SH.UK @SHdotUK

It's #worldaidsday and we’re proud to play our part by ensuring HIV testing is available and accessible to all. We encourage everyone who is sexually active to make sure they know their HIV status. #UequalsU #worldaidsday2022 #HIV #endthestigma

Both sexual and mental health are often not spoken about due to: 👉Shame 👉Discrimination 👉Stigma and often when we try and talk about the two together it can feel impossible. How do you open up the conversation with your partner(s)

Condoms, like vampires, do not like direct sunlight. Heat, sun, oils, and chemicals all can weaken latex condoms, making them more likely to break.

Chemsex means using drugs as part of your sex life. Some people say it makes them less inhibited & increases pleasure, while other people engage in chemsex to address issues in their sex life & self-esteem. Worried about your drug or alcohol use? 👉 buff.ly/3Dc7cBY

You asked: Can I test while on my period? We answered: Our testing processes for chlamydia and gonorrhoea are smart, so menstrual blood does not usually affect the outcome of the result. However, it’s best if vaginal swabs are taken on a lighter period day, if possible.

Did you know that you can catch an STI from a sex toy? Our top tips: 👉Keep toys clean – wash them before and after each use 👉Only share sex toys if you share body fluids 👉Use a condom on sex toys if you’re sharing them

What are the benefits of regular STI check up? STIs are common. Many people who are infected with an STI don’t have symptoms but are at risk of developing complications if the STI is left untreated. Until you are treated you can also pass the STI on to your partner(s).

How do you feel after sex? Let’s go again 😍 Let’s snuggle 🤗 Huh what did you say? I was sleeping 😴 Hungry 🍕 See you later! 🖐️ This will be different for everyone. Make sure you’re being open and honest about what you do and don’t enjoy with your sexual partner.

👉You wouldn’t feel shame telling someone that you caught a cold 👉You wouldn’t feel shame if you told someone you sprained your ankle So why is there so much shame surrounding sharing a STI diagnosis? 😣

Freshers week is coming !!! 🎉🎉🎉 If you’re off to uni this September make sure to test before and after the ‘festivities’ 😉 Testing is: ✔️Discrete ✔️Free ✔️Quick and easy ✔️Can be done from the comfort of your own home

Disabled folk have equal rights and access to autonomy over choices about their sexual expression, sexuality and relationships. Access to good sex education for disabled people is important for learning about sexual rights and sexual expression, but also about sexual safety.

“Everyone should be able to access sexual health services in ways that best suit them. The reality is that too many people face barriers when it comes to finding evidence based, & non-judgmental support.” @brook who are amplifying the voices of those who face barriers

It’s myth busting time! Can you get pregnant from swallowing sperm? You can’t get pregnant from swallowing semen or by giving oral sex. When you swallow, sperm enters the digestive system rather than the reproductive organs. Using a condom helps protect against STIs.

Did you know that when you test for an STI you may need to wait a little while before anything can show on a test. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea takes two weeks, HIV takes 45 days and syphilis can show up after 12 weeks.

Did you go to UK Black pride last weekend? 🏳️‍🌈 We'd love to hear what you thought #ukblackpride #BlackPride #pride #pride2022

Sex has lots of benefits: 👉It’s a form of exercise 👉It improves how quickly we overcome stress 👉It can feel really good (if it doesn’t, maybe get checked out!) 👉It helps us build stronger connections, trust, intimacy, and love in our relationships Can you name any more?

What to do if your condom breaks 👉Consider using emergency contraception if you are at risk of pregnancy. 👉Get tested 👉If you are concerned about HIV transmission seek out post exposure prophylaxis (pep), which can prevent HIV, as soon as possible after sex.

How many of these myths have you heard when it comes to masturbating? 👉Too much can cause blindness 👉If your partner is masturbating, that means you aren’t enough 👉You can masturbate too much None of these are true, of course! We’d love to hear others you’ve heard.

You can have sex during your period, though some folk might chose not to. Here are some of the pros: 👉Some people experience relief from cramps during sex 👉Some people experience an increased libido during their period 👉Having sex on your period means extra lubrication

You can have sex during your period, though some folk might chose not to, here's why: 👉If you’re squeamish and don’t like the sight of blood this might not be the right time for you 👉Bloating, and generally feeling uncomfortable can make sex feel less sexy or enjoyable