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Confidentiality and your rights

In the vast majority of cases, sexual health services are completely confidential. 

Browse the topics below to find the information you’re looking for.

confidentiality and safeguarding

Key takeways

If you use a sexual health service, your information will usually stay private. It will only be shared with the right people if you are in danger or a healthcare professional is seriously worried about your safety.

This page explains what that means, when information might be shared, and what you can expect.

Click the expandable sections below to learn more about each topic

When you use sexual health services, what you say is kept private. Your information isn’t shared with parents, carers, school, college or partners. 

Asking questions, getting condoms, testing, or talking about sex does not get you into trouble.

You can still use sexual health services if you’re under 16. You don’t automatically need parental permission. A clinician will check that you understand your choices and that you’re safe and supported.

Your privacy is treated with the same respect as anyone else’s.

Information is only shared if a professional is seriously worried about safety. This could include if someone is at risk of serious harm or there is immediate danger.

If this happens, it’s about keeping you safe, not getting you in trouble. Staff will usually talk to you first and only share the information that is needed. This doesn’t happen often.

If something isn’t clear, you can always ask. Knowing your rights helps you stay in control of your health and your choices.

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