Sexual health

On this page

Contraception

The contraception counselling will guide you in starting contraception and monitor how well your contraception works. The method of contraception will be chosen to suit you.

Starting contraception is free of charge for those under 21 years of age. Otherwise, contraceptive products must be purchased from a pharmacy. You will need an electronic prescription for this. An emergency contraceptive pill can be purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription if regular contraception has failed.

You can receive contraception counselling, for example, at a health and social services centre, a maternity clinic, or through school health care and student health care services.

Young people under 22 years of age from Tampere or Orivesi, who are not studying at an educational institution, can handle their contraception affairs at the youth clinic.

The FSHS Self-service is intended for higher education students. More information: Sexual health

Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted disease is a disease transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Chlamydia, genital warts (HPV), and genital herpes are the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases also include gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV infection.

An untreated sexually transmitted disease can be transmitted even if it does not cause symptoms.

You can prevent sexually transmitted diseases by avoiding unprotected sex and using a condom and oral sex protection throughout the contact.

If you suspect a sexually transmitted disease or want to test yourself after unprotected sex, you can access testing by contacting the digital clinic. You can also get help from a health and social services centre or student health care services.

Digital clinic

Sexual violence

If you have experienced sexual violence, you have the right to receive help. Even if you have not experienced other physical violence, it is important to seek medical examination and support.

If less than four weeks have passed since the rape

  • Seek medical examination and treatment as soon as possible.
  • Do not change your clothes or wash yourself after the rape, so that no evidence is lost.
  • See a physician even if you do not have visible injuries.
  • If you are under 16 years of age, you will be treated at the children's emergency department (in Finnish).
    • Call 116117 first.
  • If you are over 16 years of age, contact a Seri support centre (in Finnish).
    • Call 044 472 8002, open 24 hours a day. Wait for the call back.
  • Contact the police and report the offence by calling 112 or going to the police station.

If more than four weeks have passed since the rape

  • Book an appointment at your own health and social services centre, through your educational institution’s student health care services, or at the youth clinic (in Finnish, Tampere residents under 22 years of age).
  • You will receive examinations and tests for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
  • Crisis assistance or psychological support will be arranged for you.
  • You can still file a criminal report even if time has passed since the incident. The limitation period for sexual offences is 10–20 years.

Last modified 14.5.2025