What is Sexual Health?
Sexual health can be an important part of your overall health and wellbeing no matter your age or gender. Sex can be a positive, pleasurable and life enhancing part of our experience regardless of our age. Looking after our sexual health is important and being older does not offer protection against sexual transmitted infections.
Sexual Health Service in Somerset
Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Service (SWISH) is a specialist sexual health and contraception service. It is part of the NHS and offers a comprehensive range of services regardless of age, gender, or sexual identity. This is a confidential service, it does not link back to Doctor’s notes unless in agreement.
The Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Service (SWISH) website features ‘Ask Swish’ where you can ask anonymous questions or read what others have asked and their replies.
The service can be contacted on 0300 1245 010.
Emergency Contraception
You can get free Emergency Hormonal Contraception from your GP, Minor Injury Units and Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Service (SWISH). There are also some Community Pharmacies that offer it free to under 25 year olds. It is important to phone ahead to check that the pharmacist on duty is trained to deliver this free service.
Please visit the SWISH Emergency Hormonal Contraception information page to find out more.
Contraception
There are many different types of contraception available, the most common being the contraceptive pill. However speak to your GP or health care professional about which type of contraception might be right for you. Please visit the SWISH contraception information page to find out more.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can affect anyone at any age. They are infections that are usually passed on through sex or close physical contact. STIs can be tested for at clinics or online and follow-up treatment arranged if you test positive.
For more information on the different types of STIs , how to get test kits or to make an appointment visit the SWISH STIs and HIV information pages.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can occur even if you are using contraception. If you think there may be a chance that you are pregnant and you are unsure what to do, it is important to speak to someone about your options. Please visit the SWISH pregnancy information page to find out more.
LGBTQ+
Somerset Wide Integrated Sexual Health Service (SWISH) offers a free, non-judgemental, and confidential services to support your contraceptive and sexual health needs, including vaccinations and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Please visit the SWISH LGBTQ+ information pages for more information.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Sexual abuse can take many forms, such as sexual assault, sexual exploitation, consent or domestic abuse. Whether it has happened recently or some time ago, it is important to seek advice and support. Please visit the SWISH sexual abuse and exploitation information page to find out more.