Sexual health and contraception

University is an exciting experience and is a time to embrace new opportunities and enjoy new relationships. Whilst you are here it is important to take control of your own sexual health, and you can do this by being aware of the facts and knowing where you can go for resources and support.

STIs: what you need to know

An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, is an infection that is passed on through unprotected sexual contact. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had sex, what your sexual orientation is or how many partners you’ve had; anyone can get an STI.

What causes an STI?

STIs can be caused by four different types of infection:

  • Virus - Herpes, Hepatitis, HIV, Genital Warts
  • Bacteria - Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Donovanosis, Gonorrhoea, Shigella, Syphilis
  • Parasite - Crabs, Scabies, Trichomonas Vaginalis
  • Fungus - Thrush.
How do I stop myself from getting an STI?

Condoms are the most effective way to stop yourself from getting an STI, though with some like crabs and scabies, it is possible to get them through skin-to-skin contact, so it is also important to use fingering and fisting gloves, or to put condoms over your fingers.

It is important to change condoms between partners, as it is possible to carry an STI in bodily fluids like vaginal discharge, anal mucus or blood which may be on the outside of the condom.

You can also get STIs by sharing sex toys, so it is important to clean them regularly, and always use a condom over the sex toy, changing it between partners.

Do you have symptoms of an STI?

If you have pain on peeing, blood in your pee or discharge, pain during sex or any other symptoms you are concerned about, call the Sexual Health Clinic on 01483 675 389 to book an appointment. You can also book an appointment online. 

You will be able to see a clinician for free and in confidence and be tested for any STIs, afterwards any treatment will be free.

Do you need post-exposure HIV prevention (have you been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours?)

Walk-in appointments are available from Buryfields Clinic, Guildford or Earnsdale Clinic, Redhill, Monday to Friday 9am to 11:30am (please note they are closed Bank Holidays).

You can also call 01483 675 389 to book.

Have you had unprotected sex, have changed partner or think you may have an STI but have no symptoms?

Order a home testing kit. It is free, confidential, and easy to use.

The tests check for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphillis, and results are sent via text message along with advice on how to get your free treatment if any tests come back positive.

All about contraception

There are so many different methods of contraception, Sexwise gives you some great advice about emergency, short-acting and long-acting contraception, you can even order oral contraception online.

Don’t forget that only condoms can prevent STIs as well as pregnancy and nothing is foolproof.

You can get free condoms from various outlets locally, sign up to the C-card scheme.

Where to go for free testing, advice and contraception

The NHS website has a lot of useful information if you are looking for information and advice about sexual health, including contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

NHS sexual health advice

You can also find more local guidance and resources on the Healthy Surrey website.

Healthy Surrey website

Buryfields Clinic and free self-test kits

Buryfields Clinic offers free and confidential sexual health services and is only a 15-minute walk from Stag Hill campus.

Free and confidential sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing is widely available for all Surrey students. Alternatively, free self-test kits can be delivered to your address.

Visit the Buryfields Clinic website

Do you need emergency contraception?

Walk-in appointments are available from Buryfields Clinic, Guildford or Earnsdale Clinic, Redhill, Monday to Friday 9am to 11:30am (please note they are closed Bank Holidays).

You can also call 01483 675 389 for assistance. 

Students' Union - free tests and contraception

You can collect free tests from your VP Support in the Students' Union. They also have free condoms, lube, and pregnancy tests available.

Free condoms for under 25s

Find out about the condom distribution scheme (C-Card) and where you can get free condoms in Surrey.

Free Chlamydia home testing kits

If you're under 25, the NHS offers free home testing kits for chlamydia. 

You'll need to order other home test kits or visit your GP to test for other infections.

Free at-home HIV tests

You can also order a free full STI home testing kit which tests for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. 

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