Sexual health
If you'd like to discuss any worries or symptoms related to your sexual health, a Livi GP can help.
Book appointment
What is sexual health?
Sexual health focuses on things like contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancy, sex and relationships. Our sexual health is vital for our overall wellbeing.
Having safe sex can protect from unwanted pregnancies and a range of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and genital herpes, while allowing us to enjoy our sex life.
Search a symptom or condition
Birth control patch
The birth control patch is a small patch you stick to your skin that releases hormones that prevent pregnancy. This can be a good choice if you don’t want to take contraception every day.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that you can catch by having sex with an infected person. Read about the symptoms, testing, and treatment for chlamydia.
Contraception
There’s a wide variety of ways to prevent pregnancy. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives to choose from. Some methods are used every time you have, some taken everyday, and others replaced every few weeks or even years. There are also permanent methods of contraception. Read on to learn more about how they work.
Contraceptive pill
The contraceptive pill contains hormones that protect against unwanted pregnancy. The pill can also help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), period pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
Emergency contraception
If you’ve had unprotected sex you can use emergency contraception – the morning after pill or the copper coil – to avoid getting pregnant.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) or herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). These highly contagious viruses are transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Infections can cause painful blisters around your genital area and anus. Here’s some advice on how you can prevent and treat genital herpes.
Genital warts
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s highly contagious and 10% of sexually active men and women will experience HPV in their lives. It’s most commonly diagnosed in 20-25 year old women and 25-34 year old men.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It used to be called 'the clap.' Read about the causes, symptoms and treatment.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection. The virus responsible is called hepatitis B virus (HBV) and in some cases, if it’s not cleared, it can become chronic hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that's spread through contact with blood. It can be serious if it's not treated, but there's effective antiviral therapy available.
Hormonal contraceptives
Hormonal contraception uses hormones to prevent unwanted pregnancy. They need to be used correctly and consistently for reliable protection and they cannot protect you from any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re thinking of changing your contraception, Livi can help.
Natural family planning
Natural family planning is when you monitor your body so you know where you are in your menstrual cycle. This tells you when you’re least likely and most likely to get pregnant.
Non-hormonal contraceptives
Contraceptives help prevent unwanted pregnancies. As an alternative to hormonal contraception, there are several non-hormonal methods of contraception available. Here’s more information to help you understand the options.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny parasites that live in pubic hair. They may be itchy and cause sores from bites or scratching. Read more about pubic lice and how to get rid of them.
STIs
An STI (or sexually transmitted infection) is an infection that can be spread through sexual contact. While some infections can be easily treated, there are other more serious infections. Discover the different types of STIs, what symptoms they commonly cause and how to protect yourself against them.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, or ‘trich’ for short, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Symptoms of trichomoniasis include pain, discharge and soreness in the genitals. Read about how it’s diagnosed and treated.