LGBTQ+

If you're considering contraception as an LGBTQ+ person, you may be wondering what it suitable for you.

Combined hormonal contraceptives are not recommended for transgender men and (birth assigned female) non-binary people undergoing hormone treatment, because the oestrogen component will counteract the effects of testosterone. However, the good news is there are plenty of other options.

Our nurses can help you decide which option is most appropriate for you. Take a look at our contraception pages for more information before booking your appointment.

For transgender women and non-binary (birth assigned male) people who have not had orchidectomy or vasectomy, contraception is needed if you are having vaginal sex with a partner where there is a pregnancy risk and you do not want to conceive.

Condoms are your best protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs, and you can get them for free by clicking here.

PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is medication that you can take to stop yourself from getting HIV. It contains drugs that are commonly used to treat HIV - emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir DF (TDF). 

Taking PrEP before having sex means that it blocks HIV if it gets into your body, stopping it from infecting you. 

Find out more here

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an anti-HIV medication that is prescribed to a HIV negative person within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV. Ideally it should be started within 24 hours and it needs to be taken for 28 days.

To access PEP, you need to make an appointment as soon as possible. You'll need to call us, or you could attend one of our walk in clinics.

If we are closed, you need to go to your nearest A&E department, as it's important you start PEP within 72hrs.

Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a simple test that checks the health of your cervix (the opening to your womb). It’s not a test for cancer, but it helps prevent it by picking up changes in the cells that could become a problem later on. Spotting those changes early means they can be treated before anything serious develops.

Invitations are sent to those who are registered female at their GP every 5 years. If you are a transgender man or are non-binary (assigned female at birth) and you have a cervix, it's important you attend for screening but you may not be automatically invited. You can contact your GP to ensure that you are added to the recall pathway. If you're unsure whether you need cervical screening, please contact your GP for advice.

For more information on cervical screening at YorSexual Health, click here.

Whilst you might be familiar with vaccinations given throughout childhood and for travel purposes, you might not know that vaccinations exist to protect those most at risk from certain infections passed on through sex.

We offer HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B vaccinations to those most at risk. We'll soon be offering the new Gonorrhoea vaccine too. Find out more here.