There are lots of ways you can take care of your sexual health and wellbeing.

This page outlines some of the common areas where people may need support, advice or further information to look after themselves and others.

If you can't find what you're looking for, please email bromh.sexualhealthbexley@nhs.net.

Why is testing important?

STI testing is important as some infections do not have symptoms: so, the only way to know for sure if you or your partner have an STI is by getting tested. Testing is free, confidential and straightforward, you can order a test online, collect one from some pharmacies or GP surgeries, or book an appointment at your local sexual health clinic. 

Screening for some STIs is not offered routinely or online, so you will need to book an appointment for testing in a clinic if you are showing symptoms.  

Testing Windows

Testing windows (or window periods) refer to the time you need to wait before taking an STI test, testing outside of this timeframe means it is likely your result will be inaccurate. The testing windows for most common STIs are: 

  • Chlamydia – 2 weeks (14 days) 

  • Gonorrhoea – 2 weeks (14 days) 

  • HIV - 6 weeks (45 days) 

  • Syphilis – 3 months 

  • Hepatitis B/C - 3 months 

Generally, it is recommended you wait at least 2 weeks (14 days) after your last unprotected sexual encounter.

If you change sexual partners very frequently, it’s best to test every 6 weeks – every 3 months. If you are in a long-term relationship or do not change sexual partners regularly, test every 6 months – every year.  

Test of Cures

After being treated for some STIs, it is recommended that you retest to check your treatment has worked. If you do not have a follow up appointment booked, you will need to follow the guidelines to ensure you receive accurate results: 

  • Chlamydia – 6 weeks after finishing treatment 

  • Gonorrhoea – 2-3 weeks after treatment 

  • Trichomoniasis vaginalis – 4 weeks after treatment 

  • Mycoplasma genitalium – 5 weeks after treatment 

  • Syphilis – 6 weeks, then 12 weeks after treatment 

Other infections may require different types of follow up tests to ensure treatment has worked. Speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are unsure. It is important to wait for the correct testing window after treatment. Testing too soon may result in you needing to be re-treated, as the tests cannot differentiate between a new infection, failed treatment, or dead bacteria leaving the body. If you test positive for more than one infection, a doctor or nurse will advise you on how long you need to wait. 

Follow up appointments

If you have been given or invited to a follow up appointment, it is important you attend. These are opportunities to ask questions, receive prevention advice and ensure you are keeping on top of your sexual health. 

Contraception protects against unwanted pregnancy. Some methods of contraception also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as condoms, internal condoms and dental dams.

Contraception is available free and confidentially in Bexley. Click here to find a form of contraception that may be suited to your needs. Remember: this is not a replacement for an appointment with a doctor or nurse, and you should always seek medical advice before starting contraception. 

PrEP is a drug used to help prevent you from catching HIV if you are deemed at risk. It can be taken either daily, or in preparation for a specific sexual encounter. A doctor or nurse will go through your options with you. Find out more about how to access PrEP in Bexley here.

PEP is an emergency drug that can help prevent you from contracting HIV if you are exposed to the virus. It needs to be started within 72 hours of exposure for the best chance of it working. Find out more about how to access PEP in Bexley here.

HPV Vaccines

HPV Vaccines are generally administered in schools (age 12-13) to boys and girls in the UK. This offers protection against the HPV (Human papillomavirus) where some strains can lead to cervical, mouth, anal, penile, vulval or vaginal cancers. If you are deemed higher risk of catching HPV, you may be offered the vaccine as an adult.  

 

Mpox Vaccines

Mpox (formerly known as monkey pox) is a rare viral infection that is spreading throughout many countries, the risk of catching it in the UK is low for most people. The vaccine is available for people who have had contact with someone who has Mpox, staff at sex on premises venues, sex works, or for men who have sex with men (MSM). 

 

Hepatitis B Vaccines

Most people would have received the hepatitis B vaccine as a baby. It is part of the NHS vaccination schedule in the UK. If you have not had the vaccine and you are deemed high risk of catching hepatitis B, it is available at sexual health clinics.  

Drugs and alcohol can have a negative impact on your sexual wellbeing: including heightened risk-taking and reduced capacity for consent. 

Click here to find out more about drugs, alcohol and sex and where to access support in Bexley, including:

  • Chemsex
  • Alcohol
  • Spiking

The internet has opened many doors for people to explore their sexuality and to access information about sexual health and relationships. However, it has also increased some of the risks - and created new challenges - which people may encounter, and can lead to misinformation about sex and wellbeing.

Click here to find out more about sexual health and online platforms, including:

  • Pornography
  • Intimate image abuse (also known as "revenge porn")
  • Meeting people online
  • Blackmail and 'sextortion'
  • Cyberbullying
  • Cyber flashing

If you are a sex worker it's important that you protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STI)s and/or unplanned pregnancy. Sex workers are reported to be 30 times more likely to be living with HIV than non-sex workers, and more likely to catch other STIs.

Click here for further information including where to get support in Bexley.

Other STIs