- Sexual Health at Herts
- Staying sexually healthy
- Online dating and digital safety
- Consent and healthy relationships
- Support after sexual violence
- Healthy relationships
- Need support or advice?
Sexual health at Herts
Looking after your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether you're in a relationship, dating, or not currently sexually active, support is available to help you stay safe, informed and confident.
Staying sexually healthy
Using a condom every time you have sex and getting regular sexual health checks can help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
We recommend having a sexual health screening every year, or sooner if:
- You have a new sexual partner
- You've had unprotected sex
- You notice unusual symptoms
The best protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to use a condom every time you have sex and to get tested regularly at your local sexual health clinic.
Free support available through Herts SU
- Free condoms – available from the SU Welcome Desks at College Lane (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) and De Havilland (term time only)
- Free chlamydia and gonorrhoea self-testing kits – available from SU Desks and the Oval at College Lane
- Free pregnancy tests – available privately through the Advice & Support team
Find sexual health services
- Sexual health services
- Sexual Health Hertfordshire – confidential advice and support
Call: 0300 008 5522
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Online dating and digital safety
Dating apps and online platforms can be a great way to meet people, but it's important to stay safe.
Protect yourself online
- Protect your identity – avoid sharing personal information such as your home address, surname or course details too early
- Think before you share – only share intimate photos or videos if you fully trust the other person. Once shared, you may lose control over where they are seen
- Meet safely – tell a friend where you're going and meet in a public place when meeting someone for the first time
If someone's behaviour online makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, contact the SU Advice & Support team for confidential advice.
Consent and healthy relationships
What is consent?
Consent means freely and enthusiastically agreeing to take part in sexual activity.
If clear consent has not been given, sexual activity should not take place.
Remember:
- A "no" is always a no
- If someone is silent, unsure or too intoxicated to consent, this is not consent
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time and must always be respected
Sex without consent is sexual assault or rape, regardless of the circumstances.
The University operates a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct and violence.
Support after sexual violence
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, support is available through:
You can access confidential advice, emotional support and guidance on reporting options if you choose to do so.
Healthy relationships
Sexual health is about more than preventing infections. It also includes:
- Respect
- Communication
- Trust
- Confidence in your choices
Everyone deserves to feel safe, informed and in control of their decisions.
Need support or advice?
You are not alone. Support is available.
Herts SU Advice and Support Team
su-advice@herts.ac.uk
Sexual Health Hertfordshire
0300 008 5522
NHS 111
Urgent medical advice
Emergency services
999