Southend Sexual Health Service via Brook

07/08/2026

At a time when the world is at our fingertips, why are so many people feeling detached from both each other and themselves?

As we increasingly prioritise our ‘networks’ and ‘contacts’, many of us find it harder to make the meaningful connections that truly enrich our lives.

That’s why, for S*xual Health Week 2026: Let’s Connect, we’re championing human connection across platonic, romantic and s*xual relationships.

Learn how you can get involved with : brook.org.uk/shw

06/08/2026

Unprotected s*x is any sort of s*x where protection isn’t used 🍌

It is often used to mean having s*x without a condom or when a method of contraception or barrier method has failed (for example, a split condom or a missed pill).

Having unprotected s*x can put you at risk of s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancy, so it’s important to take action soon after it happens to keep yourself and your partner safe.

Had unprotected s*x and not sure what to do? Read this:

Don’t panic. Your local s*xual health service or doctor will be able to help you!

05/08/2026

As a general rule you should get tested:

💜 Every time you have had s*x with someone new
💜 Or every three months
💜 Or every year, if you’re in an exclusive relationship

Read our STI testing FAQs: brook.org.uk/your-life/getting-tested-for-stis

04/08/2026

It is important to keep in mind that you can still get a s*xually transmitted infection (STI) even if it is your first time 🦠

It’s also harder to get excited about s*x if you’re worried about pregnancy or STIs. A lot of people like to visit a clinic before they have s*x so that they can get tested, get free condoms and get comfortable with a type of contraception before they think about actually having s*x.

Learn more about having great, safe s*x:

S*x can be a really fun and exciting part of having an intimate relationship with someone, and should be an enjoyable activity in its own right. Find out our top tips for how to have great s*x.

03/08/2026

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had s*x or how many partners you’ve had: anyone can get an STI.

STI testing and treatment is free for all ages so you won’t have to pay anything. If you live in Southend, contact our clinic to book in for an STI screening 🦠

📱01702 411701
💻 s*xualhealthsouthend.co.uk

31/07/2026

We've got walk-in appointments for under 25s every Saturday between 1pm-2:30pm 🕐

It's always best to arrive as close to the start time as possible to ensure you are seen. We can offer most of our clinical services, but not all due to time constraints.

Please let our reception staff know what it is you'd like to be seen for when you arrive.

30/07/2026

There are loads of options when it comes to contraception. Use our handy contraception tool to find out which ones might work best for you 🍌

Contraception is a shared responsibility and is something everyone should think about and talk about with their s*xual partner(s).

That's why the tool has options for people with pen*ses and vaginas: brook.org.uk/best-contraception-for-me

30/07/2026

Today we worked alongside SAMS Partnership and Volunteering Matters for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Thank you to our partners and everyone who stopped by for a chat!

29/07/2026

Getting tested for STIs regularly keeps you and other people safe 🦠

Aside from using a barrier method like condoms, regular STI testing is the best way to prevent the spread of STIs.

Also, the more often you get tested, the easier it will be to work out who you might have contracted an STI from. This also means you will need to contact less people if you do test positive 📱

Learn more: brook.org.uk/your-life/why-you-should-get-tested-for-stis

28/07/2026

"Embarrassed to have s*x, only wearing baggy clothes and breaking up with my boyfriend, I spent months hungry, isolated and terrified that if I do the wrong things, I will have these chronic infections forever."

Nadine* talks about how chronic bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush have impacted her life and what she’s learnt along the way.

There is nothing more soul-destroying when you feel like your body is failing you.