Originally published 18 June 2021. Editorially updated 13 October 2026. General patient information, not personalised advice.

Inclusive sexual-health care

Sexual health is relevant to people of every sexual orientation and gender identity. The right care depends on your body, your partners, the sexual contact you have and your individual needs—not on assumptions. A confidential, non-judgemental conversation can help you choose useful tests and prevention options.

Which STI tests might be appropriate?

Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be present without symptoms and may affect the genitals, throat or rectum. Depending on your sexual contact, testing may involve urine, a vaginal swab or throat and rectal swabs. Blood tests may be recommended for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. A clinician can advise how soon to test after an exposure and whether any tests need repeating.

HIV prevention: PrEP, PEP and U=U

HIV PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can substantially reduce HIV risk when taken as prescribed and is available from NHS sexual-health services to eligible people. PEP is an emergency course of treatment considered after a possible HIV exposure and must be assessed urgently, within 72 hours and preferably sooner. For people living with HIV, effective treatment that maintains an undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission (U=U). Condoms can still help prevent other STIs.

Vaccination and sexual health

Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis A or B may be relevant depending on age, eligibility and risk. HPV vaccination is now offered to all children aged 12 to 13 in the UK school programme, with further eligibility for certain groups including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men aged 45 or younger. Vaccination does not replace relevant cervical screening or STI testing.

How often should I test?

There is no single testing interval right for everyone. A sexual-health professional may advise more frequent testing if you have new or multiple partners or an ongoing risk of exposure, and testing after a partner is diagnosed with an infection. Symptoms such as discharge, sores, pelvic pain, pain when urinating or bleeding after sex should be assessed promptly rather than waiting for a routine screen.

Specialist and supportive services in Canary Wharf

Learn about the clinic’s LGBTQIA+ healthcare, gay men’s sexual health, HIV information, STI prevention and sexual-health consultations. For routine bookings see appointments.

Sources and what has changed since 2021

The original article was written during the COVID-19 period. It also contained prescriptive statements about testing intervals and prevention that have been updated to a personalised approach. This article now refers to current NHS STI advice, NHS HIV prevention information and NHS HPV vaccination eligibility.