Sexual health
Sexual health services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
Sexual health services at UHS
We’re trained to deal with sexual health problems no matter where you're from, your sexual orientation, or your gender identity. We’ll ensure we treat you with dignity and tailor our testing and advice to your specific circumstances.
Contact us online, via phone (0114 222 2100), or in-person, if you are concerned about your sexual health.
UHS sexual health drop-in clinics:
- Weekly on alternate Thursday and Friday afternoons
- Self-refer by phoning UHS reception on 0114 222 2100 or submit an online request
When you arrive to the drop-in clinic you will need to check-in at the reception desk. The receptionist will send you a questionnaire to complete and a clinician will review your responses to establish a care plan.
You may be given a self-taken swab kit, urine sample kit, blood test and / or an appointment with an appropriate healthcare professional depending on your needs.
Visit Sexual Health Sheffield for information about services available in the local area. We may also signpost you to these services when you contact us.
Contraception
Contraception is used to prevent you or your partner from becoming pregnant. It's free and confidential from:
- University Health Service (UHS)
- Pharmacies (including contraceptive pill without needing a prescription)
- Sexual Health Sheffield - Contraception Service
It's available to everyone, whether you're from the UK or an international student. Some contraception can also be bought at shops (eg condoms).
You can request an appointment at UHS to talk about the types of contraception available, what's best for you, STI prevention, and healthy relationships.
Types of contraception
Visit the below webpages for information about different types of contraception:
Common contraception methods include:
- Long Acting Reversible Contraception - LARC (eg implant, coil, injection)
- These are reliable, and you don’t have to think about them once they’re in. They do not interrupt the flow of sex like condoms would. Once removed your fertility returns to normal.
- Implant resources:
- Coil resources:
- Injection resources:
- Request an appointment at UHS to talk about or arrange LARCs
- These are reliable, and you don’t have to think about them once they’re in. They do not interrupt the flow of sex like condoms would. Once removed your fertility returns to normal.
- The pill
- These are hormonal tablets taken daily. There are two types which contain either progesterone alone, or progesterone plus oestrogen (hormones naturally found in the body). The pill is very reliable if taken correctly.
- Request an appointment at UHS to talk about or arrange the pill
- Barrier methods (eg condoms)
- These are the only contraceptive to offer protection against STIs and pregnancy. They're reliable when used correctly.
- Condoms are available to buy at most shops, and are free of charge from UHS reception
Emergency contraception
This can be used to stop pregnancy when you've had unprotected sex or your contraception fails.
This is most effective if taken within 24 hours after sex but can be given up to 5 days after. It comes in two forms:
- a pill (eg EllaOne or Levonelle)
- a copper coil inserted into the womb by a qualified nurse or doctor
Visit the NHS Emergency Contraception webpage for more information.
You can get the emergency contraception pill from:
- Sexual Health Sheffield - Emergency Contraception (free)
- Pharmacies - Emergency Contraception (purchase over the counter)
If you’re unsure what to do, call NHS 111, or phone UHS on +44 114 222 2100.
Pregnancy
Visit our Pregnancy webpage for information about testing, support, and unplanned pregnancy.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are infections commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual activity and close genital contact.
Untreated STIs can cause pain and damage your body if left untreated.
Advice, testing and treatment of STIs is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
You can access these services at:
- University Health Service (UHS)
- We offer a self-swab walk-in service for STI screening which you can request at reception
- Sexual Health Sheffield - STI Screening and Treatment
Visit the NHS STIs webpage for information about STI types, symptoms, and when to get a test.
Additional information is also available for gay and bisexual men, and lesbian and bisexual women.
Cervical screening (smear test)
Everyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64 will be offered routine screening every 5 years.
Learn more about cervical screening by watching the UHS Cervical Screening video, and visiting the NHS Cervical screening webpage.
Check yourself...
Regular checks for breast and testicular cancer is another important part of sexual health.
Visit the below webpages for information about what to look out for:
