Sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. It includes preventing infections, maintaining healthy relationships, managing contraception, and accessing regular checkups. Taking care of your sexual health helps protect you and your partners and supports your reproductive and emotional wellbeing
What is Sexual Health Care?
Sexual health care includes
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
- cervical screening (smear tests),
- contraception advice and services,
- pregnancy testing and counselling, and
- care for issues like pelvic pain, discharge, or genital symptoms
All care is confidential, non-judgmental, and inclusive, regardless of age, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
STI Screening
Many STIs have no symptoms, so regular screening is important even if you feel well. Regular screening for STIs is essential, especially if you:
- Have new or multiple sexual partners
- Don’t always use condoms
- Are under 30 and sexually active
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Are pregnant
At Saige Health, our doctors and midwife can undertake screening with discretion for:
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea (urine or swab test)
- HIV and Syphilis (blood test)
- Herpes and HPV (usually based on symptoms, swabs or visual exam)
Cervical Screening (Pap smear Test)
Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer. It is not a test for cancer but detects early cell changes or the presence of HPV (human papillomavirus).
- Recommended every 5 years for people with a cervix aged 25–74 (in most guidelines).
- May be offered as a self-collected swab if you haven’t had previous abnormal smear
- Offered as a clinician collected smear where there has been a previous abnormal smear or HPV has been identified on a self-collected swab.
Routine Sexual Health Checkups
Even if you feel healthy, regular checkups help detect issues early. A checkup may include:
- A discussion about your sexual history and symptoms
- STI testing (swabs, urine, blood)
- Contraception review or prescription
- Cervical screening (if due)
- Education about safe sex and healthy relationships
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Book an appointment if you:
- Have unusual discharge, pain, lumps, or sores in the genital area
- Have itching, burning, or bleeding between periods
- Think you’ve been exposed to an STI
- Want to start or change contraception {link}
- Are planning a pregnancy or have a positive pregnancy test
- Feel anxious about your sexual health or relationships
Need Help or More Information?
At Saige health, our women’s Health GPs and Endorsed midwife are able to see you in a supportive and judgement free environment for all sexual health checks or concerns.
