Advice and support on Sexual Health
Sexual health means more than being free from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or avoiding an unplanned pregnancy. Good sexual health depends on regular STI check-ups and practicing protected sex (sex with a condom). Sexual health checks are free and available in Rotherham at Rotherham Sexual Health Service and Yorkshire MESMAC.
It is recommended that you have an STI test once a year, even if you have no symptoms or are in a long-term relationship.
In some situations, you should test more regularly:
- If you don’t have a regular partner but you are sexually active, you should consider getting tested every six months.
- If you have lots of sexual partners, you should consider getting tested every three months.
- If you are starting a new relationship, it is recommended that both you and your new partner get tested, especially if you’re thinking about not using condoms.
- If you have noticed any STI symptoms such as discharge or rashes, you should get tested.
- If you had unprotected sex with someone who does not know their STI status or who has an STI, you should get tested.
Rotherham Sexual Health Service
The Rotherham Sexual Health Service, provided the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, is a free service that provides a range of contraceptive and sexual health services both in hospital and outreach settings. This includes:
- sexual health advice
- STI screening and treatment
- PrEP, PEP, and HIV Care
- emergency contraception
- free condoms
- contraceptive pills, implants, depo injections, and coils
- vasectomies
Free postal STI testing kits are available to order online to anyone over the age of 16.
The service works with:
- MESMAC, who offer sexual health outreach Rotherham - Yorkshire MESMAC
- GPs, who offer implant, IUD, and chlamydia screening
- Pharmacies, who may offer free Emergency Hormonal Contraception services (EHC) - you can find an up to date list of where you can access free EHC at Emergency contraception - The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
- SH24, an online STI testing & EHC service - postal kits are available at Home testing kits - The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Contact the sexual health services - the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
