Posted on: 25 July 2024
Summer has officially begun. Schools are out, love is in the air and everyone is out and about. Before you have some fun, thinking about your overall wellbeing as sexual health is crucial.
Sexual health is an important, and sometimes overlooked topic when it comes to health. We are committed to providing sexual health services and resources to ensure that everyone has access to accurate information and quality care. Here's what you need to know to take charge of your sexual health.
Always remember these elements of sexual health.
Talk – before committing to any form of sex with your partner, make sure you have discussed STI’s. It is also important to be open if you or your partner is having any other sexual partners.
Conversations also involve understanding one's own body and sexual rights, ensuring consensual and pleasurable sexual experiences. Remember to seek active consent from your partner (we love a resounding “YES”), rather than make assumptions that they are comfortable to carry on.
Test – have either you or your sexual partners ever been tested for STI’s? When was the last time you each tested? Is it time for both of you to re-test now?
Protect - Do you and your partner(s) discuss STI prevention?
If you use prevention tools, what methods do you use? (For example, external or internal condoms—also known as male or female condoms—dental dams, etc.)
Contraception - Are you or your partner using contraception or practicing any form of birth control? Would you like to talk about ways to prevent pregnancy? Do you need any information on contraception?
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Regular sexual health check-ups are essential, especially if you have more than one partner, or are starting a new relationship. Early detection and treatment of STIs can prevent long-term health complications. The NHS provides confidential and free STI testing, including for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and more.
Access to Contraception
Contraception is key to preventing unwanted pregnancies and managing reproductive health. The NHS offers a variety of contraceptive options, including:
- Oral contraceptives (the pill)
- Contraceptive implants
- Contraceptive injection
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Condoms
- Emergency contraception
Reducing Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to sexual health is stigma. Misconceptions and negative attitudes can prevent people from seeking the care they need. Services are dedicated to creating a non-judgmental environment where individuals feel comfortable accessing services and discussing their concerns.
If you live in Surrey
CNWL Surrey Sexual Health has a dedicated page to order home testing kits There are two types of kits available, one full testing kit for people aged 16 and over (which tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis), or a test for under 25s which includes Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing only.
You can also order some types of contraception on-line here (opens order form)
If you would like to start PrEP (HIV prevention medication), please call us on 01483 675389. Please press option 2 for sexual health services.
If you need to see someone face to face then you can book an appointment online here or call the booking office on 01483 675389, Monday to Friday from 9.15am to 12.30pm
If you need to see a clinician because you have symptoms or are a contact of a sexually transmitted infection, please visit www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk for more information on booking an appointment in one of our sexual health clinics in London and Surrey.
Young People’s Clinic from 3pm to 6pm on Tuesdays
CNWL Surrey Sexual Health also now has a dedicated sexual health young person's clinic for 13 for 19 year olds in three locations across the County. Every Tuesday from 3pm to 6pm at Buryfields, 61 Lawn Road, Guildford, GU2 4AX Earnsdale clinicand Woking at You can either book an appointment via our website or just turn up!
The Young People’s/Sexual Health (Please clarify – see comment) clinic offers:
- Sexual health testing and treatment
- Condoms and PrEP (a pill to prevent HIV)
- Contraception and sexual health advice
- Contraceptive pills, patches, injections and implants
- Pregnancy testing
- Advice and care for all who identify as LGBT+, including vaccines against some STIs.
For other CNWL Young People’s sexual health services in Surrey see the Young People’s section on this page. In Surrey those aged under 25 can also access free condoms through our condom distribution scheme. See the Healthy Surrey website for details.
If you live in London
You can order a home testing kit online from Sexual Health London – visit the Sexual health London website to order a kit. You can also come to a clinic for a rapid test. Mortimer Market Centre offers quick check appointments every weekday, this , PrEP and assessment & treatment of sexual health symptoms and infections. If you would like to start PrEP (a HIV prevention medication) please visit this page to find out more
Getting a sexual health check is easy and shouldn’t be embarrassing or shameful; sex is a normal part of our adult life, and STIs can be a part of it, so we encourage everybody to test regularly and be in control of their sexual health. It’s a quick, simple process that not only puts your mind at rest but could protect you from more serious complications like infertility. Protect your sex life – and protect your partner.
Remember, sexual health is health. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take control of your well-being.