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Sexual Health services in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

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Sexual Health services in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

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Types of Safer Sex

Where to go for sexual health advice

Good sexual health depends on regular check-ups and practicing protected sex.

Check-ups will make sure any STIs are quickly diagnosed and treated.

If you do not have symptoms, you may also be able to order a full sexual health check online for free by visiting: www.SH24.org.uk

Deciding when to have sex

Working out whether you want to have sex and when you feel ready is something only you can decide; being a certain age, in a relationship or because friends have done it aren’t reasons to have sex; and some people happily choose to never have sex at all.

It’s also important that you are happy to have sex and choosing to say yes, each time, just because you might have had sex before, even with the same person, doesn’t mean you have to do it again.

When you decide to have sex, it is important to know that there is the possibility of pregnancy, catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or both.

Having a look at contraception options before or together can help you feel more confident and in control. To find out more visit our contraception page.

You can get free and confidential advice about sex, contraception, and abortion at any time.

Visit your local GP, community contraceptive clinic, sexual health clinic.

Talking about sex

Talking about sex with your partner can feel daunting, but it’s a great way to find out if you’re both feeling ready to do it and what kind of sex, you’re both ready to try.

It can help answer some important questions like:

  • Are you both ready?
  • Are you having sex because you want to?
  • Do you have contraception sorted? 
  • What you like and don’t like
  • Do you know each other’s boundaries?

It is important to remember that sex doesn’t have to be part of a relationship, and if you do decide to have sex you both need to feel happy, safe and comfortable.

How can I make sex safer?

When correctly used each time you have sex, condoms/ dams are the best protection against STIs and HIV.

Dams (sometimes known as dental dams) are a latex sheet that can be used for oral sex on a vagina or anus to protect against STIs. 

Remember to only use one side of the barrier against the skin; don’t flip it around and use the other side.

If using sex toys, use a new condom for each person.

Why should I use condoms?

The important thing is to use condoms correctly and consistently.

To find out more, look at our latest video on how to use condoms correctly.

When correctly used each time, you have sex (anal, oral, vaginal, or sharing sex toys), condoms are the best way to reduce the risk of STIs and HIV.

Dams (sometimes known as dental dams) are a latex sheet that can be used for oral sex on an anus (rimming) or vagina to protect against STIs. 

Remember to only use one side of the barrier; don’t flip it around and use the other side.

What if the condom breaks or I don’t use one?

If you have unprotected sex (without a condom) or a condom you are using breaks, call your nearest sexual health clinic for advice and for information on emergency contraception and, how and when to get an STI test.

If you are worried about HIV following unprotected sex or if a condom breaks, you may need to get PEP (see below). 

Why is lube important?

Lube reduces the risk of a condom breaking.

Different types of lube are listed below:

  • Silicone-based lubes: suitable for use with condoms but not sex toys.
  • Water-based lubes: suitable for use with condoms and sex toys.

Avoid lubricants that are oil-based (e.g., petroleum jelly, baby oil), as these can damage condoms and cause them break. Some lipsticks and lip balms can also damage a condom after oral sex, so a new condom should be used for any other type of sex.

If you are thinking of having sex or are having a sexual relationship, registering for a C-Card will mean you always have access to free condoms and lube. To find out more about the C-Card and where to register click here.

How can I make sex safer?

When correctly used each time you have sex, condoms/ dams are the best protection against STIs and HIV.

Dams (sometimes known as dental dams) are a latex sheet that can be used for oral sex on a vagina or anus to protect against STIs. 

Remember to only use one side of the barrier against the skin; don’t flip it around and use the other side.

It is still possible to get or pass on STIs such as, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, and parasites (such as scabies or crabs) from non-penetrative sex (skin-to-skin contact, rubbing genitals together and oral sex). Always clean your hands thoroughly using warm soapy water before and after touching yourself and your partner.

If using sex toys, use a new condom for each person.

What are common STI symptoms?

STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be passed from one person to another during unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex or intimate contact, especially if you don’t use a condom.

Some signs you may have an STI include:

  • an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
  • pain when peeing
  • lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
  • a rash
  • unusual vaginal bleeding
  • itchy genitals or anus
  • blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
  • warts around your genitals or anus
  • warts in your mouth or throat, but this is very rare

If you have some of these symptoms, it doesn’t always mean you have an STI, but it’s worth visiting your GP or nearest sexual health clinic.

To find your nearest sexual health clinic visit www.openclinic.org.uk/clinics

You should go to a sexual health clinic if:

  • ​you have symptoms of an STI
  • a sexual partner has symptoms of an STI
  • you’re worried after having sex without a condom
  • you’re pregnant with symptoms of an STI

Many STIs have no symptoms at all so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

How often should I be getting an STI test?

How often you should be checked depends on how many people you have sex with.

If you don’t have a regular partner or have different sexual partners you should have a check-up at least every three months.

Before having sex at the start of a new relationship, have a check-up. A sexual health screen should also include a HIV test.

If you get any symptoms that may be an STI (e.g., sores or discharge), go to a clinic straight away and don’t have sex until given the all-clear.

Visiting a sexual health clinic

When you visit one of our sexual health clinics, you will be asked to fill in a registration form. We ask for your gender at birth as well as your gender identity and preferred name. Gender at birth helps us determine which tests to run. We can help support you to attend the clinic if you’re worried; contact us to discuss this by emailing SexualHealthComms@mpft.nhs.uk

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 about any genital surgeries you’ve had helps them to determine the best way to collect your sample. For other tests such as HIV and syphilis a blood test is taken.

What is PEP and where can I get it?

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis.

PEP is a combination of HIV drugs that can stop the HIV virus taking hold. It can be used after the event if you’ve been at risk of HIV transmission.

To work, PEP must be taken within 72 hours (three days), and ideally should be taken within 24 hours.

PEP is an emergency measure to be used as a last resort, such as if a condom fails during sex. It is not guaranteed to work and taking PEP will not protect you from other sexually transmitted infections.

PEP is available on the NHS for free but is only given to people who meet guidelines about its use.

The best place to get PEP is a sexual health clinic. If you need PEP over the weekend or outside of office hours, when clinics will often be closed, the best place to go is an Accident and Emergency department.

PEP is not normally available from GPs.

What is PrEP and where can I get it?

PrEP is a drug taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV.

Taking PrEP before being exposed to HIV means there’s enough drug inside you to block HIV if it gets into your body.

The medication used for PrEP is a tablet which contains tenofovir and emtricitabine (drugs commonly used to treat HIV)

PrEP is now available free on the NHS in England from sexual health clinics.

Although PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it won’t protect you from other STIs or an unplanned pregnancy, which condoms would.

It’s important if you’re using PrEP that you go for regular STI screenings every three months.

Don’t forget about consent!

Consent means giving your permission for something to happen, and when we talk about sex, this means a person giving their permission (saying yes) to taking part in sex or sexual contact (this could be anything from kissing to anal sex).

Consent must be given for each sexual act by everyone involved. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with because someone assumes that’s what you should be into because of your sexuality or gender identity.

Click here to learn more about consent.