Walk-in clinics
You don't always need an appointment
Walk-in clinics
Are you under 25?
Advice for young people
Little secrets?
Don't worry – you can tell us
Confidentiality
Not sure which service you need?
Worried because you've had unprotected sex? Think you might be pregnant? Don't know which contraception to use? Answer a few short questions to find the service that's right for you.
Find the right service for you
Do you have sex with other men?
Advice for men who have sex with men
Get tested at home. For free!
Worried about sexually transmitted infections? You can now take your own samples at home and have STI test results sent to you, all for free!
Order a free STI self-sampling kit
Do you think you may have been sexually abused or assaulted?
Sexual abuse advice
Myth!
“If I don’t have any symptoms, I am clear of STIs”
STI myths
Feeling lost?
Find clinics and pharmacies near you
Service locator
Myth!
"I can't use a condom because I'm too big."
STI myths
Steer clear of STIs
It's pretty easy to stay free of sexually transmitted infections
How to avoid STIs
GP services
Sexual health services provided by your GP
GP services
Top FAQs
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Can I have a cervical screening test (smear test) at an Umbrella clinic?
No, Umbrella clinics don’t carry out cervical screening tests. Women aged 25 – 64 who are registered with a GP practice should receive a letter inviting them to have tests as required.
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Can I contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from having oral sex?
Yes, being wet and warm, the mouth provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and herpes are all prime candidates.
Flavoured condoms and dental dams are designed to help prevent the transmission of STIs through oral sex. However, the majority of people choose not to use them.
If you suspect your partner may have had an infection or if you've developed a sore throat, or have unusual mucus/discharge in your mouth then it's worth visiting your local Umbrella clinic.
To be perfectly safe you should always use condoms and dental dams for oral sex.
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Will my parents/carers be told if I am given contraception?
Health workers have to keep anything you tell them private but they will usually encourage you to talk to your parent or carer.
If a health worker thinks there is a risk to your health, safety or welfare they might need to share your information with someone else. The risk would need to be serious and the health worker would usually discuss this with you first.
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I had sex with someone I think might have HIV, and the condom broke. What should I do?
If it’s been less than 72 hours since the condom broke, you may be able to take medication that could keep you from getting infected with HIV, even if your partner is HIV-positive. This medication is called post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure to HIV (PEPSE).
If it’s been longer than 72 hours, PEPSE will not protect you from HIV, and you will need to explore HIV testing options. In most cases, you will have to wait at least 2 weeks after possible exposure to infection before an HIV test can provide accurate results.