Sexual Health Across Bristol Updates

Sexual health is about being informed, confident and in control, respected and respectful. Here at the SU, we want students to be informed on sexual health and best prepared to keep themselves and their partners healthy.  

Did you know that 16- to 25-year-olds have the highest diagnosis rates of sexually transmitted infection (STIs) of any age group? In 2021, 15–24-year-olds accounted for 50%  of all new STI diagnoses in the South West.  

The most recent data from UKHSA shows that in the South West in 2024, in 15- to 24-year-olds, there was: 

• An increase in cases of syphilis of 5.8% (Compared to 2023). 

• A decrease in chlamydia cases of 19.1% (Compared to 2023). 

• A decrease in gonorrhoea cases of 44% (Compared to 2023). 

• A decrease in genital herpes cases of 5.2% (Compared to 2023). 

• A decrease in genital warts cases of 28.5% (Compared to 2023). 

While this data does show an overall decrease (around 21%) in diagnoses in this age group (from 14,748 in 2023 to 11,614 in 2024), STIs remain high and students and young people are urged not to be complacent in regards to their sexual health.  

In 2022, the UK Health Security Agency issued a statement urging all those heading to university to use a condom with any new or casual partners, and to get tested regularly, after gonorrhoea diagnoses rocketed to 82,592. This was an increase of more than 50% compared to 2021. 

The Students’ Union at UWE also promotes National HIV testing week annually; running from the 10th – 16th of February, National HIV testing calls on people to test for HIV with the aim of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.   
 

The Students’ Union runs a condom distribution scheme for students with support from local services. Condoms and dental dams prevent STIs and are readily available and freely given to students on all UWE campuses, students are not required to ask a staff member for them and can instead take at their own need. You can find these at our SU Reception in Union 1 on Frenchay, our SU desk by info point at Bower Ashton and in The Students' Union at Glenside Building. 
 
Alternatively, you can order free condoms straight to your door from Yuno - Bristol, North Somersert and South Gloucestershire's free sexual health service.

If you suspect you may have an STI, you need to get tested. As a UWE student you have a range of testing options available to you: 

• Your registered GP surgery 

• The University Health Centre (located on Frenchay Campus) 

• Your local Yuno sexual health clinic 

• Free Postal Kit by Yuno/Unity Sexual Health   

• Free Condom providers located around Bristol 

Left untreated, STIs impact on your overall health and sometimes affect your fertility long term - You can find out more about symptoms and types of STIs on the Yuno Website or on the NHS website. 

For female students, its important to be informed on other forms of contraception, either in addition to or instead of a barrier method such as condoms (although without a barrier method you will not be protected from STIs). There are hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options available and it’s important you research the properties and risks of each one so you can make an informed decision. Use the NHS website and talk to your GP to find which one may best work for you.  

An Anti-Sexual Violence Service is offered by UWE, providing a non-judgemental, inclusive and confidential safe space for students to seek support or talk about their experience of sexual trauma. It’s an appointment-based service which aims to be accessible for any student who needs it, providing face to face, telephone or videocall appointments at every UWE campus. Students are offered one, three or six appointments based on their needed level of support.  

Get support and advice on sexual health 

If you have any concerns about sexual health or are having relationship problems, plenty of help and support is available: 

• Access health services  

• Anti-Sexual Violence Service 

• Wellbeing support options 

• The Students' Union at UWE Advice Centre  

• NHS sexual health services in Bristol; 

• British Pregnancy Advice Service (BPAS) 

• LoveRespect – Women’s Aid’s website for young women 

• Men’s Advice Line for if you are a man and possibly experiencing abuse in a relationship 

Consent training 

You can access free training on consent from UWE Bristol. 

Photo by Deon Black on Unsplash