Sex After Trauma: How to Reclaim Intimacy on Your Terms
Experiencing trauma can affect many parts of life, including how we feel about sex and intimacy. Whether your trauma is connected to a sexual experience or not, it can leave lasting effects on how you view your body, your boundaries, and your relationships. There’s no “right” timeline or one-size-fits-all way to reconnect with your sexual […]
Can You Catch an STI From a Towel, Toilet Seat or Hot Tub?
Myth-busting everyday STI worries – what’s real vs what’s rubbish. We’ve all heard the stories: “You can catch something from a toilet seat!” or “Be careful using hotel towels!” But when it comes to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Let’s clear things up once and for all. The Toilet […]
I Tested Positive, But My Partner Didn’t. How Does That Work?
Finding out you’ve tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can feel worrying. And if your partner gets tested and their results come back negative, you might be left thinking: how is that possible? You’re not alone, this is a really common question. The good news is that there are many reasons why your […]
Can contraception affect my mental health?
Contraception is designed to give you freedom and control over your sexual health, but it’s natural to wonder how it might affect your mood or mental wellbeing. The truth is, hormonal contraception can affect mental health for some people, but not everyone will experience changes. At Essex Sexual Health Service, we want to give you […]
Essex Sexual Health Service marks World Contraception Day by Highlighting LARC Options
In support of World Contraception Day, Friday 26 September 2025, Essex Sexual Health Service is encouraging residents to explore Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) methods as reliable, low-maintenance options for preventing unplanned pregnancies. Delivered by Provide Community and commissioned by Essex County Council, Essex Sexual Health Service offers a range of free and confidential LARC services, […]
Essex Sexual Health Service Supports Young People and Families for Sexual Health Week 2025
Essex Sexual Health Service, delivered by Provide Community and commissioned by Essex County Council, is marking Sexual Health Week 2025 (Monday 15 to Sunday21 September), with a focus on digital wellbeing, consent, and supporting young people in an increasingly online world. This year’s national theme, “Chronically Online”, explores how the internet, and digital culture, has […]
Essex Sexual Health Service Launches Umbrella Project: specialist project to support sex workers into sexual health services in Essex
Essex Sexual Health Service, commissioned by Essex County Council and delivered by Provide Community, has launched the Essex Sexual Health Service Umbrella Project, a confidential, non‑judgemental service designed to support individuals across Essex who sell sex or work in the adult industry. The project offers a safe and inclusive space for people aged 18 and […]
Welcome to our first Essex Sexual Health Newsletter!
We are excited to bring you quarterly updates, packed with free resources, training opportunities, the latest research and guidance and key dates for your diary. A quick overview of what you can find in this newsletter edition: • Free relationships and sex education (RSE) resources and videos including easy read resources • Information about the […]
“We’re Not Having Sex Right Now – Does That Mean Something’s Wrong?”
First of All – No, It Doesn’t Mean Something’s Wrong If you or your partner aren’t having sex at the moment, that’s completely okay. Relationships can go through all kinds of phases, and not having sex for a while (aka a dry spell) doesn’t mean your relationship is broken, or that anyone’s doing something wrong. […]
STI Monthly Spotlight: Chlamydia and how to prevent it
What People Don’t Know About Chlamydia Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK, especially among young people under 25. But what many don’t realise is just how quiet it can be. Around 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms at all, making […]