BHRUT Sexual Health walk-in clinic
General walk-in opening times at Barking Community Hospital: Monday 09.00 to 11.30 Tuesday 12.00 to 14.30 Wednesday 13.00 to 16.00 Thursday 09.00 to 11.30 Friday 09.00 to 11.30 If we...
Resources > Healthy Body
Sexual health
Sexual health is an important part of everyone’s health and wellbeing. It is an important part of our lives, which is often ignored.
Why does sexual health matter?
When we say sexual health, we are talking about healthy, safe, consensual and enjoyable sexual experiences, free from discrimination and violence.
Sexual health is about learning about yourself and your body and finding out about your sexual needs. This applies to everyone, no matter your sexuality or gender.
For many people, talking about sex can be embarrassing or feel shameful. It’s really important to learn as much as you can about how to have safe sex and how to look after yourself and others as you explore your sexuality.
Contraception
Contraception is used to stop someone from getting pregnant.
Some methods of contraception can also be used to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
STI testing & treatment
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites which may pass from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal and other body fluids.
The only way to know if you have an STI is to get regularly tested.
HIV, PEP & PrEP
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which you can get from having sex, needle sharing or other drug injection equipment. HIV can also be passed on to baby during pregnancy or with breast milk.
HIV is a virus that damages your immune system, so it makes you more vulnerable to infections. HIV can be life threatening. However, when it is diagnosed early, it can be treated.
Although there's no cure for HIV, today people living with HIV live long, healthy, normal lives.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) are both medicines that can prevent HIV.
Pregnancy termination (abortion)
A termination (sometimes known as an abortion) is a way of ending a pregnancy. Terminations can be carried out in an NHS hospital or a licensed clinic. They are usually free of charge.
Related Services
Related services
Positive East health and wellbeing services for people with HIV
Positive East have lots of support services for people living with HIV.
Positive East HIV & STI Testing
Free, confidential HIV and STI tests (including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis).
