As university students, knowing the support in place is crucial to help us through sometimes scary and confusing time. By talking about these topics more, those avenues of support will become clearer. I went to the Sexual Health Clinic on Sidwell Street to chat to Dr Sophia Davies, Dr Fiona Fargie, Consultants in Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, and April Brooks, Lead Nurse for Devon Sexual Health, to find out everything that we should know about looking after our sexual health.
I am currently researching support for students in terms of sexual health and personal wellbeing. This article will be continually updated as my research continues.
There were many things the ladies told me that I wish I knew sooner. The support really is there, you just need to know how to make the most of it.
In Exeter, we are fortunate to have most resources freely available to us. In most cases, the links below will be able to help you speedily and effectively, but if you feel you would benefit from talking to someone, those services are also available to anyone at the university, including international students or someone who isn’t registered to a GP in Exeter. They also provide trans friendly sexual healthcare including linking you to advocacy services.
If you are at the Penryn campus, information about support can be found here.
Booking Appointments:
To begin, the Walk in Clinic’s name is a little misguiding. Exeter’s Sexual Health Clinic is in the same building as the Walk in Centre. The Walk in Centre is open every day and designed to ease the pressure on larger hospitals, acting similarly to a minor injuries clinic. Apart from in the case of emergencies such as weekend emergency contraception, UTIs or extreme cases of Herpes, it doesn’t provide sexual health support.
The Sexual Health Clinic is not a full time walk in, and you need to book an appointment online rather than just arriving at any time. To register for a personal health record (which you need to do before setting up an appointment) and to access online booking, click here. You can also book an appointment at the reception when open during weekdays.
If you are a gay or bisexual man, the Sexual Health Clinic urge you to reach out for PEP/PrEP/vaccinations. Those who identify as trans are also encouraged to book an appointment for this support. You can also receive long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) via the clinic.
To enquire and book appointments at services across devon (excluding Plymouth) call 0300 303 3989.
The Sexual Health Clinic only provide walk in services for under 18s on a Tuesday from 3.30pm.
Emergency contraception:
You can register for free condoms through a system called DOINK. Condoms will be delivered to you via post. This is available for anyone between 13-24 years old.
You can also get free condoms, pregnancy tests and period supplies from the wellbeing cupboard in Devonshire House, provided by the Guild.
Most pharmacies will provide emergency contraception free for under 25s and paid for if over 25. Access Exeter Community Pharmacy’s services, without the wait of GP appointments, here. It’s recommended that you contact the pharmacy before turning up.
You can also buy emergency contraception from the Boots pharmacy on the High Street.
The Morning After Pill (Plan B) prevents or delays the release of an egg, but if you have already passed ovulation, the emergency contraception does not work. This is something which has caught many people out. But menstrual cycles are variable, so it’s advised that you take the pill anyway, just to be safe. If you are denied it by a GP or pharmacy, contact the clinic and they will be able to provide it for you.
The Morning After Pill (Plan B) prevents or delays the release of an egg, but if you have already passed ovulation, the emergency contraception does not work.
You have more time than you think you do to get support after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception can be given after 24 hours. Even after a few weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re concerned about pregnancy risk.
Coils can be fitted up to day 19 of an average cycle, and tablets can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. There will always be a dialogue during a coil fitting, and there is pain relief available too, so don’t worry about that aspect of the coil, many young people love it as a form of contraception.
If you need to talk to someone, the clinic offer in-person appointments and phone calls to chat about anything you need.
Pregnancy testing and unwanted pregnancies:
There is absolutely no difference between a very expensive pregnancy test, and one from Poundland. They’re all as effective as each other, so it’s best to get the cheap ones, and test regularly or when you need.
When should you be doing pregnancy tests? 3 weeks after any unprotected sex. This is known as a ‘rule out’ test. If you do a test sooner, it could be positive, but if negative, you’ll need to do another at 21 days.
In Exeter, if you have a positive pregnancy test and are under 10 weeks pregnant, you can self-refer to MSI.
In Exeter, if you have a positive pregnancy test and are under 10 weeks pregnant, you can self-refer to MSI. They are one of the abortion services in Exeter. You can also call 0345 300 8090, which is a 24-hour phone number for any form of advice. They will be supportive and help you to come to a decision.
Free STI testing:
At university, STIs are common, so it’s important to act quickly and transparently if you discover you have an STI.
Its free to access online testing if you’re under 25 and you’re encouraged to self-test regularly.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, head to the Devon Sexual Health website to find out where you can access care across Devon.
All <25-year-olds can access free postal testing via this website, enter a local postcode and they will discreetly send a testing kit to your address. Complete the test, (there’s plenty of instructions and guidance inside the kit) and post to the lab for testing. You should receive results in a few days.
For lower risk unprotected sex (risk of gonorrhoea or chlamydia) the clinic would advise you wait two weeks before testing, as the results can be inaccurate if the test is taken too early.
If the result of the test is negative, you’ll receive a text letting you know. If it’s positive, you’ll get a text asking you to call the Screening Office regarding the test or will be called directly by them. In the case of positive results, free treatment will be arranged via your local sexual health service.
Rape and sexual abuse support:
If you have been sexually assaulted, you can self-refer to the Sexual Assault referral Service (SARC). They can take forensic tests, take you through a judicial process, or can give you some options for where to go from here. There will never be a pressure to take it any further, but they will be there to support you and provide emergency sexual healthcare.
The role of the SARC is not to prove anything, but only the Police can prove this. You can also ring 999 after an assault. It’s easy to forget that rape is a crime, and the police are there to support you, will listen, and will also guide you towards support.
If you believe you have been sexually assaulted, there IS support available to you.
If you believe you have been sexually assaulted, there IS support available to you. You can also talk to someone about your experiences at wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk or call 01392 724381.
Risk of HIV through needle spiking is incredibly low. If you believe you may have been sexually assaulted after spiking, contact the Sexual Health Clinic or SARC and they will provide emergency contraceptive support.
Devon Rape Crisis can offer the support services immediately. They have a helpline which is underused and if available to anyone three times a week. On a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 6-9pm, you can call 01392 204174 or email support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk. They will be there to listen to anything you would like to discuss. They are there to support you and help you to understand how you are feeling, and your options. When the helpline is closed you can also call the National Rape Crisis 24/7 Support Line on 0808 500 2222. This offers confidential emotional support, information and referral details. Regardless of whether you’re stuck on a waiting list, receiving support, or could just really use hearing someone tell you they understand, then give one of these numbers a ring.
After chatting to Sophia, Fiona and April, I am certain that there will always be a welcoming face to help you should you need it. It’s just about knowing where to go to find that support. Hopefully, article has helped. If you know of any other support services in place in Exeter, do send us an email and we’ll add it in.
