Contraception and safe sex
When you have sex, it's important that you are being safe. 'Safe sex' involves using contraception to protect you from catching a sexually transmitted infection and prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is your right to be able to use contraception whenever you have sex. If a partner forces you to have sex without using the contraception that you want, that is not consensual.
It's important to consider the range of contraception on offer so you can find something that suits your body and lifestyle.
Explore contraception methods
Compare contraception methods
Disclaimer: Not all forms of contraception prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex, or where you suspect another contraception method has failed.
You can access emergency contraception from one of Sheffield's approved pharmacies.
View approved pharmacies
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, or through infected blood or blood products. STIs can lead to serious health problems if untreated.
Myth: You can't get an STI from having oral sex.
Fact: Different STIs, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and genital herpes, can be spread via oral sex. STIs can be transmitted by vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or by skin-to-skin contact.
Myth: You'll know if you have an STI because you'll have symptoms.
Fact: Not everyone with an STI will display symptoms. In fact, many STIs are asymptomatic. Even if you have no symptoms, you could still be contagious and pass the infection to others. Sometimes, it can take several days before symptoms appear.
Myth: An STI will go away by itself
Fact: Whilst some STIs, such as HPV, can go away by themselves over time, most will require treatment to ensure the infection does not progress and cause more severe health concerns.
Myth: STI testing is painful
Fact: Most STI tests are done via blood or urine testing. Sometimes a swab test is required if you're experiencing symptoms - this can be mildly invasive but should not be painful.
STI screening
STI screening can be used to test for sexually transmitted infections in those who display symptoms and those who do not. An STI screening may require a visual exam, a blood or urine sample, or a swab of the infected area.
Pros of STI screening:
- Provides information on sexual health
- Helps identify any sexually transmitted infections before they progress
- Helps keep yourself and others safe
- Provides access to support
Sexual Health Sheffield offer an STI Testing and Treatment Service.
Self-testing kits
If you'd prefer to self-test for an STI, you can collect a kit from a sexual health hospital or request for one to be sent to you via post.
Request STI testing kit
Consent
In sexual relationships, consent means that all individuals involved agree to take part in sexual activity. This can involve setting boundaries to agree what you do and don't want to happen during the activity.
Consent is a choice that you should be able to make without feeling pressured or manipulated, and when you are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, asleep, or unconscious.
Even if you have said yes to something, you can say no or stop if you change your mind at any point.
Saying yes to one thing does not automatically mean you have said yes to another.
Consent is never implied, for example by past behaviour, what you are wearing, or where you go. Only yes means yes.
If someone repeatedly asks for your consent and you say no, this can be viewed as sexual harassment.
Sexual violence and domestic abuse
Anyone can experience sexual violence and domestic abuse, and they often coexist with one another. It's important to know that you are not alone, and it is not your fault.
Domestic violence or abuse isn't just physical. It includes controlling, coercive, threatening, and degrading behaviour, as well as harassment, stalking, financial control, digital abuse, sexual violence, and emotional abuse.
Sexual violence involves any sexual act that you don't or are not able to consent to. It also includes any sexual activity by violence, coercion, or manipulation.
You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to find help. If you've been impacted by sexual violence or domestic abuse, it's important to tell someone and remember you're not alone.
If you suspect an immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone you know, you should always call 999.
Report and Support
At Hallam, we don't stand for harassment or abuse. If you've experienced sexual violence, harassment, abuse, or hate crime, report it either anonymously or get support from an adviser.
Access Report and Support
Support services (sexual violence)
Support services (domestic abuse)