Sexual Health

 

Sexual Health

Everybody has different levels of experience and knowledge in all aspects of life, and sex is no exception. Some people come to university having never been exposed to any encounters of this sort; however, others may be the opposite. Whatever your background or experience, the most important thing to consider is to always be aware of your own welfare and never to feel pressured into doing something you do not want to do. The information in this section is intended to help inform you of the various ways of protecting yourself.

 

 

Students can access FREE condoms from the SU office. Just come in and ask to see the VP Education & Welfare!

You can order a FREE STI self-test kit here. The kit comes in a discreet package, and if you’d like, you can order it to the SU Office to collect.

For more information about sexual health and contraception, you can find your nearest sexual health clinic here.

For more confidential information and advice, please visit www.brook.org.uk or SHSWL.

Click on the tabs below for more details:

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection and these are the part of sex that is least talked about.

A large proportion of people with STIs do not experience any symptoms - the only way to know for sure is to get tested!

Find out more information about what to look for on the NHS site here.

STI TESTING

If you don’t have any symptoms, you can order a FREE STI self-test kit here. The kit comes in a discreet package, and if you’d like, you can order it to the SU Office to collect.

Alternatively, you can visit one of the local Sexual Health Clinics - find out more .

Find out more information about what to look for on the NHS site here.

CONTRACEPTION

FREE Condoms:

Students can access FREE condoms from the SU office. Just come in and ask to see the VP Education & Welfare! Other places to get them from include:

  • Collect them from a Sexual Health Clinic / some GP surgeries
  • Order them to your house via the Get It! Condom Scheme
    • Get it! is a new condom scheme for young people who live, study, work or socialise in the borough of Wandsworth. If you are aged between 16 and 24, you can order free condom packs online that get sent straight to your door. You can register in the SU, just swing by the VP Education and Welfare’s office or register here online.

Emergency contraception:

In the case where unprotected sex has taken place, emergency contraception is available. This includes:

  • Copper Coil
  • ‘Morning after pill’ - there are two different types available

It is important to note that the sooner after sex they are taken, the more effective they are.

You can get Emergency Contraception and advice for free from NHS Walk-In Clinics and Sexual Health Clinics. You can buy the ‘morning after pill’ over the counter at a Pharmacy (such as Boots on Tooting High Street).

Contraception:

There are many different forms of contraception, and it’s important to find the one that suits you! Your GP or local Sexual Health Clinic can provide more information, or drop in to see the VP Education & Welfare.

SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT

Sexual violence or unwanted pressure to have sex, whether in or outside of a relationship, is totally unacceptable. If you feel you are immediately at risk you should call 999 without hesitation.

Being a victim of any kind of crime can be frightening and upsetting. However, rape and sexual assault are particularly distressing crimes for the victim and the effects can last for a long time.

If someone has forced you into a sexual situation that you are uncomfortable with, there is help available. Call the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre London, on 0808 802 999 where specialised, confidential support, information and referral details are given completely free of charge.

 

 

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