Sexual health encompasses many areas of our overall wellbeing, including reproductive health, pregnancy, contraception (birth control), Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and experiences of rape and sexual assault.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, you can access help and/or report it at Report + Support: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct & Sexual Assault.
Important to know: To access some sexual health treatments, you’ll need to be registered with a GP (General Practitioner) in the UK. To learn how to find and register with a GP, please read our article How can I register with a doctor and/or dentist?
Where can I get contraception (birth control)?
Contraception (birth control) is free on the National Health Service (NHS).
- The contraceptive pill, contraceptive injections and contraceptive implants are available to women and all people who have uteruses. Contact your GP surgery or visit KCL NHS Health Centre to access them.
- Hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive coils (IUD/IUS) are also available via your GP surgery. KCL NHS offers a hormonal and non-hormonal coil-fitting service. Read our article Specialist services at KCL NHS Health Centre to learn more.
- In the UK, condoms are readily available to purchase in pharmacies and supermarkets. Sexual health clinics and some NHS GP surgeries provide free condoms.
Where can I get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
If you have no symptoms and would like a Sexual Health screening, you can get a test at KCL NHS. They offer testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV.
Important to know: If you are experiencing symptoms, you should make an appointment with your GP or speak to a nurse.
Testing for Gonorrhoea & Chlamydia
Free self-testing kits for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are available in the toilets at KCL NHS. You don’t need an appointment to get a test.
The female toilets have a supply of swab self-test kits, and the male ones have urine sample pots. Please self-test using these kits, then leave your sample at Reception.
Testing for Syphilis & HIV
If you don’t have any symptoms, you can get a test for Syphilis and HIV by booking a blood test appointment with the Healthcare Assistant via KCL NHS Appointments.
Important to know: If you have symptoms, please book an appointment with our nurse or GP and they will be able to help you.
Do I need a cervical smear test & where can I get one?
A cervical screening (smear test) checks the health of your cervix. It’s a test to help prevent cancer. To learn more about cervical health and the screening process, please read NHS What is cervical screening?
The NHS provides free routine screenings for all women and people with cervixes between the ages of 25 and 64. You’ll receive a letter from your GP if you’re due for one.
You can get a cervical screening at KCL NHS or via your own GP surgery.
Where can I access LGBTQ+ friendly sexual health advice?
Your GP surgery and KCL NHS can help you access sexual health services, regardless of your gender or your sexual orientation.
Use the sections below to learn more about the sexual health resources and support services you can access.
Sexual health advice for gay & bisexual men
Visit NHS Sexual health advice for gay and bisexual men for information about STIs.
56 Dean Street is a clinic in London’s Soho district which offers sexual health advice, testing and treatment to LGBTQ+ people.
- If you’re aged 22 or over you can make an appointment using the 56 Dean Street Appointment tool.
- If you’re aged 21 and under then you don’t need an appointment – you can just walk in. Visit the 56 Dean Street Gay & bi men 21 or under page to learn more.
Sexual health advice for lesbian & bisexual women
It's a myth that women who have sex with women are not at risk of STIs. Studies have indicated that their lifetime risk of STIs is similar to that of heterosexual women.
The LGBT Hero Safe Sex and STIs: a guide for lesbians page contains lots of information about STIs, and advice for safe sex.
Sexual health advice for trans & non-binary people
56 Dean Street is a clinic in London’s Soho district which offers sexual health advice, testing and treatment to LGBTQ+ people.
Their screening-rooms, toilets and waiting rooms are all gender-neutral. They also run 56T, a sexual health and wellbeing clinic catering solely to trans and non-binary people.
To learn more about when the 56T clinic runs and how to make an appointment, visit the 56 Dean Street trans and non-binary pages.
I’ve been raped or sexually assaulted; where can I go for support?
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens.
KCL NHS runs a Sexual Assault and Referral Clinic (SARC) as part of The Havens. These clinics can provide you with help if you need it. You'll be given the option to access:
- Sexual health and contraceptive screening
- Referral to Havens for immediate evidence gathering
- Support with medical needs/injuries following an assault
- Referral to the Havens specialist team for psychological therapy
- Ongoing support with our clinicians for mental or physical health support.
56 Dean Street: support for survivors of sexual assault contains advice and support for all survivors of rape and sexual assault, with a particular focus on survivors from the LGBTQ+ community.
Rape Crisis is a UK charity which exists to support survivors of rape and sexual assault. Visit Rape Crisis: Want to talk? to arrange a free phone call or webchat with a trained advisor.
Where can I get more information and support?
- Sexual Health London (SHL) is an NHS sexual health service for Londoners. To learn more, check out the SHL webpage Home STI testing, regular and emergency contraception.
- The Sexwise website contains lots of useful information about sexual health.