Devon Sexual Health has launched a new website to help people living in Devon & Torbay make informed decisions about their sexual health.

April Brooks, Lead Nurse at Devon Sexual Health said: “Sexual health is just as important as our mental and physical health, yet it is so often overlooked or avoided because of stigma or embarrassment. We hope to support local people in Devon to have safe and enjoyable sex.

“Our new website has been designed to empower people to better understand and manage their sexual health and to provide clear, practical advice on preventing infections and unintended pregnancies. It also promotes the importance of vaccinations and using condoms, so people can make informed choices with confidence.

“With infections such as syphilis and gonorrhoea continuing to rise, alongside late diagnoses of HIV and ongoing concern around teenage pregnancies, it has never been more important for everyone to have easy access to reliable and trustworthy sexual health information”.

Developed in collaboration with Young Devon, The Eddystone Trust and Space Youth Services, the new website offers clear information and signposting to local services that support Devon residents to have healthy, confident and worry-free sex.

Alongside guidance on contraception options, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), testing, HIV prevention medication and emergency contraception, the website also encourages self-management. Visitors can easily access STI postal testing kits and – for young people – access free condoms through clear and simple signposting.

As system leaders for sexual health services in the region, Devon Sexual Health has also included a dedicated area for GPs, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. This area provides resources, training opportunities and details of the community work offered by The Eddystone Trust to help improve access to sexual health services for more vulnerable members in our communities.

Sexual health is a personal choice and it is hoped the new site will help break down barriers, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek the information they need to make positive, informed choices.

The new website is now live at https://www.devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk/. 

About Devon Sexual Health

In addition to overseeing sexual health systems in Devon & Torbay, Devon Sexual Health also provides a range of sexual health services through its sexual health clinics in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay to support healthy relationships and sexual wellbeing across the region.

Services are provided through the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and include STI testing and treatment; contraception services, including emergency contraception and HIV services.