Whether you're planning ahead or need some urgent help, Boots Health Hub has advice & information about sexual health
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Let's discuss sexual health
Sexual health can be a key part of your overall wellbeing. This includes your physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. It involves having a safe & satisfying sex life, understanding the risks & responsibilities of sexual behaviour and being knowledgeable of your sexual organs. It’s important to know how to look after your sexual health including how to help prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), how to practice safer sex and to have confidence in knowing your body from the inside out. Regular STI testing, access to contraception and awareness of safer sex practices are all contributing factors that are vital to having a positive and safe attitude towards your sexual health.
At Boots, we understand the importance of maintaining your sexual wellbeing. From at-home test kits and contraception to intimate hygiene advice and sex toys, we’ve got you covered.
Sexual health services
Meet our pharmacists
Welcome to our series, where we will be meeting and chatting with our pharmacists all across the UK. Each week, our pharmacists will provide guidance on our services, how your local pharmacist can support you, and whether a pharmacist should be your first point of contact rather than a GP.
This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ella, a pharmacist working at a Boots store in Weybridge. Ella will be discussing sexual health, STI testing, and how to safeguard yourself from sexually transmitted infections.
Our pharmacists are always here to assist in any way they can.
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Sexual health products
Frequently asked questions
NHS sexual health clinics are available to everyone and free of charge, although you may have to pay for some prescriptions for treatment. Everyone can access an NHS sexual health clinic, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. You can find your nearest clinic here. Alternatively, private at-home test kits are available to purchase through online sources like Boots Online Doctor2.
No, your GP does not need to know you have done an STI test and your information will not be shared without your permission. Sexual health clinics are confidential and, even if you are under 16, clinicians will not tell your parents or other healthcare professionals unless they suspect you or someone else is at risk of harm. Your GP will not know you have done a private STI test unless you tell them.
Talking to your partner about their sexual health can sometimes be tricky. If you are unsure on how your partner will react, here are a few tips on how to approach the conversation:
- Start softly and make sure you are both in a calm and neutral or positive mood. You should be honest about what you want to ask, but be aware that your partner may not want to answer all of your questions and you should respect this.
- Make sure you have a good amount of time where you are both free to have the conversation, not when either of you are busy or on a time limit.
- Be open to listening and make sure your partner has your full, undivided attention.
- Make a list of what you would like to know or talk about so your intentions are clear.
- Don’t force anything – if it feels uncomfortable, give yourselves time to collect your thoughts and don’t rush.
- Try not to raise your voice and talk at a slow pace to keep both of you calm and relaxed.
You can read more about how sex can positively affect your wellbeing in our article.
2Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
5Access to test kits are subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
21Available in selected England stores only. Subject to availability, eligibility criteria apply.
38Online purchase is suitable for future use only. If an immediate morning after pill is needed, please purchase in store or use the Boots Online Doctor Morning After Pill Service2.
‖Estimated from reported Viagra Connect use since launch (Kantar 2019, Viagra Connect onlinebus survey, 1,499 men 35yrs+) & UK male population 35+ yrs VIAC-2022-0263 DOP November 2022
