Whether you want an STI test, need contraception, have noticed a symptom or just have a question, there are places you can get confidential sexual health advice and support. And if you've seen something about sexual health on TikTok, Instagram or somewhere else online that you're unsure about, it's always worth checking it against NHS or sexual health service guidance.

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Here's where you can find reliable information and support in Exeter.

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Where can I get an STI test?

You can get free and confidential STI testing through Devon Sexual Health.

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Their Exeter clinic is at:

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Devon Sexual Health – Exeter
31 Sidwell Street
Exeter
EX4 6NN

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The clinic offers services including:

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• STI testing and treatment

• HIV testing

• contraception

• emergency contraception

• pregnancy testing and advice

• PrEP and PEP for HIV

• sexual health advice

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You can book an appointment online through My Devon Sexual Health (MyDSH) or contact the service by phone on 0300 303 3989.

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Can I test for STIs at home?

Yes. If you don't have symptoms and want a routine sexual health check, you may be able to order a free STI self-testing kit through My Devon Sexual Health.

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Depending on the test, you may be asked to provide a urine sample, swab or small blood sample at home before returning it for testing.

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There can be a period after sexual contact when an infection won't show reliably on a test yet, so check the current testing guidance rather than assuming a test straight away will give you an accurate result.

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If you have symptoms, you've had sexual contact with someone who has an STI or you've experienced sexual assault, Devon Sexual Health advises booking a clinic appointment rather than relying on a self-test.

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Do I need an STI test if I don't have symptoms?

You might. Lots of STIs don't cause noticeable symptoms, so feeling completely fine doesn't necessarily tell you whether you have one.

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Testing can be a good idea if you've had sex without a condom, have a new sexual partner, have changed partners or think you might have been exposed to an STI.

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If you're unsure whether you need a test or when to take one, Devon Sexual Health can advise you.

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Read Devon Sexual Health's STI testing guidance.

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You can also find information about different STIs, symptoms, testing and treatment through the NHS.

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Where can I get contraception?

There are lots of different types of contraception, and what works for one person might not be right for someone else.

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Devon Sexual Health can provide advice about contraception and different options available to you.

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You may also be able to access contraception through your GP or participating pharmacies, depending on what you need.

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Explore contraception options through Devon Sexual Health.

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Where can I get free condoms?

If you're aged 13–24 and live in Devon or Torbay, you can access free condoms through Doink. You can sign up online and have condoms sent to you, or collect them from participating collection points.

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Condoms can help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of STIs. If you're using an external condom, remember that oil-based products can damage latex condoms. Use a compatible water-based or silicone-based lubricant instead. Read Devon Sexual Health's guidance on condoms.

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We also have a separate guide to the Guild's Wellbeing Cupboard, including where to find it and what may be available.

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What if I need emergency contraception?

If you think your contraception hasn't worked or you've had sex without contraception and there's a possibility of pregnancy, emergency contraception is available.

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There are different options and when you access it matters, so get advice as soon as you can rather than waiting. Find current emergency contraception information through Devon Sexual Health.

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If you're unsure what you need, a pharmacist or sexual health professional can talk you through your options.

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What if I've missed my pill or something has gone wrong with my contraception?

Don't rely on general advice from social media, because what you need to do can depend on which contraception you're using and what has happened.

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For example, advice about a missed pill can vary depending on the type of pill and when it was missed. Check Devon Sexual Health's missed contraception guidance.

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If you're still unsure, speak to a pharmacist, GP or sexual health service.

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What if I think I might be pregnant?

You can take a pregnancy test from the first day of a missed period. If you don't know when your next period is due, NHS guidance recommends testing at least 21 days after the last time you had unprotected sex.

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Pregnancy tests are available from pharmacies and other retailers, and some sexual health services can also provide testing.

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If your test is positive and you're unsure what you want to do, you can access confidential advice about your options. Find pregnancy advice through the NHS.

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What are PrEP and PEP?

PrEP and PEP are medicines that can help prevent HIV.

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• PrEP is taken before potential exposure to HIV and may be suitable for people who have a higher chance of coming into contact with HIV.
  

• PEP is emergency medication taken after a possible exposure to HIV. It needs to be started quickly, so if you think you might need PEP, get medical advice urgently rather than waiting.

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Find out about HIV prevention through Devon Sexual Health.

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Is sexual health support confidential?

Yes. Sexual health services are confidential. You can access sexual health support regardless of your gender, sexuality or relationship status.

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Devon Sexual Health explains that its clinic records are confidential and separate from the NHS app, and it won't routinely share information about your visit or test results with other people.

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If you're worried about confidentiality, ask the service what information will be recorded or shared before accessing support.

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What if I've experienced sexual assault or something happened without my consent?

If something sexual happened without your consent, support is available.

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You don't need to work out exactly what to call what happened before asking for help. The University's Support and Report Tool can help you understand the support and options available to you.

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Devon Sexual Health can also provide sexual health support following sexual assault.

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If you're in immediate danger, call 999.