Sexual health advice

Beyond contraception and STIs, there's a lot that can affect your sexual health. Take care of your sexual wellbeing with information from our experts.

Whether you're looking for information on fertility or genital care, or you want to learn about other conditions that can affect your sex life, we've got you covered.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is caused by changes to the balance of natural bacteria inside the vagina. It’s the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening (previously known as a smear test) is a health check for your cervix.

Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial bladder infection.

During pregnancy: STIs and sex

Using condoms during sex, even when you’re pregnant, will reduce the chance of you getting an STI.

Erectile dysfunction

If you cannot get an erection, or cannot keep an erection long enough to have sex, this is called erectile dysfunction or impotence.

Fertility problems

Having fertility problems can mean you’re having trouble getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to full term. Fertility problems are also referred to as infertility or subfertility.

Genital care

Good genital health can protect you from some infections. Get to know what's normal for you, and get medical advice about anything unusual as soon as possible.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends before the 24th week.

Period problems

Periods can be painful, heavy or irregular, and can affect your mood. It can be difficult to live with and get in the way of your daily life.

Pregnancy testing

If you think you might be pregnant it’s important to find out for sure as soon as you can. The only way to know for certain is to take a test.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is when you come (ejaculate) sooner than you want to during sex. It’s a common difficulty and it’s usually nothing to be concerned about.

Scabies

Scabies is a contagious skin condition. It’s not usually serious, but it does need to be treated, or irritated skin can become infected.

Sex and contraception after pregnancy

Choosing when to start having sex and using contraception after pregnancy and birth is a personal choice.

Thrush

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast. It’s common and anyone can get it. It's not an STI.

Your sexual health, your way

To help you take care of your sexual health and wellbeing, we have free STI test kits, contraception, information and advice – 24 hours a day.

It’s quick, discreet and completely confidential.

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