Safer Sex, Contraception & STIs

If you’re sexually active, it’s important to understand the different ways you can protect yourself and your partner. You can find out more here: Spectrum Sexual Health

Preventing pregnancy – There are different types of contraception available to help prevent pregnancy. These include condoms, the contraceptive pill, implant, injection and other methods. Emergency contraception can also help prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if contraception hasn’t worked as expected.

Protection against STIs – Most contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms and internal condoms are barrier methods that can help reduce the risk of many STIs and can also help prevent pregnancy.

Spectrum’s C-Card scheme provides free condoms for 16–25-year-olds living in Wakefield – Spectrum Sexual Health C-Card Scheme

STI Testing
Some STIs don’t have obvious symptoms. Regular testing can help identify infections early, get you the right treatment and reduce the chance of passing an infection to someone else. You can find a local sexual health clinic near you here: Find a sexual health clinic – NHS

Talking to your partner
Being able to talk about contraception, condoms, testing and boundaries is part of a healthy sexual relationship.