LGBT+ health and wellbeing
Learn more about accessing health and care services.
Sexual health
Research shows that sex can have a positive impact on physical health – from lowering blood pressure and stress levels to helping with sleep. But, it’s possible to catch sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at any age, so make sure you’re taking the right measures to keep yourself safe.
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread via sexual or skin-to-skin contact.
Common STI symptoms include:
- unusual discharge or bleeding
- itching
- pain when you pee
- changes to the skin around your genitals – such as a rash, lumps or sores.
If you have symptoms or notice anything else unusual, you should get tested. You should also get tested if your partner has symptoms – even if you don’t. Many people with an STI don’t experience symptoms.
You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS website.
Safer sex practices
If you and your partner are in a committed, exclusive relationship, you might choose not to take these measures – especially if you haven’t had other sexual partners, or you’ve both been tested for STIs.
But if you have a new partner, more than one partner, it’s best to stay on the safe side.
You can reduce your risk of catching or passing on an STI by using a ‘barrier’ method such as a condom or dental dam every time you have penetrative or oral sex.
Dental dams are small, thin sheets that can be used during oral sex. Like condoms, they’re normally made from latex.
Sexual health clinics
If you need an STI test, develop symptoms of an STI, need advice on sexual health, or access to contraceptives, you can visit your local sexual health clinic – also known as GUM clinics.
They’re free to visit, and they’re open to everybody, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation. Some clinics offer drop-in sessions and some offer appointments – it’s usually best to call to check first.
There’s no need to feel embarrassed about contacting or visiting a sexual health clinic. Staff are used to discussing every kind of sexual health issue, and they won’t judge you. Any visit you make to a sexual health clinic is kept confidential.
Online sexual health services
Many sexual health services offer at-home testing, where they send you a kit to complete yourself and return by post. They use plain packaging so you don’t need to worry about anyone else knowing what’s inside.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free Advice Line. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs. You can contact us on 0800 678 1602.
We work with Wordskii to offer free interpreted calls. Visit the Wordskii website and select the language you would like to take the call in from the menu at the top right of the screen. This will tell you the best number to call.