Your Sexual Health Questions Answered: From Pleasure and Relationships to STIs and Testing

Sexual health is about much more than infections. It encompasses our physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, pleasure, boundaries and the confidence to make informed decisions about our bodies.

But it can sometimes be difficult to know where to turn when you have a question. Whether you're wondering about a change in your body, experiencing anxiety around sex, exploring something new with a partner or simply looking for advice, asking questions is an important part of looking after yourself.

At The Eddystone Trust, we believe everyone deserves access to clear, inclusive and non-judgemental information about their sexual health and wellbeing.

We've brought together some of the questions we've been asked, with answers to help you feel more informed, confident and comfortable seeking support when you need it.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. It isn't classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), although sexual activity can trigger it and it can be passed between sexual partners.

BV is usually diagnosed by a healthcare professional, who may examine the vagina and take a swab of vaginal discharge. Treatment, when needed, typically involves antibiotics prescribed by a GP or sexual health clinic.

People with a penis aren't routinely tested for BV. However, if a partner experiences recurrent BV, it's worth seeking advice from a sexual health professional about whether partner treatment may be appropriate.

We understand that discussing intimate health concerns can feel uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. However, GPs and sexual health professionals deal with these concerns every day. If you're worried about symptoms or changes to your sexual health, don't be afraid to ask for advice.

Thank you for the kind words about our work!

If by 'lifestyle' parties you mean swinging events, The Eddystone Trust has attended these events in the past, offering conversations about sexual wellbeing and testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

As a charity, we need to be selective about the events we attend to make sure our outreach is safe, appropriate and effective. We look to work with licensed sex-on-premises venues and groups that share our commitment to sexual health promotion and make their events accessible to a broad range of people.

We recognise that people have different relationships, preferences and ways of exploring their sexuality. Our aim is to provide inclusive, non-judgemental information and support wherever we can make a meaningful difference.

Masturbation is a normal and healthy way to explore your body, discover what feels good and understand your own preferences.

Getting to know your likes and dislikes can help you communicate more confidently with sexual partners, including what you enjoy, what you don't enjoy and where your boundaries lie.

Some people find masturbating before sex helps them relax or understand their arousal, while others may find it affects their desire or ability to maintain an erection. Everyone is different, and there's no universal right or wrong answer.

Ultimately, it's a personal choice. Masturbation is a normal part of sexual wellbeing, whether you're single, in a relationship or exploring your sexuality.

There are many reasons why someone might struggle to maintain an erection, and it doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong with you or your relationship.

Stress, tiredness, alcohol, anxiety, medication and underlying health conditions can all affect erections. Sometimes, worrying about losing an erection can actually make it more likely to happen.

Try to take the pressure off yourself. Sex doesn't have to follow a particular script, and penetration doesn't have to be the main focus of every sexual encounter.

If you notice your erection starting to soften, you could change position, slow things down, focus on kissing and touching, or explore other ways of giving and receiving pleasure. Talking openly with your partner can also help reduce anxiety.

If erection difficulties keep happening, are causing you distress or have started suddenly, a GP or sexual health professional can help you explore possible causes and treatments.

Yes. Some people have an allergy or sensitivity to latex, which is used in many condoms. Symptoms can include itching, redness, swelling or irritation around the genitals during or after sex.

If you suspect a latex allergy, try switching to latex-free condoms. These are available from many shops and online retailers, and some sexual health outreach services may also provide them.

It's also worth remembering that irritation doesn't always mean an allergy. Friction, lubricants, spermicides and other products can cause similar symptoms.

If the irritation persists or keeps returning, seek advice from a healthcare professional. If you experience severe swelling or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical help.

Some infections may clear naturally, but you shouldn't rely on this happening. Different infections behave differently, and many STIs can be present without causing noticeable symptoms.

Untreated infections can sometimes lead to complications, including fertility problems or damage to other parts of the body. Even if symptoms disappear, that doesn't necessarily mean the infection has gone.

The best approach is to get tested if you've had a possible exposure, notice symptoms or have concerns about your sexual health. Testing is straightforward, and many areas offer free postal testing kits as well as appointments at sexual health clinics.

