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Sexual health 

Sexual health services in Essex provide free, confidential STI testing, contraception, HIV prevention and advice. Support is available online, in clinics and in your local area.

Sexual health Essex services provide free, confidential testing, contraception, HIV prevention and professional advice. Early testing and treatment help protect your health and prevent the spread of infection.

Support is available to everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or background. You do not need a GP referral to access sexual health services.

What is sexual health?

Sexual health includes your physical health, emotional wellbeing and personal relationships. It involves feeling informed, safe and confident in your choices.

Sexual health services can help you:

  • Prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Access contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy
  • Get emergency contraception when needed
  • Access HIV testing, prevention and treatment
  • Receive confidential advice and emotional support
  • Protect your health and the health of others

Looking after your sexual health is an important part of overall wellbeing.

Sexual health services available in Essex

Sexual health services are free and confidential for people living in Essex. You can access care regardless of your:

  • Age
  • Gender identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Ethnicity or background

Services are provided by specialist doctors, nurses and trained healthcare professionals.

Services may be available through:

  • Sexual health clinics
  • GP practices
  • Pharmacies

What sexual health clinics can help with

Sexual health clinics provide a wide range of support, including:

  • Testing and treatment for STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV and syphilis
  • Free condoms and safer sex supplies
  • Pregnancy testing and advice
  • All forms of contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception
  • Emergency contraception
  • HIV testing, prevention and treatment
  • Sexual health advice and counselling

These services help you stay healthy and access appropriate treatment if needed.

HIV prevention and treatment

Medicines are available that can help prevent HIV infection.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is an emergency treatment that may prevent HIV after possible exposure.

  • It must usually be started within 72 hours
  • Earlier treatment increases effectiveness

Seek urgent medical advice from a sexual health clinic, GP, NHS 111 or A&E if you think you need PEP.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a medication taken by people at higher risk of HIV.

A healthcare professional will assess whether PrEP is suitable for you and explain how it works.

Home STI testing

If you are aged 16 or over and live in Essex, you may be able to order a free home STI testing kit.

Home testing allows you to:

  • Complete a confidential online assessment
  • Receive a test kit in discreet packaging
  • Take samples at home
  • Return samples using a freepost envelope
  • Receive results securely

Tests may include screening for:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • HIV
  • Syphilis

For accurate results, wait:

  • At least 2 weeks after unprotected sex for STI testing
  • At least 6 weeks for HIV testing

Free condoms and safer sex supplies

Free condoms, internal condoms and lubricant are available through local schemes across Essex.

Availability depends on your age and location. Therefore, your local sexual health service can advise how to register and access supplies.

Mpox (monkeypox)

Mpox is a rare infection that spreads through close physical contact, including sexual contact. Most people recover fully; however, early diagnosis and support are important.

Symptoms may include:

  • Rash with sores or blisters
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Swollen glands

Vaccination and specialist support are available for people at higher risk.

Visit the NHS website for the latest information about mpox.

If you think you may have mpox, contact a sexual health clinic or NHS 111 for advice.

When to seek sexual health support

You should consider accessing sexual health services if you:

  • Have symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain, sores, or itching
  • Have had unprotected sex
  • Have a new sexual partner
  • Want contraception
  • Want routine testing
  • May have been exposed to HIV

Getting tested early protects your health and others.

Sexual health services in your area

Sexual health services are provided across Essex. Visit your local page to find clinics, testing, and support near you.

Sexual health services in mid Essex Sexual health services in north east Essex Sexual health services in south east Essex Sexual health services in south west Essex Sexual health services in west Essex

Frequently asked questions about sexual health services in Essex

These answers explain how sexual health services work and what you can expect when accessing care.

Confidentiality and privacy

Yes. Sexual health services are confidential, and your information is handled securely. Staff will not share your information without your consent unless there is a legal or safety requirement to do so.

No. Sexual health services operate separately from GP records, so you do not need to inform your GP unless you choose to do so.

No. Information is not shared without your consent unless there is a serious risk of harm. Staff will always explain confidentiality clearly before providing care.

Accessing services

Yes. Young people can access confidential sexual health services. Healthcare professionals are trained to provide safe, respectful and appropriate support.

Yes. Young people can attend independently. Healthcare professionals will ensure you understand the information and can make informed decisions about your care.

Yes. You can access sexual health services regardless of whether you have an NHS number.

Testing and treatment

This depends on your circumstances. You may wish to test regularly if you:

  • Have new or multiple partners
  • Do not always use condoms
  • Have symptoms
  • Are advised to test by a partner or clinician

A sexual health professional can advise what is right for you.

Sexual health services can help with partner notification. This can often be done anonymously to protect your privacy.

Attending appointments

Yes. Many people feel nervous, especially when attending for the first time. However, staff provide supportive, professional and non-judgemental care.

You can ask questions at any time and take things at your own pace.

Yes. You can request additional support, such as:

  • A male or female clinician
  • An interpreter
  • A specific type of healthcare professional

Services will try to accommodate your needs wherever possible.