postal testing - available to at-risk groups for a small fee -  more info
  • HIV PEPSE - available via A+E departments - more info
  • Condoms by post (for gay and bisexual men only) - more info