Written by Phil Corcoran, Senior Health Promotion Officer, The Sexual Health Centre

The Sexual Health Centre (SHC) is an NGO based in Cork working in the areas of HIV and Sexual Health. Established in Cork in 1987 as Cork AIDS Alliance, SHC has grown to become a leading provider of education, training and support services in the areas of sexual health and HIV. Through initiatives such as WISE Online, our e-learning platform for teachers, youth workers and parents, and our in-person workshops for young people in non-formal education settings, we work to ensure that everyone has access to accurate information, practical skills and supportive conversations about sexual health.

We recognise that pharmacies are frontline healthcare providers in sexual health. As trusted, accessible healthcare providers, pharmacy teams are uniquely placed to offer confidential, inclusive and compassionate care. By creating a welcoming environment and providing accurate information, pharmacies can empower young people to make informed choices, reduce sexual health risks and connect with the right services and supports when needed.

So, what can pharmacy teams do to better understand young people’s experiences and ensure they are providing the support, information and environment needed to help them access sexual health care with confidence? If you were asked to discuss sexual activity publicly, how would you feel? Sex and sexuality can be very difficult subjects for anyone to discuss; this is especially true for young people.

Young people can often feel anxiety or embarrassment when discussing issues relating to sexual health. Providing a welcoming environment is absolutely essential. Pharmacy staff should adopt a warm, open, and relaxed demeanor to help young people feel more at ease when talking to them. Try to avoid assumptions about gender, sexuality or sexual behaviours and use inclusive language wherever possible. A positive experience can help build young people’s confidence in accessing healthcare when they need it in the future. Visible health promotion materials, private consultation rooms and clear signage can also make services feel more approachable.

When a young person presents for emergency contraception, it is important to approach the consultation with sensitivity. Avoid language that may feel judgemental or overly intrusive. Young people may already feel nervous, guilty, or awkward and it is important to be aware of this. Explain the rationale for any questions you ask – e.g. standard data gathering – not prying for information.

Emergency contraception consultations provide a valuable opportunity to discuss wider sexual health needs in a supportive and non-judgemental way. In addition to providing emergency contraception, pharmacy teams can use these consultations to explore condom use, STI testing and ongoing contraceptive needs. Where appropriate, discuss the range of regular contraceptive options available and explain that emergency contraception is intended for occasional use rather than as a routine method of contraception.

These conversations are becoming increasingly important, as sexual health services are hearing reports of growing scepticism among some young people about hormonal contraception. Concerns about side effects, fertility, long-term health impacts and the use of hormones more generally are commonly raised. Anecdotally, some young women have expressed such strong reservations about hormonal methods that they would prefer to avoid them altogether, despite the risks associated with unintended pregnancy.

Condom provision and advice remain a key aspect of sexual health support within pharmacies. Young people may have limited knowledge about correct condom use, as sex education in schools varies. Pharmacists can provide practical guidance on how to use condoms effectively, discuss the importance of dual protection against pregnancy and STIs and normalise condom use as part of healthy sexual behaviour.

If cost is an issue you can signpost to www.sexualhealthcentre.com. We operate a free national condom and lubricant service. People can register online and we will post condoms directly to their homes. Many pharmacies are now being offered the option to opt in to the National Condom Distribution Service which would enable you to provide condoms and lube free of charge directly to young people when required.

When discussing STI testing, pharmacy teams should be aware of local referral pathways, including Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics and the SH24 home testing service. SH24 offers a convenient and discreet way for young people to access STI testing, helping to reduce some of the barriers associated with attending a clinic. The Sexual Health Centre serves as a collection point for SH24 testing kits, further increasing accessibility. Kits can also be ordered directly through SH24.ie.

Safeguarding is another important consideration. Pharmacists should be familiar with safeguarding procedures and understand when concerns require escalation to Tusla. While maintaining confidentiality is essential to building trust with young people, it is equally important that they understand the limits of confidentiality. At the outset of a consultation, where appropriate, young people should be informed that information may need to be shared if there are concerns about their safety or the safety of others.

During consultations, pharmacists should be alert to signs of exploitation, coercion, abuse, controlling relationships, or situations where a young person may not be able to freely make decisions about their sexual health. Sensitive questioning, active listening, and a non-judgemental approach can help create opportunities for young people to disclose concerns and access appropriate support.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, pharmacists should follow established procedures, seek advice where necessary, and ensure timely referral to the appropriate services.

Conclusion

Community pharmacies play an increasingly important role in supporting the sexual health and wellbeing of young people. As highly accessible healthcare settings, pharmacies can provide trusted information, timely interventions and signposting to appropriate services at critical moments.

The Sexual Health Centre is available to support healthcare professionals with information, resources, and signposting guidance. To learn more about our services, training opportunities, and sexual health resources, visit www.sexualhealthcentre.com or contact the team directly on 021 4276676, email info@sexualhealthcentre.com.

Together, community pharmacies and sexual health services can help ensure that young people receive the support, information and care they need.