Sexual Health

There are many different forms of contraception men and women can use, the most common being the pill, IUDs and condoms. What you choose to use will depend on what works best for you and what is suitable based on your medical history/conditions. 

The pill can refer to the mini-pill, the combined pill or the emergency morning after pill.

Condoms usually refer to external condoms that are worn on the penis. However, there are also internal condoms that can be inserted into the vagina or anus. 

IUDs (intrauterine devices), also known as copper coils, are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the womb by a nurse or doctor. They do not use hormones, instead preventing pregnancy by releasing copper. They last between 5 and 10 years. 

An IUS (intrauterine system) is similar to an IUD but releases the hormone progestogen to prevent pregnancy. They can also be used as HRT therapy during menopause. They last 3 to 8 years. 

The contraceptive implant is a small plastic device, about 4cm long, that a doctor or nurse insert under the skin of your arm. It releases progestogen and works for 3 years before needing to be replaced. There is also an injection that lasts 8 to 13 weeks. 

The contraceptive patch is a 5cm by 5cm patch that you wear on your skin. It releases oestrogen and progestogen into the blood to prevent pregnancy. You wear the patch for 7 days then replace it with a new one. 

A vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring about 5cm across that you put inside your vagina. It releases oestrogen and progestogen. You can insert in and leave it there for 3 weeks. 

Diaphragms and caps are types of contraception that you place inside your vagina. You must use a spermicide with them  (a gel, foam or cream that kills sperm cells).

Sterilisation is also a more permanent option. Female sterilisation (tube ligation) is a procedure that involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes. It does not affect your hormones and you will still get periods. It is reversible, but the procedure to do so is generally not available on the NHS. Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is a procedure where the tube that carries sperm is blocked, cut or sealed and stops sperm being ejaculated. It may be possible to reverse a vasectomy, but it is not always successful and is usually not available on the NHS. 

Infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) despite having regular unprotected sex. 

Around 1 in 7 couples will experience difficulty conceiving. 

More than 8 out of 10 couples, where the female is under 40, will conceive naturally within a year if they have regular unprotected sex (every 2 or 3 days). 

If a couple has been trying to conceive for 3 years without success, the likelihood of getting pregnant naturally within the next year is 1 in 4. 

If you have not conceived after a year of trying, you may be able to get help and should make an appointment to speak with your GP. Women that are over 36 or anyone that is already aware of fertility issues should make an appointment sooner. 

There are two types of infertility: 

1. Primary infertility - where someone who has never conceived in the past is having difficulty conceiving. 
2. Secondary infertility - where someone who has had 1 or more pregnancies in the past is now having difficulty conceiving. 

Infertility can be caused by many things. Some of the things it can be caused by in women include:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Endometriosis
• Thyroid issues
• Premature ovarian syndrome

Some things it can be cause by in men include: 

• Lack of sperm - either a complete lack or a low count
• Sperm not moving properly
• Abnormal sperm - sperm that are an abnormal shape that makes it harder for them to move

Medicines and drugs can also affect fertility and the ability to conceive. 

Around 1 in 4 cases of infertility are unexplained; there is no identifiable issue in either partner.

There are treatments available for infertility, from medical treatment for ovulation issues, surgical treatment to repair issues in the womb, and assissted conception such as IUI or IVF. 

There are also risk factors to consider when attempting to conceive, such as weight, age, smoking/drinking, STIs and stress. 

Sexual health clinics, also known as genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual and reproductive health clinics, are free and available to everyone no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality. 

The services they offer include: 

• Tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medicine to protect against HIV
• Contraception, including emergency contraception and advice 
• Pregnancy testing
• Abortion advice
• Hepatitis A and B vaccinations
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations
• Help after rape or sexual assault

Find a sexual health clinic

Visiting a sexual health clinic is confidential. You can ask for a female or male nurse or doctor and you can also request a chaperone, which could be a family member or friend or another member of staff. 

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that it was not your fault. Don't be afraid to get help. 

There are specialist services that can help you if you have been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. You don't have to report it to the police if you don't want to. 

You may need time to think about what happened to you, but you should seek medical help for any injuries or the risk of STIs or pregnancy. 

If you want the crime to be investigated, it is best to have a forensic medical examination as soon as possible. Try not to wash or change your clothes, as this may destroy forensic evidence. You can still go to the police even if you have wash though. 

Sexual Assult Referral Centres (known as SARCs) offer confidential medical, practical and emotional support for anyone of any age or gender who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you. They can provide immediate medical care, forensic examinations, counselling, testing for STIs, emergency contraception and onward referrals.

They can offer counselling and support for recent and past incidents.

Their services are available whether or not you wish to have police involvement and will support whatever decision you make. If you do decide to report the assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to speak to a specially trained police officer who will explain the next steps and they have specially trained advisors who can support you through the criminal justice system. 

Find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Rape Crisis is a feminist charting working to end sexual violence and abuse against women and girls. 

They are a membership organisation with 38 member centres across England and Wales that work to deliver specialist services to those affected by sexual violence and abuse. They aim to educate, influence and make change.

Over half their centres also offer specific support and services to men and boys who have experienced sexual violence or abuse at some point in their lives. 

Find a Rape Crisis centre

You can contact their 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line and speak to one of their specialists at any time of the day or night. 

Telephone: 0808 500 2222

Live Chat

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to support victims of crime and traumatic events in England and Wales, including sexual assault and rape. 

They offer free and confidential support and services 24/7 whether the assault was recent or happened weeks, months or years. 

You can get in touch with them the following ways: 

• contact your local Victim Support team
• call their free Supportline on 08081 689 111
• use their free 24/7 Live Chat
• request support via their online form

You can also sign up to My Support Space, an online resource with interactive guides to help you manage the impact crime has had on you. 

The Survivor's Trust is a national membership organisation that supports specialist rape and sexual abuse services. There are over 120 members thoughout the UK and Ireland who provide specialist support services to over 100,000 survivors each year, including counselling, support, helplines and advocacy. 

They offer a free, confidential helpline to any survivor anywhere in the UK 7 days a week. 

Helpline: 08088 010818

Text service: 07860 022956

Email: helpline@thesurvivorstrust.org 

You can find information on services in your area with their interactive map.

Women's Aid is a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. 

They are a feminist organisation that lobbys and campaigns to bring about systemic changes and improve responses to survivor's needs, and directly supports survivors of abuse through their national support services. 

They provide a number of services and ways to get in touch, including: 

• Women's Aid Live Chat
• Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
• A forum to connect with other survivors 

They also have a Handbook that provides practical support and information if you are experiencing abuse with guidance on every aspect of seeking support, including seeking refuge and safety planning. 

Male Survivor's Partnership is an organisation that caters specifically to male survivors of sexual violence and abuse. 

Through education, research, advocacy and capacity building, they are working to secure prevention, healing, and improve access to support services for men and boys who have experienced or are experiencing abuse. 

They have a number of support services available to men on their Survivor Resources page and an interactive map to find local services. 

Helpline: 08088 005005