STIs can be prevented by taking simple steps such as using condoms, getting vaccinated, and testing regularly.
Sex should be an enjoyable experience, however, if precautions aren’t taken can sometimes result in unplanned outcomes. This section of the website explores steps people can take to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Barrier protection is something that puts a physical barrier between the exchanging of skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluids, namely condoms, internal condoms (sometimes known as female condoms), oral dams and gloves. They are normally designed out of a latex material but are also available in latex free materials for people that have latex allergies. Barrier protection is the most effective way to prevent STI transmission and prevent against pregnancy through penis to vagina sex.
Condoms are a type of barrier contraception designed to be worn over the penis to stop the exchanging of bodily fluid and skin to skin contact, therefore preventing pregnancy (if used in vaginal sex) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly. They are a popular choice due to their accessibility and ease of use. Condoms can be used for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Key features of condoms:
For more information view our condom video here
An internal condom is a soft loose-fitting pouch that is inserted into the vagina before sex takes place, this stops the exchanging of bodily fluids and skin to skin contact, therefore preventing pregnancy (if used in penis to vagina sex) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly. Internal condoms can be inserted for up to 8 hours before sex. Some people report they prefer internal condoms to external condoms as it helps them to feel safe knowing that they are in control of their sexual and reproductive health, partners who find internal condoms too restrictive might also prefer this choice. Some people choose to use internal condoms for anal sex.
Condoms & Lubrication are widely available for free from the Essex sexual health clinics (ESHS), some GP surgeries, and pharmacies, as well as for purchase at pharmacies and supermarkets, however these tend to be an expensive option.
When obtaining free condoms, you must be a resident of Essex, sign up to our Patient Health Record (PHR) which can be found here.
Young people aged 16-24 can also access condoms for free through the eC-Card, more information can be found here.
Lubricants, particularly when used with condoms can be supportive in preventing STIs by reducing friction, which minimises the risk of condom breakage and tears during sexual activity. This is especially crucial during anal sex, where the risk of tears and slippage is higher.
Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are generally safe to use with latex and other condom materials, while oil-based lubricants can damage them. Always check the lubricant packaging to ensure its condom compatible, and if using with a condom, ensure to apply the lubricant after the condoms is on.
Safe Lubricants:
Unsafe Lubricants (Avoid with latex condoms):
PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV. It involves taking a pill containing two HIV medications before potential exposure to the virus. PrEP is highly effective when taken as prescribed and is available through NHS sexual health clinics.
PrEP works by preventing the HIV virus from replicating within the body. The medication, typically a combination of tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine, stops the virus from establishing an infection. To be effective, PrEP needs to be taken consistently, either daily or on-demand (event-based PrEP) depending on sexual activity.
Essex sexual clinics typically offer telephone consultations and appointments to discuss PrEP, vaccinations, and other necessary tests.
It’s recommended to get tested for HIV & STIs before starting PrEP and for regular check-ups while taking it.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider at one of our Essex sexual health clinics are necessary while taking PrEP.
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a course of HIV medication taken after potential exposure to the virus to reduce the chance of infection. It is an emergency measure, not a preventative measure like PrEP.
PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure, ideally within 24 hours, as its effectiveness decreases over time and involves a 28-day course of medication. PEP is available free on the NHS at the Essex sexual health clinics
Hepatitis B is less common in the UK than other parts of the world, but people originally from high-risk countries, people who inject drugs and people who have unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners, may all be at an increased risk.
The hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection, a serious liver disease. It’s offered to all babies in the UK as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine. Those at higher risk, like healthcare workers and travellers to high-risk areas, should also consider vaccination.
The 6-in-1 vaccine is offered by midwives and GPs as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. For adults, vaccinations can be obtained from GPs, travel clinics, or pharmacies.
The HPV vaccine helps protect against human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
The HPV vaccine reduces your chances of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that’s spread through skin contact (usually when having sex).
Most types of HPV are harmless. But some types are linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including:
The HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged 12 to 13 years old and people at higher risk from HPV.
The HPV vaccine is given as an injection into your arm. The number of doses you need depends on your age and how well your immune system works: people under 25 usually have 1 dose, people aged 25 to 45 usually have 2 doses (given between 6 months and 2 years apart), people with a weakened immune system have 3 doses (given over a 12-month period)
Since the vaccine has been used, there has been a big drop in the number of young people getting conditions linked to HPV, such as cervical cancer and genital warts.
Research suggests that over time the HPV vaccine will help save thousands of lives in the UK.
Important:
It’s still important to attend cervical screening appointments if you’ve been vaccinated against HPV, as there’s still a small chance you could get cervical cancer.
Bexsero is a vaccine that helps protect against Neisseria meningitidis group B (MenB) bacteria, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia. It has been used in the UK routine immunisation programme for babies since 2015 and has led to 75% reduction in MenB infections for vaccinated groups. Recent research has shown that the Bexsero vaccine also offers some protection against gonorrhoea.
Individuals require 2 doses of the vaccine for protection. The second dose must be given at least 4 weeks after the first dose, but can be given after 3 months, 6 months or later, whenever you next attend the clinic. The vaccine is given by injection, usually in the upper arm.
It is common to get some swelling, redness or tenderness where you have the injection. You may also get a mild fever, nausea, headache or muscle aches but these symptoms should disappear after one or 2 days.
More serious side effects are rare. You can take over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage these symptoms if required.
It takes at least 2 weeks from your second dose for your body to produce enough antibodies to give you a good level of protection. The vaccine provides around 30 to 40% protection against gonorrhoea so you must continue to use condoms for protection against gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis.
Since August 2025 ESHS have been able to distribute the vaccination to people that are at elevated risk of gonorrhoea, including gay and bisexual men and men that have sex with men.
Give us a call on 0300 003 1212 to book an appointment.
DoxyPEP involves taking an antibiotic called doxycycline after sex to reduce the chance you’ll get a bacterial sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or syphilis (however it doesn’t give any protection against STIs caused by viruses such as genital herpes, genital warts or HIV). DoxyPEP is due to become available on NHS in Autumn 2025.
ESHS will be updating more information on the website as soon as it becomes available.
For more information click here.
