sex positive articles

Contraception & Sexual Health

A shame-free guide to contraception options: how they work and what to consider when choosing the right one for you.

Oh sh*t. You have chlamydia. Here's how to tell your current and ex-partners.

Oh sh*t. You have chlamydia. Here's how to tell your current and ex-partners.

Just found out you have chlamydia? Here's who to tell, what to say (with texts you can copy), and how UK clinics can notify partners for you anonymously.

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Ovens and microwaves: why arousal takes time (and why it matters for pleasure)

Ovens and microwaves: why arousal takes time (and why it matters for pleasure)

Ever finished sex and thought, "hang on, I was only just getting going"? You're not broken, you're not "bad at orgasming", and you're definitely not alone. You might just be an oven in a world that treats sex like a microwave meal. The oven and microwave idea is a popular analogy that sex educators and therapists use to explain physical arousal. It isn't a scientific model and nobody really knows who said it first. But it's stuck around because it makes something that's often confusing and a bit shame-y feel instantly clear. As a sex therapist, it's one of the analogies I come back to most, because it takes the blame out of the room. Let's break down what it means, where it falls short, and what you can actually do with it. What is the oven vs microwave theory of arousal? The idea goes like this: Ovens need time...

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Can you still pass on STIs if you wear a condom?

Can you still pass on STIs if you wear a condom?

  • Dr. Amber (she/her)

If you’ve ever wondered whether condoms fully protect you against sexually transmitted infections – or felt confused about why you might still be at risk even when using one correctly – you’re not alone. Condoms are brilliant, but they have limits that are worth understanding.

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most common symptoms of an sti is no symptom at all illustration Cliterally The Best

Reminder: The only contraception that protects you against STIs, are condoms & dental dams.

With so many contraception options out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting information floating around. This is your space for a clear, shame-free guide to your options: how different methods actually work, and what's worth thinking about when deciding what's right for you.

Whether you're considering switching methods, weighing up hormonal versus non-hormonal options, or just want the facts without the scare stories, you'll find honest, judgement-free information here. For anything specific to your health history, a doctor or sexual health clinic is always your best next step.

All Sexual Health & Contraception Articles

Oh sh*t. You have chlamydia. Here's how to tell your current and ex-partners.

Oh sh*t. You have chlamydia. Here's how to tell your current and ex-partners.

Just found out you have chlamydia? Here's who to tell, what to say (with texts you can copy), and how UK clinics can notify partners for you anonymously.

Ovens and microwaves: why arousal takes time (and why it matters for pleasure)

Ovens and microwaves: why arousal takes time (and why it matters for pleasure)

Ever finished sex and thought, "hang on, I was only just getting going"? You're not broken, you're not "bad at orgasming", and you're definitely not alone. You might just be an oven in a world that treats sex like a microwave meal. The oven and microwave idea is a popular analogy that sex educators and therapists use to explain physical arousal. It isn't a scientific model and nobody really knows who said it first. But it's stuck around because it makes something that's often confusing and a bit shame-y feel instantly clear. As a sex therapist, it's one of the analogies I come back to most, because it takes the blame out of the room. Let's break down what it means, where it falls short, and what you can actually do with it. What is the oven vs microwave theory of arousal? The idea goes like this: Ovens need time...

Can you still pass on STIs if you wear a condom?

Can you still pass on STIs if you wear a condom?

  • Dr. Amber (she/her)

If you’ve ever wondered whether condoms fully protect you against sexually transmitted infections – or felt confused about why you might still be at risk even when using one correctly – you’re not alone. Condoms are brilliant, but they have limits that are worth understanding.

Do condoms actually make sex “feel” different?

Do condoms actually make sex “feel” different?

  • Dr. Amber (she/her)

The short answer Yes, condoms do reduce physical sensation for men and AMAB people – but the impact…

Smells Down There: What Your Genitals Are Trying to Tell You

Smells Down There: What Your Genitals Are Trying to Tell You

  • Evie Plumb (she/her)

Wondering what’s normal when it comes to genital smells? Learn what different vaginal and penis smells mean, when to worry, and how to keep things healthy without shame. Evidence-based info from a psychosexual therapist.

Sexual Anatomy 101

Sexual Anatomy 101

  • Evie Plumb (she/her)

Learn about sexual anatomy in a sex-positive, inclusive way. Explore the vulva, clitoris, vagina, penis, prostate, pelvic floor, and intersex variations to better understand your body and pleasure.

STI Window Periods: When Should You Actually Get Tested?

STI Window Periods: When Should You Actually Get Tested?

  • Evie Plumb (she/her)

Window periods are the time between exposure and when STIs show up on tests. Learn when to get tested after unprotected sex for accurate results.

Don’t Be Silly, Wrap Your Willy | 6 Essential Condom Tips

Don’t Be Silly, Wrap Your Willy | 6 Essential Condom Tips

  • Evie Plumb (she/her)

When it comes to sex, being prepared and staying safe should always be a priority. While condoms are a simple and effective way to protect against STIs and unplanned pregnancies, there’s more to using them correctly than just rolling one on. Let’s dive into the basics, because staying safe is always the smart choice!

Condom excuses (debunked) & their comebacks

Condom excuses (debunked) & their comebacks

  • Evie Plumb (she/her)

Don’t fall for condom and protection excuses! Cliterally The Best debunks common myths and gives you confident comebacks to shut them down. Stay safe, empowered, and in control.

Managing Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants: Your Guide to Feeling Like Yourself Again

Managing Sexual Side Effects of Antidepressants: Your Guide to Feeling Like Yourself Again

  • Evie Plumb (she/her)

Managing sexual side effects of antidepressants? Discover practical tips and strategies to reclaim your sexual satisfaction. With the right support, you can feel like yourself again!

hand holding IUD illustration Cliterally The Best

How effective is your contraceptive?

Use our free quiz tool and see how effective your contraception choice is or plan your next one.

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The Anti-Panic STI Workbook

£4.99
£4.99 £4.99
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Freaking out about getting an STI test? This worksheet pack is your calm, judgment-free guide through the entire process.

The Anti-Panic STI Workbook includes a practical step-by-step checklist for getting tested, plus journal pages to process your feelings, challenge anxious thoughts, and plan for the waiting period. Because let's be real - STI testing can be scary, even when you know it's the responsible thing to do.

Created by a psychosexual therapist with a shame-free, sex-positive approach. Includes reality checks, helpful reminders (like: 1 in 2 sexually active people get an STI by age 25), and space for reflection.

Who This Worksheet Pack Is For:

  • Anyone waiting for STI test results and spiraling a bit (or a lot)
  • People who need practical steps to take action without panicking
  • Those who want to process their feelings about sexual health in a judgment-free space
  • Anyone looking for a calm, reassuring guide through STI testing
  • People who've Googled their symptoms and now think they're dying (spoiler: you're probably fine)

Instantly download your free 6-page printable PDF and remember: you are no less of a human, whatever your results. Taking care of your sexual health makes you a badass.

Sexual Health & Contraception FAQs

The most common Cliterally community questions, answered.

Options broadly include hormonal methods (like the pill, implant or hormonal coil/IUS), non-hormonal methods (like the copper coil/IUD or condoms), and barrier methods, each with different benefits and considerations.

Think about factors like your health history, how consistent you want to be with taking or maintaining it, side effects you want to avoid, and whether you also need protection against STIs. A doctor or sexual health clinic can talk through what suits you.

Only barrier methods like condoms (internal or external) protect against STIs. Other methods prevent pregnancy but not infection, so it's worth using condoms alongside other contraception if that's a concern.

In most cases, yes, though it's worth speaking to a doctor or clinic about timing to avoid any gap in protection.

Side effects are common, especially in the first few months, but persistent or severe symptoms are worth discussing with a doctor, who can help you find an alternative that suits you better.

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