Sexual and Reproductive Health

What does Sexual and Reproductive Health cover?

Promoting good sexual health is an important public health priority.
The aim is to support people to have:
• Positive sexual relationships,
• Relationships that are mutual and pleasurable and free from harm ,disease and unwanted pregnancy.

This requires people to be informed about aspects of
• Sex and relationships
• How to access contraception
• Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.

SRH also covers all things reproductive, whether or not you are sexually active, including periods, screening, menopause/andropause, sexuality - and all of the other health and wellbeing topics that influence these, and vice versa.

We need to see sexual health & reproductive health as part of our everyday health and wellbeing.

What is a sexual health service?

A team of specialist doctors, nurses and practitioners providing free and confidential advice, support and treatment for all sexual health needs.
• For anyone aged 13 and over.
• All sexualities and genders.
• Male and female practitioners available.
• Each area will have its’ own sexual health clinic
• Free of Judgement
• Inclusive
• No postcode restrictions (unlike GP)

What do sexual health services offer?

• Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • HIV Testing
  • All forms of contraception (free)
  • Cervical Screening (smear test)
  • PrEP/ PEP
  • Vasectomies
  • C-Card (free condoms for 13-24yr olds)
  • Sex therapy

Support and advice
• Outreach / satellite clinics within the community
• Termination of pregnancy referrals
• Specialist Roles – E.g. HIV
• Training & Education
• Websites / Apps
• Free emergency contraception after unprotected sex (Free for
some ages – Check with local services)
• Free pregnancy tests and pregnancy decision making support

Menopause

• menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce
• the menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45-55 years of age. The average age for a woman to reach the menopause in the UK is 51 years
• it's worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you're experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age
• your GP can offer treatments and suggest lifestyle changes if you have menopausal symptoms that interfere with your day to day life

Common menopause symptoms

• hot flushes
• night sweats and difficulty sleeping
• problems with concentration – sometimes called ‘brain fog’
• headaches and migraines
• mood changes, low mood and anxiety
• joint stiffness, aches and pains
• recurrent urinary tract infections

Symptoms usually start a few months or years before periods stop, known as the perimenopause. It makes good business sense to support employees during the menopause, so that valuable knowledge, skills and experience are retained. Every woman’s experience of menopause is different and employers need to consider a range of actions to provide effective support.