Finding sexual health resources in a foreign country can be unnecessarily difficult and complicated — but we are here to help! Below is a comprehensive list of sexual health resources in Florence for non-natives and English speakers including information on English-speaking gynecologists, therapists, contraceptives, abortion, AIDS/STD screening and care, LGBTQ+ resources, resources for victims of sexual and domestic violence, self-defense classes, and sex-positive organizations and events in Florence.
Gynecologists & Sexual Health Specialists
If you would like to see a sexual health specialist who speaks in your native tongue, here is a selection of multilingual gynecologists and doctors located here in Florence:
Dr. Barbara Brodbeck is a gynecologist. She speaks English, German, French, and Italian, and can be reached by cell from 9 am – 7 pm daily. She is located at Via della Fortezza, 6, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy. Tel: +39 055 470521. Cell: 335 8353612.
Dr. Angelo Scuderi is a gynecologist. He speaks English and Italian and works in the Obstetrics & Gynecology unit at S. Maria Annunziata. He also has his own practice at viale Alessandro 72. He is located at Viale Alessandro Volta, 72 50131 Firenze. Tel: 055 574404. Cell: 348 3033496. Email: dott.scuderi.angelo@gmail.com.
Dr. Massimo Mariani is a gynecologist with 36 years of experience. He offers both in person and virtual appointments and speaks English, German, and Italian. He is located at Viale Giacomo Matteotti, Firenze, Italy.
Dr. Gaia Polloni is a clinical psychologist, Psychotherapist and Clinical Sexologist. She speaks Italian and English and specializes in couples therapy, sexual problems, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender variance, and gender dysphoria. She operates in Milan and Como, and provides online care. Email: info@gaiapolloni.com. Tel: 331 935 366
Contraceptives, Protection, and Abortion
Condoms and dental dams are available at most pharmacies and supermarkets along with other sexual health resources; however, if they are closed or unavailable, there are many 24-hour sexual health vending machines around Florence. These can be mostly found near pharmacy storefronts. Emergency contraceptives, more commonly known as the morning-after pill, are available over the counter. If you are a minor, you will need a prescription. Ask for ellaOne, an ulipristal acetate tablet that delays egg release and must be taken within 120 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. You can also ask for Norlevo, but it is less effective – take it within the first 12 to 24 hours after intercourse. Both can be acquired without a prescription.
In 1978, a law was passed in Italy which set forth the regulations governing the procedures for obtaining an induced abortion. According to this law, all women are eligible to request an abortion during the first 90 days of gestation for health, economic, social, or familial reasons. Here is a list of Abortion Clinics in Europe and a Map of Abortion Clinics in Italy. Read about how medical abortion has been made easier in Italy (The Florentine).
STD Screenings and Care
The Infectious Diseases operating unit of the Azienda Sanitaria di Firenze guarantees that HIV tests are available, free, and anonymous. This applies to residents and non-residents alike at the following national healthcare service centers. To make an appointment, call 055 6936512, 9 am-noon and 3-6 pm Mon to Sat. In an urgent emergency situation, call 055 6936233 at night and on holidays. Here are their locations:
- Ospedale S. Maria Annunziata, via dell’Antella 58
- Ospedale Nuovo S. Giovanni di Dio, via di Torregalli, 3
- Poliambulatorio, lungarno Santa Rosa 13
- Poliambulatorio Le Piagge, via dell’Osteria 8
HeLab is a medical analysis center that specializes in microbiological analyses of male and female urogenital organs. They provide STI tests and are located in Piazza della Libertà 13, Firenze. Tel: 055 474983 or 3315450795. Email: info@helabflorence.com. Booking hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm and 2pm-6:30pm.
LILA Toscana (the Italian League for the Fight against AIDS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1987. They offer rapid STD tests for HIV, HCV, and syphilis. They are located at Via delle Casine, 12/red. Tel: 02 89455320. Email: info@lila.toscana.it .
Here are more sexual health resources in Florence.
LGBTQ+ Resources
In such a culturally vibrant place such as Florence, it is easy to find a like-minded queer community. Experience Florence through a queer lens on a Florence LGBTQ+ Walking Tour, or attend the Florence Queer Festival in November. Here are other ways to Discover Florence’s LGBTQ+ Community. You can also Connect with Florence’s LGBTQ+ Community with IREOS, hosted by Florence University of the Arts. The goal of IREOS is to empower LGBTQ+ individuals, encourage solidarity of marginalized groups, and bring awareness to issues facing the community.
To find other like-minded people here in Florence, join us in our inclusive weekly international happy hour or our monthly art crawl!
However, if you are experiencing issues and struggles regarding your identity and sexuality, you can find an LGBTQIA+ helpline here. Additionally, Dr. Gaia Polloni is a Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, and Clinical Sexologist specializing in sexual problems, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender variance, and gender dysphoria. She speaks both English and Italian.
Emergency Resources for Domestic and Sexual Violence
Experiencing gender based violence is never your fault. If you or someone you know are in an emergency situation involving domestic and/or sexual violence, here is a guide on what to do.
Artemisia is an anti-violence organization in Florence, a social promotion association committed to combating all forms of violence against women, children, and adolescents. They provide specialist care and care services – both are completely free. They collaborate with expert lawyers in the field and the support of volunteers, interns and civil service volunteers.
For additional support, you can contact Cristina Di Loreto, a Psychotherapist and Sexual Abuse Specialist. Here, you can also find a Helpline for abuse and domestic violence. For additional security, download the YouPol app, which connects you directly to local police.
Safety & Self Defense
In a city like Florence, it is important to stay safe and on your guard during a night out. Here is a guide on How to Stay Safe When Going Out. You can find lessons on self defense all around Florence. Here are a few options:
- Karate Class for Self Defense
- Self Defense Courses in Florence
- Self Defense Boxing
- Self Defense Class
Sex Positive Resources
La Clit is Florence-based project emphasizing sexuality, well-being, and pleasure in all of its forms. Its founders, Giulia and Francesca, organize events on topics related to sexuality as well as sell high-end pleasure toys and products related to sexual well-being. As a collective, they emphasize and focus on sustainability, queer culture, innovation and attention to work ethics. With their events, they aspire to create safe spaces where we can deconstruct internalized patriarchal influences and cultivate sex & body positivity, care, health, curiosity, as well as provide information, learn, and promote intergenerational comparison.
Hi. I am an Italian Gyn affiliated with the Medical School in Siena. I am also a sex therapist graduated from the Sex Therapy Residency Program at Cornell University Medical School in NYC.
I am in private practice in Florence. I am the author of books in sexuality and wellbeing published both in Italian and in English. I do gyn and sex therapy in Italian, English, and online
If interested, please, reach out to me for more info