Sexual Health Medicines in the UK: Treatments, Options and Safe Access

Sexual health is an important part of overall wellbeing, but many people feel uncomfortable asking questions about medicines, contraception, erectile dysfunction or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Reliable information can help people understand their options, recognise when treatment may be needed and access appropriate healthcare without unnecessary embarrassment.

In the UK, sexual health care includes a wide range of services, from erectile dysfunction medicines and contraceptives to emergency contraception, STI testing and treatment. Some options are available through pharmacies, while others require a prescription, a clinical assessment or a visit to a specialist sexual health clinic.

This guide from Pharmeezy explains common sexual health medicines, how they are used, important safety considerations and where people in the UK can seek confidential advice.

Important: This article provides general educational information. It does not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

1. What Are Sexual Health Medicines?

Sexual health medicines are treatments used for different aspects of sexual and reproductive health. They can help prevent pregnancy, treat certain infections, manage erectile dysfunction or address other diagnosed conditions.

The type of medicine required depends on the individual’s circumstances and the health concern being addressed.

Common categories include:

• Erectile dysfunction medicines: Treatments such as sildenafil and tadalafil.
• Contraceptive medicines: Hormonal pills and other prescription or clinician-provided contraceptive options.
• Emergency contraception: Treatments used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy.
• STI treatments: Antibiotics or antiviral medicines used for specific infections.
• HIV prevention medicines: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
• Other sexual health treatments: Medicines for certain diagnosed conditions, depending on the symptoms and clinical assessment.

These treatments are not interchangeable. A medicine designed to prevent pregnancy will not necessarily protect against STIs, and a treatment for erectile dysfunction does not prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

Understanding the purpose of each treatment is an important first step towards making informed decisions.

2. Erectile Dysfunction Medicines in the UK

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a person has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection suitable for sexual activity. Occasional difficulties can happen because of stress, tiredness or alcohol consumption. However, persistent problems may be associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, hormonal problems, anxiety, depression or certain medicines.

Several treatments are available, depending on the cause and the person’s medical history.

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil is a medicine belonging to a group called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping a person achieve and maintain an erection. It does not automatically produce an erection and does not increase sexual desire by itself.

Sildenafil is available on prescription and, in the UK, certain products can be obtained from pharmacies following an appropriate assessment.

Possible side effects include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, a blocked nose and dizziness. Some people may experience visual changes.

Sildenafil is not suitable for everyone. It must not be taken with nitrate medicines commonly used for chest pain because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. Other medicines and health conditions may also affect whether it is appropriate.

Tadalafil (Cialis)

Tadalafil is another PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. Depending on the prescribed regimen, its effects can last longer than those of sildenafil.

It works through a similar mechanism by supporting blood flow during sexual stimulation. It does not cure every cause of erectile dysfunction, and a clinician may recommend further assessment if symptoms persist.

Tadalafil can cause headaches, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches and other side effects. It is also unsuitable for some people, including those taking nitrates.

Never combine erectile dysfunction medicines or change the prescribed dose without professional advice.

Why a medical assessment matters

Persistent erectile dysfunction should not automatically be treated as an isolated sexual problem. It can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying health condition.

A GP or sexual health professional may review blood pressure, current medicines, lifestyle factors and other symptoms before recommending treatment.

For official information, visit the NHS guide to erectile dysfunction and the NHS guide to sildenafil.

3. Contraceptive Medicines and Pregnancy Prevention

Contraception helps prevent pregnancy. Different methods suit different people, and the best choice depends on health, preferences, convenience and whether protection against STIs is also needed.

The contraceptive pill

Hormonal contraceptive pills include the combined pill and the progestogen-only pill.

The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen. The progestogen-only pill contains a progestogen without oestrogen.

These medicines prevent pregnancy through hormonal effects, although the exact mechanism differs between pill types.

The combined pill may not be suitable for some people, including certain individuals with a history of blood clots, migraine with aura or particular cardiovascular risk factors.

The progestogen-only pill may be an alternative for some people who cannot use oestrogen, but it also has its own precautions.

The correct choice depends on individual circumstances. A pharmacist, GP or contraception service can explain available options, missed-pill instructions and possible interactions with other medicines.

Other contraceptive options

Contraception is not limited to tablets. Options include:

• Contraceptive implants.
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs), including copper devices.
• Hormonal intrauterine systems (IUSs).
• Contraceptive injections.
• Patches and vaginal rings.
• Condoms.

Some methods require a healthcare professional to fit or administer them, while others can be obtained through pharmacies or contraception services.

Hormonal contraception does not generally protect against STIs. Condoms can help reduce the risk of both pregnancy and STI transmission when used correctly, although no method offers perfect protection in every circumstance.

Read the NHS guide to contraception for information about the different methods.

4. Emergency Contraception: What Are the Options?

Emergency contraception may be needed after unprotected sex, a missed contraceptive pill or a condom breaking or slipping off.

It is time-sensitive, so people should seek advice as soon as possible.

Emergency contraceptive pills

Two commonly used types in the UK contain levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate.

Levonorgestrel is generally taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate can be taken within 120 hours, or five days.

Both work mainly by delaying or preventing ovulation. They do not terminate an established pregnancy.

