All intimacy & sexual health guides
16 plain-language guides across six topics. Search by keyword or filter by topic; every guide lists its sources and when it was last fact-checked.
Showing 16 of 16 guides
Sexual health
STI testing: when to get tested, how it works and what to expect
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have symptoms, a new partner, unprotected sex or a partner who has an STI, and as part of routine check-ups. Most tests use a urine sample, a swab or a blood test, are confidential, and many infections cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
7 min read
Sexual health
Safer sex basics: condoms, dental dams, vaccines and testing
Safer sex means combining a few simple habits that lower the chance of passing on or catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI): using a condom or dental dam correctly every time, choosing a lubricant that will not damage it, getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B, and testing regularly. No single method removes all risk, but together they protect you well.
7 min read
Sexual health
HIV PrEP and PEP: how they work, who they are for and how to get them
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that HIV-negative people take before possible exposure to greatly reduce their chance of getting HIV. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an emergency course of medicine started after a possible exposure, as soon as possible and within 72 hours. Both need a clinician, and neither protects against other STIs.
7 min read
Consent & communication
Understanding consent: what it means and how to ask for it
Consent is a clear, willing agreement to take part in sexual activity, given freely by someone who is able to make that choice. It must be informed, apply to a specific activity, and can be withdrawn at any moment. Silence, pressure or a lack of resistance never count as consent.
7 min read
Consent & communication
How to talk about sexual health with a partner: a practical guide
Talking about sexual health with a partner means discussing STI testing, contraception and personal boundaries before you become intimate, ideally at a calm, private moment. Using simple, non-judgemental phrases and sharing your own information first makes the conversation easier and shows care for both of you.
6 min read
Consent & communication
Setting healthy boundaries in a relationship: a practical guide
Healthy boundaries are the limits you set about how you want to be treated, covering your feelings, body, devices and time. Stating them clearly and respecting your partner's limits keeps a relationship safe and equal. A partner who repeatedly ignores, punishes or controls your boundaries is showing warning signs of abuse.
7 min read
Contraception
Choosing contraception: methods, effectiveness and what to consider
The most effective contraceptives are long-acting methods such as the implant and intrauterine devices, which prevent more than 99% of pregnancies because they do not depend on remembering anything. Pills, patches, rings and condoms work well too but are less effective in everyday use. Only condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections.
8 min read
Contraception
Emergency contraception: options, time limits and how it works
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after sex without contraception or when a method has failed. The copper IUD is the most effective option and can be fitted up to five days afterwards. Emergency pills work best the sooner they are taken: levonorgestrel within 72 hours and ulipristal acetate within 120 hours.
6 min read
Emotional intimacy
Building emotional intimacy: everyday habits for a closer relationship
Emotional intimacy is the sense of being known, accepted and safe with another person. It grows through small, consistent habits: paying attention, showing appreciation, sharing time, talking honestly and repairing after disagreements. If distance or conflict keeps returning, couples counselling can help partners understand each other and reconnect.
6 min read
Emotional intimacy
Low sex drive: common causes, mismatched desire and getting help
Sex drive (libido) naturally varies between people and over a lifetime, and partners often have different levels of desire. A drop in desire is commonly linked to stress, tiredness, relationship problems, depression or anxiety, some medicines, hormonal changes or alcohol. If it worries you or affects your relationship, a GP can look for causes and suggest options such as counselling or sex therapy.
7 min read
Body & function
Pain during sex: common causes, treatment and when to see a doctor
Pain during or after sex is common and is usually caused by something that can be treated, such as vaginal dryness, an infection, a skin condition, involuntary muscle tightening (vaginismus) or a condition like endometriosis. It is not something you should push through: a GP, gynaecologist or sexual health clinic can help find the cause.
7 min read
Body & function
Erectile dysfunction: causes, health checks and treatment options
Erectile dysfunction (ED) means having trouble getting or keeping an erection. It is common, especially with age, and is often linked to stress, tiredness, alcohol, smoking or conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Because it can be an early sign of heart or blood vessel problems, it is worth seeing a doctor, and effective treatment is available.
7 min read
Body & function
Menopause and intimacy: managing dryness, desire and changes
Falling hormone levels around perimenopause and menopause can cause vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, lower desire, poor sleep and mood changes. These effects are common and treatable: options include lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, local vaginal oestrogen and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Contraception is still needed for a time after periods stop.
7 min read
Body & function
Pelvic floor health: what it is, exercises and when to get help
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel and, in women, the womb. Everyone has one. Pregnancy, childbirth, ageing, prostate surgery and long-term straining can weaken it, leading to leakage or prolapse symptoms. Regular pelvic floor exercises help many people, and a GP or pelvic health physiotherapist can assess problems that do not improve.
6 min read
Digital safety
Intimate image privacy: risks, sextortion and what to do if shared
Once a private image is sent, you lose control over where it goes. Sharing or threatening to share someone's intimate image without consent is a crime in many countries, including the UK, India and the US. If it happens, do not pay or negotiate, keep evidence, report it to the platform and the police, and use tools like StopNCII.org or Take It Down to help stop it spreading.
7 min read
Digital safety
Online dating safety: how to spot scams and meet up safely
Stay safe on dating apps by checking that matches are who they say they are, never sending money or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met, and keeping personal details private at first. For a first date, meet in a busy public place, tell a friend your plans, arrange your own transport and stay in control of your drinks.
6 min read