Sexual health
Contraception, STIs and testing, consent, a first check-up, emergency contraception, and what to do after a positive pregnancy test. This page doesn't assume anything about who anyone is with. Nobody has to be having sex to read it, and nobody has to start.
Contraception
Contraception (birth control) is for preventing pregnancy. There are lots of methods, and they work in different ways.
Verified with: WHO, CDC, ACOG, NIH
The main methods
- The combined pill contains two hormones, progestogen and oestrogen. The progestogen-only pill, also called the mini pill, contains only progestogen.1
- The IUD (copper coil) is put into the uterus. It has no hormones, and it can also be used as emergency contraception. The IUS (hormonal coil) is also put into the uterus, and it releases progestogen.1
- The implant goes under the skin of the arm and releases progestogen. The injection contains progestogen.1
- The patch is a sticky patch worn on the skin. The ring is a soft, flexible ring put in the vagina. Both release progestogen and oestrogen.1
- Condoms are worn on the penis. Internal condoms are put in the vagina before sex. Both help prevent pregnancy and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).1
- A diaphragm or cap is put inside the vagina before sex to stop sperm getting into the uterus.1 A diaphragm has to be used with spermicide, and it doesn't protect against STIs, including HIV.2
Some methods, like condoms, have to be used every time there's sex. Others mean taking a pill every day, changing a patch every week, or changing a ring every 3 weeks. Long-acting methods can last for several months or years.3 How long they last varies by type and by country. The NHS says the copper coil lasts 5 or 10 years, the hormonal coil 3 or 6 years, the implant 5 years, and the injection 8 to 13 weeks.3 In the US, ACOG and the CDC give up to 3 to 8 years for hormonal coils. For the implant, ACOG says up to 5 years and the CDC says 3.45 A clinic can say what applies to a specific one.
How well they work
Contraception works less well when it isn't used perfectly every time. Real life ("typical use") includes things like missing a pill, a condom coming off during sex, or forgetting to replace a ring.6 With typical use, the implant and both coils are over 99% effective. The NHS gives the injection 94%, the pills, the patch and the ring 91%, and condoms 82%, or 98% when used perfectly.6 The CDC's typical-use numbers are a little higher: about 96% for the injection, 93% for the pills, the patch and the ring, and 87% for condoms.5
Source: NHS, ACOG, CDC, FDA, WHO
Which ones also protect against STIs
Of all the methods, only condoms protect against STIs, including HIV.3 Used correctly and every time, condoms are one of the most effective ways to protect against STIs. They don't protect against STIs that cause sores outside the genitals, like syphilis or genital herpes.7 Dental dams also give protection during oral sex.89
Verified with: NHS, WHO, CDC, ACOG
Using condoms well:
- Use a new condom every time, follow the instructions on the packet, and check the use-by date.10
- Don't use two condoms at once, because this can make one or both split. Don't use oil-based lube with latex condoms; use water-based or silicone-based lube instead.10
- If a condom splits or comes off during sex, emergency contraception or an STI test may be needed.10 More on that below. After a possible exposure to HIV, PEP, a medicine that can lower the risk, has to be started within 72 hours.1112 In the US, the CDC says to talk right away to a doctor, an emergency room doctor or an urgent care provider.12 In the UK, it's available from sexual health clinics and A&E.11 Elsewhere, ask at an emergency department or clinic.
STIs and testing
STIs are common. They can be passed on during sex or through sexual contact, and they can usually be treated at a sexual health clinic.13 Some common ones are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, genital warts, genital herpes, pubic lice, scabies, syphilis, HPV (human papillomavirus) and HIV.13
Verified with: NHS, Cleveland Clinic, CDC, HSE Ireland
Possible signs include unusual discharge, pain when peeing, lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom, a rash, unusual bleeding from the vagina, itchy genitals or bottom, and blisters, sores or warts around the genitals or bottom.13
Verified with: NHS, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
But many STIs have no symptoms. Someone can have one without knowing it and pass it on. Even without symptoms, an STI can still cause serious health problems. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.1314
Verified with: NHS, CDC, HSE Ireland
Getting tested
If you are having sex, STI testing is one of the most important things you can do for your health.14 STIs can be treated, so there's no need to be scared of having a test.1516 It can feel embarrassing, but the staff at sexual health clinics are used to testing for all kinds of infections. It's their job, and they won't judge.17
- Which tests, and how often, can depend on where you live, your age, your sexual history and any symptoms. A healthcare provider can help work out which tests are needed.14
Source: CDC
- Tests can include a pee sample, a blood sample, or swabs. You can usually take swabs from the vagina yourself.17 Some clinics offer home testing kits for some STIs.13
Verified with: NHS, CDC, HSE Ireland
- Some STIs take up to 7 weeks after sex without a condom to show up on a test. Without symptoms, the NHS says it's best to wait 7 weeks before testing.13 That wait is only about the test. With symptoms, or if you are worried after sex without a condom or dental dam, go to a clinic now.13
Source: NHS
- Emergency contraception (within 3 to 5 days) and PEP, a medicine that can lower the risk of HIV (within 72 hours), can't wait.181112 For PEP, in the US, the CDC says to talk right away to a doctor, an emergency room doctor or an urgent care provider.12 In the UK, PEP is available from sexual health clinics and A&E.11 Elsewhere, ask at an emergency department or clinic.