Effectiveness depends on the method, how quickly it is used and individual circumstances. Some medicines and factors such as body weight may influence which option a clinician recommends.

Emergency contraceptive pills are not intended to replace regular contraception. They also do not protect against STIs.

The copper IUD

A copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception. When inserted by a trained healthcare professional within the appropriate timeframe, it is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can provide ongoing pregnancy prevention.

Whether it is suitable depends on timing and individual clinical circumstances.

Where can people obtain emergency contraception?

Depending on location and eligibility, emergency contraception may be available through pharmacies, sexual health clinics, GP services or other NHS services.

In England, participating pharmacies provide NHS contraception services, including oral emergency contraception. Arrangements differ across the UK, so people should check the services available in their area.

Do not delay seeking help because you are unsure which option is right. A pharmacist or sexual health professional can assess the situation and explain the available choices.

For further information, visit the NHS guide to emergency contraception.

5. STI Medicines: Testing and Treatment

Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or other organisms. Some infections cause noticeable symptoms, while others may produce no symptoms at all.

Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes and HIV.

The appropriate treatment depends on the infection. Testing is important because symptoms alone cannot reliably identify the cause.

Antibiotics for bacterial STIs

Bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.

The medicine, dose and duration depend on the infection, current treatment guidance, possible antibiotic resistance, allergies and other clinical factors.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or take medicines prescribed for someone else. An incorrect treatment may fail to clear the infection and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

People diagnosed with an STI may also need advice about notifying sexual partners, avoiding transmission and arranging follow-up testing.

Treatment for viral STIs

Viral infections require different approaches.

For example, antiviral medicines can help manage genital herpes by reducing the severity or duration of outbreaks, although they do not eliminate the virus from the body.

HIV is treated with antiretroviral medicines that suppress the virus and protect long-term health. Treatment requires ongoing specialist care.

There is no single medicine that treats every STI, which is why proper testing and diagnosis matter.

Where to get STI testing

In the UK, sexual health clinics provide confidential STI testing and treatment. Some GP practices and pharmacies also offer certain services, and home-testing kits are available through legitimate providers.

Many NHS sexual health services offer testing and treatment free of charge, although the exact services and arrangements vary.

If you think you may have an STI, arrange testing even if you feel well. Until you have received appropriate advice, avoid sexual activity or use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission.

Read the NHS guide to STI testing and treatment.

6. HIV Prevention Medicines: PrEP and PEP

HIV prevention medicines are important options for people who may be at risk of HIV.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is medicine taken by people who do not have HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring it.

It is intended for people who may benefit from HIV prevention and should be used according to a clinician’s instructions.

Before starting PrEP, a person needs appropriate HIV testing and assessment. Follow-up may include repeat testing and checks relevant to the medicine being used.

PrEP does not protect against other STIs or prevent pregnancy. Condoms and other prevention strategies may still be useful.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

PEP is a course of HIV medicines taken after a possible exposure to HIV.

It must be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours of the exposure. It is not guaranteed to prevent infection, and urgent assessment is essential.

If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV, contact a sexual health clinic or urgent medical service immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

PrEP and PEP are different from HIV treatment. Anyone diagnosed with HIV needs specialist assessment and appropriate ongoing care.

7. Buying Sexual Health Medicines Online Safely

Online healthcare services can make it easier to seek advice about sensitive issues. However, medicines obtained from unverified websites may be counterfeit, incorrectly labelled or unsuitable for the person taking them.

This is particularly important for erectile dysfunction medicines and prescription treatments for infections.

Before using an online service, check whether the provider and pharmacy are appropriately registered in the UK. A legitimate service should ask relevant health questions and arrange an appropriate clinical assessment before supplying prescription-only medicine.

Be cautious if a website:

• Offers prescription medicines without appropriate assessment.
• Guarantees results or claims a treatment has no side effects.
• Does not clearly identify the pharmacy or prescribing service.
• Sells products with unclear ingredients or origins.
• Encourages you to exceed the recommended dose.

Never take erectile dysfunction medicines obtained from an unknown source, especially if you use medicines for heart problems or have an underlying cardiovascular condition.

When in doubt, ask a registered pharmacist or consult your GP.

8. Sexual Health, Privacy and Confidentiality in the UK

Embarrassment should not prevent people from seeking sexual health advice.

Sexual health clinics provide confidential services, and many offer testing, contraception, treatment and counselling. People can ask questions about their options and explain their concerns without needing to feel judged.

Confidentiality has legal and professional safeguards, although there are limited circumstances in which healthcare professionals may need to share information to protect someone from serious harm. A clinic can explain how your information is handled.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, service arrangements may differ. The NHS website and local health services can help you identify the appropriate provider.

If you are unsure where to begin, a pharmacist can often explain which service is appropriate and how to access it.

9. When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if:

• Erectile dysfunction keeps happening.
• You experience pain during sex or persistent genital discomfort.
• You have unusual discharge, sores, a rash or pain when urinating.
• You need emergency contraception.
• You believe you may have been exposed to an STI or HIV.
• You experience side effects from sexual health medicines.
• You are unsure whether a medicine is safe alongside your existing treatments.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a severe allergic reactio