# Sexual health for LGBTQ+ people

> Checks, protection and who to tell

Category: Sex & relationships · 2 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/sex-relationships/sexual-health-lgbtq

## Quick answer

- Anyone can catch or pass on an STI, and many have no symptoms.
- Condoms and dental dams help protect you, and testing is the only way to know.
- You can say as much or as little as you want at a clinic.

Anyone who has sex can pass on or catch an [STI](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/sti), whoever their partners are. Many STIs have no symptoms, so you can have one without knowing, and the only way to know for sure is to get tested.

- Use a condom or dental dam for sex, including oral sex, until you have been checked or tested.
- STIs can take up to 7 weeks after unprotected sex to show up on [a test](https://splash.care/tools/pregnancy-test-timing). If you have no symptoms, the NHS says it is best to wait 7 weeks before testing.
- If you have an STI, tell current and past partners so they can get tested and treated too. The clinic can often do this for you without naming you.
- Sexual health clinics are confidential, you do not usually need a GP referral, and nothing is shared with [your GP](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) unless you ask. Some clinics offer home testing kits.

> **Splash says:** You never have to explain yourself to a clinic. You do not need to give your real name, you can say as much or as little as you like, and you can ask to see a female or male clinician.

### When to see a doctor

Go to a sexual health clinic if you are worried after sex without a condom or dental dam, if a partner has symptoms, or if you have unusual discharge, sores, lumps, pain when peeing or pain during sex.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/)
2. [NHS: Find a sexual health clinic](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).