Improving your sexual health

Find out about your options around contraception and protected sex.

Young couple in bed

A healthy sex life

Sexual health means more than being free from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or avoiding an unplanned pregnancy. Read more about A healthy sex life

A range of condoms

Condoms

Condoms are the most effective way to safeguard your sexual health as they provide a barrier that stops sperm, viruses and bacteria getting from one person to another. Read more about Condoms

A woman holding a pill taken from a packet

Contraception

The main types of contraception include barrier methods, hormonal methods and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). There are permanent methods like sterilisation, and more... Read more about Contraception

Male couple kissing

Oral sex

Oral sex has a very low risk of HIV transmission. The virus can very rarely be passed on this way and only if the person with HIV has a detectable viral load. Read more about Oral sex

Couple legs intertwined

Unprotected sex

HIV can be transmitted sexually through blood or semen if no protection is used and the person with HIV doesn’t have an undetectable viral load. Read more about Unprotected sex

Two people holding hands

Public sex environments

Some people like to have sex outdoors or in public places. These are sometimes known as public sex environments and include woods, public toilets, parks and car parks. Read more about Public sex environments

Healthcare professional with patient

Sexual health services

Sexual health services, which are sometimes know as 'GUM' services or clinics, offer a variety of tests, information and advice. Read more about Sexual health services

Two people chatting

Access to services for migrants and refugees

How to find and access HIV and sexual health services if you have recently arrived in the UK. Read more about Access to services for migrants and refugees