- HIV tests have their own timing. The CDC says antibody tests, which include most rapid tests and self-tests, can usually detect HIV 23 to 90 days after exposure. If a test after a possible exposure is negative, test again once that test's window has passed.19 A clinic can say which test to do and when.
Source: CDC
- In the US, the CDC says everyone aged 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once.14
Verified with: CDC (US only)
- Until there's been a check-up or test, the NHS advises not having sex, including oral sex, without a condom or dental dam.13
Source: NHS
If an STI test is positive
Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics. Some, like HIV, have no cure, but there are treatments.17 It's important to finish the whole course of treatment, or it may not work properly, and not to have sex (including oral sex) until everyone involved has finished treatment.1320 After a single dose, the CDC says to wait 7 days before sex.21 Mayo Clinic, and the CDC for gonorrhoea, say to wait 7 days after finishing.2022 A clinic can say what applies.
Source: NHS, MedlinePlus, Mayo Clinic, CDC
Current and past partners should be told, so they can get tested and treated too. A clinic can usually do this without naming the person who tested positive.13 Having had an STI once doesn't make anyone immune. It's possible to get the same one again.17
Source: NHS, HSE Ireland
There are safe, highly effective vaccines against two STIs: hepatitis B and HPV.7
Is it confidential?
It depends on the country, so here's what the sources say for two of them:
- UK: Sexual health services, including STI tests and contraception, are free and confidential, also for people under 16. Anyone can go to a sexual health clinic, whatever their gender or age, and with or without symptoms. Staff won't tell parents or anyone else, as long as they believe the person fully understands the information and decisions involved.2317 Even if they feel someone isn't mature enough to make the decision alone, the consultation stays confidential.23 For someone under 13, they might feel it's best to involve other people, such as a social worker.23 Otherwise, the only time they might tell someone is if they believe there's a serious risk to safety, such as abuse, and they would usually talk about it first.23 At a clinic, there's no need to give a real name.17
Verified with: NHS (UK only)
- US: There are many clinics that offer confidential testing that's free or low-cost.14 With a doctor, it's fine to ask about confidentiality before answering any questions. Much of what's shared can be kept confidential.24
Consent
Consent means saying "yes". Being drunk or high, not being asked, saying nothing, feeling like there's no choice but to say yes, or having said yes in the past is not consent. Being in a relationship with someone is not consent either. Consent can be taken back at any time.25
Source: NHS
Nobody owes anyone sex or anything sexual, not a partner, not someone you have done things with before, not anyone. You can say no, or stop, whenever you want.
The legal age for consent is different in different countries, and even in different parts of the same country (for example, between US states).26
Source: US Department of Health and Human Services
A sexual act that someone didn't consent to, or was forced into, is sexual assault.25 If that has happened to you, it was not your fault.25 Some care after an assault is time-limited: PEP within 72 hours, and emergency contraception within 3 to 5 days.181112 For PEP, in the US, the CDC says to talk right away to a doctor, an emergency room doctor or an urgent care provider.12 In the UK, PEP is available from sexual health clinics and A&E.11 Elsewhere, ask at an emergency department or clinic. There's help here.
