Latest News and Blogs

Get up to date with what’s new from Essex Sexual Health Service, our partners and anything affecting sexual health in our county.

 

Sign up to our quarterly newsletter and have the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox – click here.

Can You Use Lube With Condoms or Contraceptive Devices?

Short answer: yes and in many cases, it’s recommended. Using lubricant (lube) can improve comfort, reduce friction, and lower the risk of condoms breaking. However, not all lubes are compatible

What Is Queer Safer Sex?

Safer sex isn’t one-size-fits-all. For LGBTQ+ people, it can look different depending on bodies, partners, and types of sex, but the goal is the same: reducing the risk of sexually

Provide Community publishes Social Value Report April 2024 to March 2026, highlighting £16.6million impact and £1.4million reinvested

Provide Community has published its Social Value Report April 2024 to March 2026, showcasing the organisation’s continued commitment to creating meaningful impact beyond health and social care delivery. As an

Let’s Talk About Solo Sex

It’s something most people experience, but not many talk about openly. Solo sex (or masturbation) is a normal part of understanding your body, your feelings, and what you enjoy. But

Do You Have to Tell Your GP About an STI?

If you’ve had an STI test or treatment, you might be wondering: “Do I have to tell my GP?” “Will this go on my medical record?” The short answer is:

Does My Contraception Mess With My Period… Or Am I Just Imagining It?

If your periods have changed since starting contraception, you’re not imagining it. Changes to bleeding are very common with many types of contraception. It can feel confusing, especially if you’re

Update: Contraceptive Implant Protection Extended to 5 Years 

The College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (CoSRH) now supports use of the etonogestrel implant (Nexplanon®) for up to 5 years in the UK. Evidence shows continued contraceptive effectiveness with no new safety concerns.

About Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient. The law states that we can store cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. For all other types of cookies we need your permission. This site uses different types of cookies. Some cookies are placed by third party services that appear on our pages.