Breaking the Stigma Understanding HIV in beauty, wellness and tattoo services
Have you ever been to get a tattoo, piercing, or visited a beautician and they’ve asked for your HIV status? Do you currently work within any of these fields and ask your clients questions around their HIV status? If you aren’t living with HIV, you might not have thought twice about it, however, to people […]
Cervical Screening: What to Expect and Why It Matters
For many people, receiving an invitation for cervical screening can bring up lots of feelings. You might feel nervous, embarrassed, unsure about what happens, or wonder whether you really need to go. The good news is that these feelings are completely normal. Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical […]
Dry Orgasms: What Are They and Should You Be Worried?
This blog is primarily for people with penises, but it’s also for anyone who wants to better understand the topic, support or reassure a partner with a penis, or simply learn more. When it comes to sexual health, there are plenty of questions that people feel too embarrassed to ask. One topic that doesn’t […]
Why Are Some STIs More Stigmatised Than Others?
When people hear the words “sexually transmitted infection” (STI), reactions can vary depending on the condition being talked about. Some STIs, like chlamydia, are often discussed openly in sexual health campaigns and education. Others, like herpes or HIV, can still carry a huge amount of stigma and misunderstanding. But why? The truth is that stigma […]
Your Body, Your Choice: Why Conversations About Contraception Matter
Most people know about common contraception options like condoms or the pill, but fewer people talk about permanent contraception and who gets to make decisions about it. A recent news story has started important conversations online after a woman spent more than 10 years trying to access female sterilisation on the NHS. She said doctors repeatedly questioned […]
Understanding Pornography Addiction: When Viewing Becomes a Concern
Pornography is more accessible than ever before. With smartphones, social media, and online platforms available 24/7, many people are exposed to sexual content from a young age. For some, pornography may simply be something they occasionally view. But for others, it can begin to negatively affect their relationships, mental wellbeing, daily life, or ability to feel […]
What Is Queer Safer Sex?
Safer sex isn’t one-size-fits-all. For LGBTQ+ people, it can look different depending on bodies, partners, and types of sex, but the goal is the same: reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while supporting comfort, confidence, and choice. Understanding the options available can help you make informed decisions about what works for you. What […]
What Does Ongoing Consent Actually Look Like?
Consent is often explained as a simple “yes” or “no” but in reality, it’s more than a one-time answer. Consent is an ongoing, active process that continues throughout any sexual experience. Understanding what this looks like in practice can help ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and in control. Consent Is Ongoing Consent is not […]
Can You Use Lube With Condoms or Contraceptive Devices?
Short answer: yes and in many cases, it’s recommended. Using lubricant (lube) can improve comfort, reduce friction, and lower the risk of condoms breaking. However, not all lubes are compatible with all condoms or contraceptive devices, so it’s important to choose the right type. Why Use Lube? Lube helps reduce friction during sex, which can: […]
Welcome to our March Suffolk Sexual Health Newsletter!
Sign up to our quarterly newsletter and have the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox – click here At Suffolk Sexual Health Service, we have been incredibly busy since our last update, as always we have been promoting safe sex and supporting communities around Suffolk to access our services. Within this newsletter you will see […]