posted by: Sophia Davies
Updated 06.04.20
Our professional society, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) have released guidance on sex and social distancing in the time of COVID, which is available in full here.
The guidance basically outlines that sexual contact should only take place if:
Sex with yourself if the safest option! Masturbation (“wanking”) is excellent for your physical and mental wellbeing!
You should avoid close contact — including sex — with anyone outside your household. Avoid physical group sex; video dates, phone sex, sexting or chat rooms may be options for you. Irrespective of symptoms, if you or sexual partner has a medical condition that may lead to a more severe illness with COVID-19, you should avoid sex.
If you do end up having sex, there are ways you can make it safer, such as using condoms and dental dams, avoiding kissing and rimming (mouth to anus), and washing before and after sex.
If you have symptoms that you think are related to an STI, or that you might need PEP (HIV post-exposure prophylaxis) you can access advice here.
Make sure you have an effective form of contraception sorted for the next few months: further advice here.
Many people are currently considering planning for a pregnancy, but are unsure what the risks are. We can share what […]
We have received reports today of a possible scam. Some women are being contacted by text message, claiming to be […]
We are aware that the use of moon cups and other menstrual cups is increasing due to concerns about the […]
As a response to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the government has temporarily approved the use of telemedicine in some situations […]
How to access the 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 early symptoms of coronavirus is available online at nhs.uk/coronavirus .
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 outbreak.
Advice from our service:
We have updated information on the provision of routine contraception during this pandemic here.
Information is now also available to advise on sexual contact during a time of social distancing 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.
Alternative provision:
If you are struggling to access sexual health services, alternatives may be available: