It’s important to look after yourself and your sexual health during your time at university. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies are the biggest risks which you can protect yourself against with good sexual health.
The Student Health Service, provided by Suttons Wharf Health Centre, offers the following sexual health services:
- Advice about a full range of contraception and prescriptions
- Sexual health advice and care
- Emergency contraception
Please register online before booking an appointment.
Contraception
There are many different types of contraception available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for you. Your GP can help you to find the right type of contraception and you can also read about contraception on the NHS website to help you make an informed decision.
Condoms are the only type of contraception that can protect from both unplanned pregnancy and STIs. Young people, aged 25 and under, can register for the C-Card scheme to access free condoms from services displaying the C-Card logo.
You can access emergency contraception from your GP, pharmacies and sexual health clinics.
STI Testing
If you’ve had sexual contact with someone without using a condom, you might be at risk of an STI. Not all STIs have symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you think you have been at risk. It’s a good idea to get tested every time you change partners. Getting tested is confidential and straightforward, find out more about visiting an STI clinic on the NHS website.
Safe East run drop in sexual health testing and contraceptive advice clinics in the Student Health Service every month during term time. This service is open to all students and you do not need to be registered with the Student Health Service to attend.
You can get an STI testing kit delivered to you at home for free with SHL.UK. They test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. The service is completely confidential, delivered in discreet packaging and they will text you your results. If you require treatment, you will be given further information and directed to a sexual health clinic.
Local Sexual Health Services
You can visit a sexual health clinic instead of your GP if you’d prefer to. Below are some of the services local to Tower Hamlets.
All East provide confidential sexual health services at centres across East London:
- Sexual health screenings, including HIV testing
- A full range of contraception
Positive East provide support for anyone affected by HIV including:
- Rapid HIV testing services
- Information and advice
- Counselling
Safe East are a team helping young people, aged 10-19, make safer, healthier choices and offer:
- Testing and treatment for STIs
- Contraception
- Advice and information about sexual health, relationships and consent
- Information, advice and support with substance misuse
Tower Hamlets Connect have lots of useful information on their website about sexual health.
Safe East Sexual Health Testing
Safe East will be running a free, confidential drop in sexual health testing clinic in the Student Health Service every month during term time. The first clinic will take place on Monday 30th October 2023. Testing is available to all students, regardless of whether you are registered with the Student Health Service.
Upcoming Dates:
TBC
Location: Consulting Room, Student Health Service, Geography Building. Number 28 on the campus map.
