Student Essentials

There are many different sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some do not cause any symptoms. Regular check-ups will make sure any STIs are quickly diagnosed and treated. To keep healthy, it’s important to find out if you have an infection and which one it is so that it can be treated. Getting regular STI checks is good practice regardless of if you change sexual partners or if you are with the same partner. 

• Umbrella is a service run across Birmingham, offering appointments and walk-in clinics for STIs and treatment options.
• You can order a free sexual health testing kit and have your results texted to you on your mobile phone.

There are many different types of contraception, and some work better than others for different people. You can find out more about the types of contraception on the Umbrella Health website so you can decide what’s right for you.

• You can speak to your GP about contraception and pregnancy
• You can book an appointment with Umbrella to discuss contraception and pregnancy
• You can pick up free condoms from many Umbrella clinics or pharmacies

Emergency contraception can stop you from becoming pregnant if you’ve had sex without using contraception, or if you think your contraception might have failed.

• You can get the emergency contraceptive pill for free from an Umbrella clinic or pharmacy
• Your GP can prescribe the emergency contraceptive pill and offer advice.
• You can also buy the emergency contraceptive pill from most pharmacies. It costs around £25.

If you are pregnant and cannot continue with a pregnancy, you can discuss your options with your GP or Umbrella. You can also read about your options regarding termination on the NHS website.

There are also specialist sexual health services for those part of the LGBT community, through Birmingham LGBT Sexual Health Service

• They offer a weekly nurse-led sexual health clinic for advice and support for your sexual health needs
• If you are unsure about or have difficulty using the home testing kits, you can walk in for assisted STI testing.
• You can also walk in for a rapid HIV test, no appointment is needed.
• Birmingham LGBT host a LGBTQ+ Wellbeing Drop In, supported by Umbrella on Campus. Please feel welcome to drop-in for free sexual health and rapid HIV testing, wellbeing support and signposting