Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed between people during sexual contact. Many STIs — including chlamydia, the most common STI in young people — produce no symptoms at all. The only way to know your status is to get tested.
Testing is free, quick, and confidential at NHS sexual health clinics. You can often order a free home test kit too. Getting tested is a normal part of looking after your health — nothing to feel embarrassed about.
If you're sexually active, testing at least once a year is generally recommended, or whenever you have a new partner.
Most STIs are easily treated, especially when caught early. Bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are curable with antibiotics. Viral infections like herpes and HIV are manageable with medication.
A positive result doesn't define you. The clinic will explain your options, treat you, and can help notify any partners if you'd like support with that. Everything is confidential.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication that significantly reduces the risk of getting HIV. Available free on the NHS from sexual health clinics for people at higher risk.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of possible exposure. Go to A&E or an urgent sexual health clinic as soon as possible if you think you need PEP.
Chlamydia
Most common STI in under-25s. Often no symptoms.
Gonorrhoea
Diagnoses rising in young people in England.
HIV
Highly manageable with modern treatment.
Genital herpes
Common and manageable viral infection.
All STIs — NHS guide
Symptoms, testing, and treatment for every STI.
Find a sexual health clinic
Free, walk-in, confidential. No GP needed.
15+ methods, all free
From the daily pill to longer-acting methods like the implant, IUD, and injection. All available free on the NHS. A sexual health clinic can help you find what works for you — no pressure, no judgment.
Condoms do both
Condoms are the only method that protects against both pregnancy and most STIs. Using them alongside another method gives you the strongest protection. Free from sexual health clinics.
Talk to your partner
Bringing up contraception is a normal, healthy part of any sexual relationship. A partner who reacts badly to that conversation is telling you something important about how they see your wellbeing.
There are more than 15 types of contraception available free on the NHS — including condoms, the pill, patch, vaginal ring, implant, IUD (coil), IUS (hormonal coil), injection, and more. Different methods suit different people and lifestyles. A sexual health clinic or GP can walk you through the options without pressure.
Emergency contraception can be used after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy. The morning after pill is most effective taken as soon as possible — within 72 hours. ellaOne can be taken up to 120 hours after. The copper IUD is the most effective option and can be fitted up to 5 days after. Both are available free from a pharmacy, sexual health clinic, or GP.
It can feel awkward, but raising contraception with a partner is a normal, important part of any sexual relationship. It's a sign of mutual respect — not distrust. A partner who reacts badly to this conversation is telling you something important about how they approach your wellbeing.
All contraception methods
How each works, effectiveness, and how to access it.
Emergency contraception
Morning after pill and IUD — how quickly to act.
Condoms
How to use correctly and where to get them free.
Find a sexual health clinic
Free contraception and advice near you.
Consent means actively agreeing to take part in a sexual activity — every time, with every person. It must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific.
Someone cannot consent if they are asleep, unconscious, very drunk, or afraid. Consent to one thing is not consent to everything. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. In England, the legal age of consent is 16.
A healthy relationship involves mutual respect, open communication, trust, and the freedom to be yourself. Both people feel safe to say no, disagree, and make their own decisions.
Unhealthy patterns can include controlling behaviour, jealousy used as pressure, isolation from friends and family, or feeling unable to say no. Recognising these patterns early matters. Support is available if something doesn't feel right.
The four things that matter most for safer sex are: consent, condoms, contraception, and regular STI testing.
Condoms are the only contraception that also protect against most STIs. Using them alongside another method gives you the strongest protection. Regular testing — at least once a year if you have new or multiple partners — is a normal part of looking after your sexual health.
Sexual health and relationships
NHS guidance on healthy relationships and consent.
Healthy relationships
Recognising signs of an unhealthy dynamic.
Sexual orientation describes who you are attracted to. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or straight are all normal variations of human experience. You do not need to label yourself, and you do not owe anyone an explanation.
Gender identity is your internal sense of your own gender, which may or may not match the sex you were assigned at birth. Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people are part of every community. You do not have to work through questions about identity alone.
Many people find their understanding of their own sexuality or gender identity changes over time, and that's normal. There is no timeline you need to follow.
Sexuality and sexual identity
NHS information on orientation and finding support.
Gender identity and gender dysphoria
What it is and how to access NHS support.
Sexual health for LGBTQ+ people
NHS guidance and services tailored to LGBTQ+ people.
Find a sexual health clinic
Free and confidential for everyone.
NHS Sexual Health Clinics — Free & Confidential
Free STI testing, contraception, and sexual health support across England. No GP referral needed. Walk in or book online. Always confidential.
Unplanned pregnancy: your options
NHS guidance on all options, without pressure.
Help after rape or sexual assault
Immediate steps and longer-term NHS support.
Sexual abuse and assault support
Including Sexual Assault Referral Centres across England.
HIV treatment and support
What to expect from NHS HIV care.
Sexual health for young people
Getting help confidentially, without involving parents.
NHS 111
For urgent medical help that is not an emergency.
Sexual health and mental wellbeing are closely linked. Anxiety about STIs, difficult experiences in relationships, or uncertainty about identity can all affect how you feel day to day.
Talking to someone — a GP, counsellor, or trusted adult — is a valid and important step. Your university or college may offer free counselling. You can also get a referral through your GP.