A first check-up
What's offered, and at what age, depends on the country. Two examples:
In the US
ACOG, the US body for gynaecologists, recommends a first visit to an ob-gyn (a doctor for reproductive health) between ages 13 and 15.24 Mayo Clinic suggests moving to a gynaecologist at around 15 or 16.27 Feeling nervous about it is normal. It can help to talk it over with someone trusted, or to tell the doctor.24
Source: ACOG, Mayo Clinic
- The first visit may be just a talk. It's a chance to ask questions about the body, growing up and sex. There may also be some exams and vaccinations.24
Source: ACOG, Cleveland Clinic
- An internal (pelvic) exam usually isn't needed at the first visit, unless there are problems like unusual bleeding or pain. Someone who is having sex may be tested for some STIs. Many tests can be done with a pee sample, and some use a swab or blood.2417
Verified with: ACOG, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, NHS
- The doctor may look at the vulva.24
Source: ACOG, Cleveland Clinic
- A nurse or family member can be there for any part of the exam, if you want.24
Source: ACOG, Cleveland Clinic
- Pap tests (cervical screening) aren't recommended before age 21.24
In the UK
Free, confidential advice and treatment are available from a GP or a sexual health clinic, also for people under 16.15
Verified with: NHS (UK only)
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception can stop a pregnancy after sex without contraception, or when contraception might have failed. It needs to be used within 3 to 5 days. The sooner it's used, the better it usually works.18 For example: several pills were missed in a row, a condom broke or slipped off, or no contraception was used.28
Verified with: NHS, WHO, ACOG, HSE Ireland
There are two types: the copper coil (IUD) and the emergency pill, also called the morning after pill. The copper coil is the most effective.18
- The copper coil can be fitted up to 5 days after sex. It's a small plastic T-shape that a trained nurse or doctor puts into the uterus.18
- The emergency pill is taken within 3 or 5 days after sex, depending on the type.1 The NHS gives two main types in the UK: levonorgestrel, within 3 days, and ulipristal acetate, within 5 days.18
Source: NHS, HSE Ireland
- Being overweight may make emergency pills work less well, so ACOG says a copper coil may be worth considering.28 That's no reason to go without: WHO says nobody should be denied emergency contraception because of it.29
Source: ACOG, Mayo Clinic, WHO
Where to get it
It depends on the country. Here's what the sources say for two of them:
- UK: The emergency pill and the copper coil are free from most sexual health clinics and most GP surgeries. The emergency pill is also free from most pharmacies, some NHS walk-in centres and some young people's services. The national sexual health helpline, 0300 123 7123, can say more.18 The copper coil needs an appointment, usually at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery.18 When a GP surgery is closed, in England, Scotland and Wales, 111 can direct you to the best place to get help. In Northern Ireland, nidirect has advice.30
Verified with: NHS (UK only)
- US: One type of emergency pill, the progestin-only pill, is sold without a prescription to anyone of any age, in pharmacies and other stores. It's usually in the family planning section. Not all stores carry it, so it's best to call ahead.28 ACOG says it's most effective when taken within 3 days, and moderately effective when taken within 5 days.28 The other emergency pills and the copper coil need a prescription. For that, call a doctor or go to a family planning clinic.28
Verified with: ACOG, FDA, Mayo Clinic (US only)
- Elsewhere: it differs, so a local clinic or pharmacy is the place to ask. The help page has ways to find local help.
Emergency contraception doesn't cause an abortion. It stops a pregnancy from starting, and it doesn't work if there already is one.28 It doesn't protect against STIs.28 If the next period doesn't come when expected, take a pregnancy test. Emergency contraception isn't meant as a regular method.15 If the test is positive, here's what comes next.
Verified with: ACOG, WHO, Mayo Clinic, NHS, CDC
If a pregnancy test is positive
A positive test can be a lot to take in. It's okay to feel however you feel, and nobody has to work it out alone.
See a doctor or clinic soon
A doctor or other health professional can confirm the pregnancy and help work out how far along it is.31 Going soon helps either way. Taking time over the decision is fine, but if the pregnancy continues, pregnancy care is best started as soon as possible, and if there's an abortion, the sooner it's done, the easier and safer it is.15
Source: ACOG, HSE Ireland, NHS
The options
There are three options: giving birth and raising the baby, giving birth and placing the baby for adoption, or having an abortion.31 Values, beliefs, age, health, current situation and future goals can all play a part.31 It's fine to ask a health professional every question, and you should get respectful care and support whatever the decision.31 These are your options to talk through, with a health professional and anyone else you trust.
Source: ACOG
The rules differ by country, and what's allowed can depend on age. In the US they also differ by state: some states have banned abortion, others limit when and how it can happen, and some require a parent or guardian to be involved for a minor, with court approval possibly needed instead.31 A clinic or health professional can say what applies locally.
