Sex and intimate relationships are a normal part of life and important to health and wellbeing, regardless of age. Sex has been shown to have positive links with maintaining good physical and emotional health.

Ensure safe and healthy sexual experiences by:

  • living a generally healthy lifestyle and attending regular health screening appointments and check-ups

  • seeking free help from LiveWell Dorset for your general health and wellbeing

  • talking to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as you have any health concerns

  • using contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy

  • practicing safe sex with condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections

  • being open and communicative with partners about sexual needs and boundaries

  • seeking regular sexual health check ups when necessary.

Sexual Health Dorset

Sexual Health Dorset is a free service for all ages. It offers a wide range of confidential services, including STI testing and treatment, contraception (including emergency contraception), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and specialist young people’s services including Chat Sexual Health Dorset.

Contraception and general sexual health

There are many types of contraception, and finding one that works for you can help you to have a safe, healthy and pleasurable sex life.

Find out more about contraception.

To make an appointment at Sexual Health Dorset for contraception or sexual health advice call 0300 303 1948. Opening times: Monday to Friday 08.15 – 16.45.

Sexual Health Dorset offers a walk-in clinic for contraception and sexual health advice if you are under 18 on a Monday 13.30 – 16.30 in Weymouth and Thursday 14.30 – 18.00 in Bournemouth. No appointment is required and, if the team can see you on the day, you can wait for an appointment.

Young people and sexual health

Sexual Health Dorset

Sexual Health Dorset has specialist teams for young people under 25.

There are two walk-in clinics for under 18s on a Monday 13:30 – 16:30 in Weymouth and Thursday 15:00 – 19.00 in Bournemouth. No appointment is required and, if the team can see you on the day, you can wait for an appointment.

You can also chat confidentially with someone online using Chat Sexual Health Dorset, Monday – Friday 8am, to 6pm on 07312 263101

Let’s chat sexual health

Living well after sexual violence

Support groups can help you live your life well after experiencing sexual violence.

Sexual Trauma and Recovery Services (STARS)

The Shores – Supporting the victims of rape or serious sexual assault

Living well with an STI

Many STIs will clear up quickly, but others can become a long-term condition. There are many ways you can manage your symptoms and relationships to make living with an STI easier.

Living with an STI – Brook

Living well with HIV and AIDS

While there’s currently not a cure for HIV, there are lots of treatments that mean most people can live a long and healthy life.

Living well with HIV – Terrence Higgins Trust

Body Positive Dorset provides local help and support for women living with HIV.