Sexual health
Sexual health information
Clear, confidential, NHS-aligned guides to STIs, contraception and common sexual problems — and the free UK services that test and treat without judgement.
Need HIV PEP after a high-risk exposure? Do not wait — go to A&E or a sexual health clinic that can start treatment within 72 hours. Match the urgency or call 999 if you are seriously unwell.
Symptoms to take seriously
Infections and sexual problems
Contraception and treatment
Tests and screening
Where to get help
- NHS sexual health services
- NHS contraception
- Find a pharmacy on Pick My Pharmacy — emergency contraception and Pharmacy First
- When to get help — 999, 111, GP or pharmacy
- Questions to take to a clinic or GP
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
111 and pharmacy schemes are run by each UK nation. Use the service where you are, not an England pathway copied from a search result.
Urgent advice (111)
- England: Call 111 or use 111.nhs.uk for urgent advice that is not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 online
- Scotland: NHS 24 runs 111. Use it when you need urgent care and your GP, pharmacy or dentist is closed, or you think you need A&E but it is not life-threatening. NHS 24 — when to phone 111
- Wales: NHS 111 Wales provides urgent advice by phone and online. NHS 111 Wales
- Northern Ireland: There is no general 111 service. Use your GP surgery’s out-of-hours number, listed on nidirect. nidirect — GP out of hours
Community pharmacy
- England: Pharmacy First can assess selected common conditions at some community pharmacies, including uncomplicated UTI in eligible women, sore throat, sinusitis, earache, impetigo, shingles and infected insect bites. Ask — not every pharmacy offers every pathway.
- Scotland: NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is available if you live in Scotland or are registered with a Scottish GP. A community pharmacy can advise and often treat many minor illnesses without a GP appointment.
- Wales: The Common Ailments Service lets many community pharmacies advise and treat a wider list of minor illnesses. Ask what your local pharmacy can do.
- Northern Ireland: Pharmacy First NI covers selected everyday conditions. Ask the pharmacist what is available locally rather than assuming an England pathway applies.
Compare GPhC-registered pharmacies, including NHS services such as Pharmacy First, on Pick My Pharmacy.
Common questions
- Are NHS sexual health clinics free and confidential?
- Yes. NHS sexual health and contraception services are free and confidential, including for under-16s who understand the advice given. You do not need a GP referral. You can often self-refer, walk in, or use an online postal STI test where your area offers one.
- When do I need emergency contraception?
- As soon as possible after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure. The copper IUD is the most effective option up to 5 days after. Emergency pills work for a shorter window. A pharmacist, GP or sexual health clinic can advise. This does not protect against STIs.
- When is HIV PEP needed?
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be needed within 72 hours of a high-risk HIV exposure. Do not wait for a routine clinic slot. Go to A&E or a sexual health clinic that can start PEP the same day. This page cannot decide your risk for you.
- Can a pharmacist help with sexual health?
- Often yes — emergency contraception, thrush treatments, and some contraception advice. Find a GPhC-registered pharmacy on Pick My Pharmacy, or use an NHS sexual health clinic for STI testing, PEP and coils. Red-flag pain, fever or pregnancy symptoms still need urgent clinical assessment.