We recognise that sexual health is important to everyone; we have created this information to inform our local trans and non-binary community about good sexual health practices, and our services.
Transitioning and Sex
If you’re transitioning or considering transitioning, you may choose to have a different kind of sex, or prefer to avoid using certain body parts.
Masturbation can be a good way to learn what feels good for you, and which areas of your body you enjoy sexual touching.
Some things to consider when having sex which is new to you:
- Communicate what does and doesn’t feel good
- You have the right to change your mind at any point during sex
- You don’t need to have a certain type of sex, to be recognised as the gender identity you identify as
- You should never be pushed into doing something you’re uncomfortable with
Sex toys and objects
It is important to use toys and objects safely, to avoid infections or injury. Here are some quick tips:
- Use a new condom on a toy between each partner or body opening
- Wash toys between each use, each partner or body opening (if not using condoms on them)
- Only use sex toys designed for their purpose (e.g. for anal sex, items used should have a flared based, to prevent them getting stuck in the anus)
See our making sex safer page, for more information about safer anal/vaginal/oral sex and sex toy use.
STIs and testing
You can get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from anal, oral or vaginal sex, as well as sexual touching and close skin-to-skin contact.
Read more about STIs, including symptoms and in our Sexual Health and STIs page.
There are different testing options available to you:
- Order an STI testing kit online (ages 16+ with no symptoms)
- Visit a clinic
Read more about what to expect when you visit one of our clinics, below.
Visiting our clinic
When you visit one of our sexual health clinics, you will be asked to fill in a registration form, where we ask for:
- sex at birth
- gender identity
- sexual orientation
When you see a clinician, they may ask you questions about the type of sex you have had, your sexual partners or any gender interventions such as hormones/surgery, to enable them to give you the correct tests and appropriate advice/treatment. All the information you provide is confidential.
To test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea we will ask for a urine or swab sample, depending on the type(s) of sex you’ve had, you may be able to do this yourself. Telling the clinician you see about genital surgeries you’ve had, or any concerns you have about providing a sample, may help them to determine the best way for you to get tested. For other tests such as HIV and syphilis a blood test is taken.
We can help support you to attend the clinic if you’re worried; contact us to discuss this by emailing SexualHealthComms@mpft.nhs.uk
HIV and PrEP
HIV can be passed on through sexual contact, particularly anal or vaginal sex. Ways to reduce your chance of a HIV infection include:
- Using condoms for all types of sex
- Taking PrEP routinely if appropriate
- Taking PEP in emergencies, after possible exposure to HIV
You can find out more about PrEP and PEP here.
Preventing pregnancy
If there is a chance of pregnancy (penis-in-vagina sex), you can use contraception if you don’t want to become pregnant. Our clinicians can advise on the best option available for you, and will be sensitive to any concerns or requests with regards to gender identity, or gender dysphoria (such as increased/decreased vaginal bleeding, increased chest size etc).
You can see an overview of different options on the Contraception Choices website.
Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted and would like support, your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre can help.
Find links to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre on our website.