Source: ACOG
Where to go
- UK: The NHS says nobody needs to know until you are ready to tell anyone.15 Sexual health clinics, contraception clinics, some young people's services, Brook centres (for under-25s) and some GP surgeries give free pregnancy tests and confidential advice, also for people under 16. The national sexual health helpline, 0300 123 7123, has details of young people's services. It isn't open overnight.15 The doctor, nurse or pharmacist won't tell parents or anyone else, as long as they believe the person fully understands the information and decisions involved.23 Even if they feel someone isn't mature enough to make the decision alone, the consultation stays confidential.23 For someone under 13, they might feel it's best to involve other people, such as a social worker.23 Otherwise, the only time they might tell someone else is if they believe there's a serious risk to safety or welfare, and they would usually talk about it first.23 A GP can also talk through pregnancy care.15
Verified with: NHS (UK only)
- US: A doctor or other health professional can confirm the pregnancy.31 The All-Options Talkline, 888-493-0092, offers conversations with peers about abortion, adoption, parenting and pregnancy loss. Its volunteers aren't licensed health professionals.31 Its website, all-options.org, shows the hours. If it goes to voicemail, All-Options says it calls back within 48 hours, from a blocked number.32 Some places look like clinics offering free advice on pregnancy options. ACOG, the US body for gynaecologists, calls them crisis pregnancy centers: they try to persuade people to stay pregnant, and they share biased and misleading information.31 Signs include words like "pregnancy resource center" or "pregnant and afraid?" in their adverts, free tests and ultrasounds, and staff who aren't trained medical professionals.31 ACOG's page, linked in the sources below, lists more services.
Source: ACOG
- Elsewhere: services and rules differ. A local clinic is a good place to start, and the help page has ways to find local help.
Signs to get checked quickly
Sometimes a pregnancy grows outside the uterus, almost always in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it always needs treatment.33 Early on, it can be hard to tell apart from a typical pregnancy. Unusual bleeding, or pain low down between the tummy and thighs, should be reported to a doctor or other health professional.33 Tummy pain has lots of causes, so it doesn't necessarily mean this, but you should get medical advice if pregnancy is possible.34
Verified with: ACOG, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, NHS, MedlinePlus, HSE Ireland
Get help now for these: sudden, severe pain in the tummy or pelvis, shoulder pain, weakness, dizziness or fainting. Go to an emergency department or call the local emergency number.3335
Verified with: ACOG, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, MedlinePlus
More on when to see a doctor and how to ask.
Titles are shown as each source published them, so they may use words this site doesn't.
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Methods of contraception (accessed 2026-10-29)
- ACOG — Barrier Methods of Birth Control (FAQ) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — How contraception is used (accessed 2026-10-29)
- ACOG — Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (FAQ) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- CDC — Contraception (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — How well contraception works at preventing pregnancy (accessed 2026-10-29)
- World Health Organization (WHO) — Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — fact sheet (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Preventing STDs with Condoms (accessed 2026-10-29)
- CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) — How to Use a Dental Dam (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Condoms (accessed 2026-10-29)
- NHS — HIV and AIDS (accessed 2026-10-30)
- CDC — Preventing HIV with PEP (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Getting Tested for STIs (accessed 2026-10-29)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Where can I get sexual health advice, now? (accessed 2026-10-30)
- CDC — About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Visiting a sexual health clinic (accessed 2026-10-29)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Emergency contraception (accessed 2026-10-30)
- CDC — Getting tested for HIV (accessed 2026-10-30)
- Mayo Clinic — Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): diagnosis and treatment (accessed 2026-10-30)
- CDC — About chlamydia (accessed 2026-10-30)
- CDC — About gonorrhea (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — If I use a sexual health service will they tell my parents? (accessed 2026-10-30)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Your First Gynecologic Visit (FAQ) (accessed 2026-10-29)
- NHS (UK National Health Service) — Help after rape and sexual assault (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Planned Parenthood — Sexual Consent (accessed 2026-10-29) community health org
- Mayo Clinic — Mayo Clinic Q and A: When your teenager needs to see a gynecologist (accessed 2026-10-30)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Emergency Contraception (FAQ) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- WHO — Emergency contraception (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS — When to use NHS 111 online or call 111 (accessed 2026-10-30)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Pregnancy Choices: Raising the Baby, Adoption, and Abortion (FAQ) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- All-Options — All-Options Talkline (accessed 2026-10-30) community health org
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Ectopic Pregnancy (FAQ) (accessed 2026-10-30)
- NHS — Ectopic pregnancy: symptoms (accessed 2026-10-30)
- MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — When to use the emergency room - adult (accessed 2026-10-30)