There are also different ways to reduce the risk of STIs, including external or internal condoms, suitable barriers for oral sex, vaccinations where appropriate and regular testing.

The right combination of prevention methods will depend on your circumstances, preferences and the kinds of sex you have. A sexual health professional can help you work out what's right for you.

Yes. Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a healthy vagina. It helps keep the vagina clean and protected.

The amount, colour and consistency of discharge can change throughout the menstrual cycle and may also vary with hormonal changes, pregnancy and other factors. Normal discharge is often clear or white and doesn't usually have a strong or unpleasant smell.

However, changes in colour, smell, texture or amount can sometimes indicate an infection or another health concern. Other symptoms, such as itching, soreness, pain when urinating or pelvic pain, are also worth paying attention to.

If you notice an unusual change or are worried about your symptoms, contact your GP or sexual health clinic for advice.

Pain during sex can happen for many reasons. These may include not feeling sufficiently relaxed or aroused, a lack of lubrication, friction, irritation, infection or an underlying medical condition.

Taking things slowly, communicating with your partner and allowing time for arousal can help. Lubricants can also reduce friction and make sexual activity more comfortable.

However, pain isn't something you should feel you have to put up with. If sex hurts, it's okay to stop, change what you're doing or decide not to continue.

If the pain is persistent, severe or keeps returning, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Pain during sex can have treatable causes, and you deserve support in addressing it.

Open communication is an important part of a healthy sexual relationship. Whether you're in a long-term relationship, dating or having casual sex, being able to talk about your preferences and boundaries can help everyone feel more comfortable.

One way to start is by asking your partner whether there's anything they'd like to explore. This can create a relaxed opportunity to share ideas without putting pressure on either person.

If you want to suggest something new, choose a time when you can talk openly without feeling rushed or distracted.

Explain what interests you and give your partner the opportunity to share their thoughts.

The most important thing is that everyone involved freely consents. Nobody should feel pressured into doing something they're uncomfortable with, and consent can be withdrawn at any time.

You don't have to agree on everything. Respecting each other's boundaries is just as important as exploring shared interests.

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is medication that helps prevent HIV in people who do not have HIV.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition. Depending on the medication and an individual's circumstances, it may be taken daily or using an event-based dosing schedule recommended by a specialist.

PrEP is available through NHS sexual health services for people who could benefit from it. A healthcare professional can explain the options, assess suitability and arrange the necessary tests and follow-up.

It's important to remember that PrEP protects against HIV, not other STIs or pregnancy. You may therefore want to combine it with other prevention methods, such as condoms, and maintain a suitable routine of sexual health check-ups.

PrEP is one of several ways to look after your sexual health. If you think it might be right for you, speak to your local sexual health clinic to find out more.

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, while STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. The terms are often used to describe similar things, although STI is generally preferred because an infection doesn't always cause symptoms or develop into a disease.

Some people also use the term sexually acquired infection (SAI), which can help move the conversation away from blame and towards a more supportive understanding of sexual health.

You can't reliably tell whether someone has an STI just by looking at them. Many infections don't cause obvious symptoms, meaning someone can have an infection without knowing it.

This is why open communication, testing and prevention are important. If you're having sex with new or multiple partners, or have concerns following a particular sexual encounter, consider arranging an STI test.

Testing isn't about blame or mistrust. It's a normal part of taking care of yourself and your partners.

First, try not to panic. If a condom breaks or comes off, there are steps you can take to reduce potential risks.

What you need to do will depend on the type of sex you were having and your circumstances.

A condom breaking doesn't automatically mean you've acquired an infection or that pregnancy will occur. The important thing is to seek appropriate advice rather than ignore the situation because you're worried or embarrassed.

Looking after your sexual health

Sexual health is personal, and everyone's circumstances are different. Whether you have questions about infections, contraception, pleasure, relationships or changes to your body, you deserve information and support without judgement.

You don't need to wait until something feels wrong to seek advice. Sexual health services can help with testing, treatment, contraception, prevention options and questions about your wider sexual wellbeing.

At The Eddystone Trust, we're committed to helping people feel informed, confident and empowered to make decisions that work for them.

Have a question about sexual health? Find out more about the support and services available through The Eddystone Trust at eddystone.org.uk.