Testing, PEP or contraception.
Free confidential clinics provide STI tests and treatment, contraception, PrEP and PEP advice. Use this route promptly when exposure may be time-sensitive.
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Sexual wellbeing · GP care
A private conversation. A practical way forward.
Changes in desire, comfort, arousal, orgasm or confidence can have physical, emotional, relationship and medication-related causes. A confidential review creates space to consider the whole picture.
You can choose the language you use and what you are comfortable discussing. Examination or testing happens only when clinically useful and with consent.
Choose a suitable route
Choose the right starting point.
A GP can help with wider contributors, while a sexual health clinic is often the fastest route for confidential STI testing, PEP and specialist services.
Desire, function, pain or wellbeing.
Discuss a persistent change, medicines, hormones, long-term conditions, mood, sleep, relationship context and treatment options.
Explore GP appointmentsPain, injury, assault or immediate risk.
Use urgent care for severe genital or pelvic pain, significant bleeding, injury, acute infection symptoms, sexual assault or when you do not feel safe.
Contact NHS 111Sexual wellbeing is relevant at every age and for every sexuality and gender. The consultation should be respectful, non-judgemental and guided by your goals.
Notice the pattern
What changes the next step.
Sexual concerns rarely sit in a single category.
Desire
Lower or changing libido can relate to stress, relationship context, mood, hormones, menopause, medicines, pain or illness.
Function and arousal
Erection, lubrication, arousal and orgasm changes may have physical and psychological contributors.
Pain and comfort
Pain during sex, dryness, pelvic pain or genital skin symptoms may need examination or targeted treatment.
Protection and testing
Contraception, condom use, new partners, STI testing and HIV prevention may be part of a complete review.
Persistent sexual pain, bleeding after sex, genital sores, unusual discharge or urinary symptoms should not be managed only as a relationship or stress issue.
A focused GP assessment
Create enough privacy to understand the full picture.
A GP can assess physical and emotional contributors and help you choose testing, treatment or a specialist route.
Explore in-person GP care01
Define the change.
Discuss when it began, whether it is situational or consistent, pain, desire, arousal, orgasm and what you would like to improve.
02
Review health and context.
Cover medicines, hormones, menopause, pregnancy, long-term conditions, mental health, sleep, alcohol, relationships and safety.
03
Choose the right service.
Plan selected tests, an examination, a sexual health clinic, pelvic health, psychosexual therapy or another specialist where appropriate.
A proportionate plan
Support health, comfort and confidence together.
The plan may involve medical treatment, practical changes, testing or psychological and relationship support.
01
Treat physical contributors
Dryness, infection, pain, erectile difficulties, hormone-related symptoms or medicine effects each need a different approach.
02
Protect sexual health
Condoms, contraception, STI testing and HIV prevention can be discussed without judgement and matched to your circumstances.
03
Address mind and relationship
Psychosexual therapy, counselling or relationship support may help when anxiety, confidence, trauma or communication are important.
Do not buy sexual medicines from unregulated sources. A registered clinician or pharmacy can check safety, interactions and whether a different assessment is needed.
Prepare for a useful review
Share only what is relevant—and at your pace.
Think about the change you want help with, when it began, whether it happens in every situation, associated pain or symptoms, and what has helped or worsened it.
List medicines and contraception, relevant medical or mental health conditions, menopause or pregnancy factors, and any STI exposure or safety concern that needs prompt care.
Explore GP appointments ↗Good to know
Questions about sexual wellbeing.
Practical answers to help you choose a sensible next step without trying to diagnose the concern yourself.
Is a sexual health clinic confidential?
Yes. NHS sexual health services are free and confidential, including for STI testing, contraception and HIV prevention.
Can I discuss low sexual desire with a GP?
Yes. A GP can consider physical health, hormones, medicines, mood, sleep, pain and relationship context, then discuss suitable next steps.
Will I need an examination?
Not always. It depends on symptoms. If one is recommended, the clinician should explain why, ask for consent and offer an appropriate chaperone.
Where should I go after a possible HIV exposure?
Contact a sexual health clinic or NHS 111 urgently. PEP is time-sensitive and should be assessed as soon as possible rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Clinical information: NHS sexual healthNHS sexual health clinicsNHS sexual assault support. This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice.