LGBTQ+ support, information and advice

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Sexual Health Dorset LGBTQ+ service for the local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community in Bournemouth, Weymouth and Dorset. We offer information for individuals with issues relating to:

Sexuality – ‘coming out’ support
Sexual health
Sexual identity
HIV
Chemsex support
Trans help and support

We also have good working relationships with other local agencies.

We work closely with other local services like drug and alcohol agencies, if you feel you need a referral to a specialist service. We would like to empower and support you to take care of yourself as a whole, to educate you and provide easy access to free condoms and lube, reducing the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection. Which are also available by post.

As we look to enhance the service, we are updating Over The Rainbow and responding to feedback with updates. Please click here to complete our survey, it helps us understand how to make our sexual health service better.

We’re here to provide advice, support and information for a healthier community. Our services include:

Sexual health information and advice
General health information
Health promotion
Psychological support
We can provide free condoms and lube. These are also available by post.

Sexual Health Dorset, we can help you consider screening for sexually transmitted infections. Discuss and offer hepatitis A / B / HPV / 4CMenB / Mpox vaccinations

Chlamydia
Gonorrhoea
Syphilis
HIV
HEP B
HEP C

STI screening kits are available from ‘Click-It’ home testing.

Additionally, we offer:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if you've had a recent potential HIV exposure
DoxyPeP
Sexual health advice
Risk reduction
Free condoms and lube (also available by post)

Results are usually available within 7 to 10 working days and can be sent to you via text message or email.

What is DoxyPeP?
DoxyPeP (Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that helps reduce your chances of getting bacterial STIs like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. It works by taking an antibiotic after sex to prevent infections before they take hold. Think of it as an extra layer of protection for your sexual health.

Who is DoxyPeP for?
DoxyPeP is mainly recommended for gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), as well as trans women who have had an STI in the past year. If you have an active sex life and want additional protection against STIs, this could be an option worth discussing with one of our healthcare professionals.

How do you take DoxyPeP?

Take 2 tablets, 200 mg of Doxycycline within 3 days, or 72 hours, of a condomless sexual encounter

Just one time, or no more than one dose in a 24-hour period.

DoxyPeP is better when taken with water and food, if possible, to help decrease any potential side effects like nausea or headaches. Always follow medical advice.

For anyone who might be worried about their risk of acquiring HIV, PrEP (a pill which you can take before sex to protect yourself from HIV) is available on the NHS in Dorset.

Have you experienced a bad case of diarrhoea after sex?

It could be shigella. It is often mistaken for food poisoning and is caught from bacteria in poo getting into your mouth during sex, or via unwashed hands. Find out about shigella and its causes, signs and symptoms. Learn how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you have caught it after sex.

Find out more: Sexual health for gay and bisexual men - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You can also call 0300 303 1948 to speak to a sexual health adviser.

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men GBMSM (Gay, Bi, Men who have Sex with Men) may be offered several vaccines depending on their age, vaccination history, and individual risk factors.

The main vaccines include:

Hepatitis A (Hep A) – Often offered to GBMSM who are considered at higher risk, such as those with multiple sexual partners or certain sexual practices, because hepatitis A can be spread through sexual contact, particularly oral-anal contact.
Hepatitis B (Hep B) – Routinely recommended for GBMSM who are not already immune, as hepatitis B can be transmitted through sex.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) – if you have not completed the vaccination course already HPV vaccination course will be offered which helps protect against genital warts and several cancers.
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) – Since 2025, pre-exposure vaccination has been expanded for eligible GBMSM/MSM at higher risk through specialist sexual health services. Eligibility is based on risk assessment rather than sexuality alone.
Meningococcal B (MenB) – England introduced a programme offering the MenB vaccine through our service to eligible GBMSM because it provides partial protection against gonorrhoea in addition to protecting against meningococcal B disease.

If you're unsure which vaccines you've already had, the clinic can usually review your vaccination history and advise which ones you still or may need.