Sexual health

Sexual health

Sexual Health Service

Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health Service (NISH) offers the following services: - testing for sexually transmitted infections - outpatient care for blood-borne virus infection including HIV(Summers Unit) - all methods of contraception with ongoing management of complex contraceptive needs - treatment for genital skin/pain conditions - outreach services.

Type

Adult Services - Sexual Health Service

Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health
Closure of clinic - Wednesday 6 November 2019

Due to essential improvement works being carried out on IT systems, NISHH will be closed on Wednesday 6 November.
 

Every effort has been taken to minimise service disruption, however, NISH clinics operating from Northampton General Hospital, the Ashwood Centre in Kettering, will be closed on Wednesday 6 November.

In an emergency contact your GP, Northampton Out of Hours Service on 111,or visit an A&E Department.

NISH will re-open as normal at on Thursday 7 November 2019.

 

Hello and welcome to the Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV service (NISHH).

We are a welcoming and confidential service. We offer testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), complex contraception (implants, injections and coils), emergency contraception and HIV outpatient care.

What Service do I need?

For further information please either click on the purple boxes or click on the relevant link below:

Who is the NISHH service for? Our service is for everyone, whatever your gender, sexuality, age, race or faith. We have particular services available for young people, where we can offer appropriate information and advice to support and develop your ability to make safe and informed choices.

Please see your GP for the following services:

  • basic contraception (pills, patches, rings)
  • diagnosis and / or treatment of genital skin conditions
  • psychosexual services
  • cervical cytology

How to access this service: Click here to book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are your services free? 
    Yes, all NHS services provided by NISHH are free.
  • How do I book an appointment?
    Appointments can be booked by phone or by asking the reception at one of our clinics. We plan to offer an online booking system by summer 2019.
  • What do I do if I can't get through on the phone?
    We acknowledge that at certain of times of the day it can be difficult to get through on the telephone. Please try again at a different time of day. We plan to offer an online booking system by summer 2019.
  • How do you keep your service confidential? 
    Unless there is concern for your safety or the safety of others no information is shared with other services without your consent.

Contact us and opening hours

North of the county
Ashwood Centre
St Mary's Hospital
London Road
Kettering
Northamptonshire, NN15 7PW

Telephone: 01536 410647 

Monday: 8am - 2pm
Tuesday: 8.15am - 8pm
Wednesday: 9am - 1pm
Thursday: 8am - 8pm
Friday: 8am - 2pm

South of the county
Northampton General Hospital
Area R
Billing Road
Cliftonville
Northampton, NN1 5BD

Telephone: 01604 609766 

Monday: 11am - 8pm
Tuesday: 8.30am - 5pm
Wednesday: 1.15pm - 8pm
Thursday: 8.30am - 4pm
Friday: 8.30am - 4pm

 

Outreach Service Hotline Telephone: 0845 602 3511

Our services

We are a friendly, welcoming and non-judgemental service.

We have a highly trained and skilled staff mix of consultants, doctors, nurses, health care support workers, psychologists, pharmacists, dieticians and administrative staff. In addition we have an Outreach team who provide outreach testing services, education and training.

We provide a confidential service and take our responsibility to keep you safe very seriously. We also appreciate that it can be very difficult to make the first steps to come through our doors, and aim to make your experience with us as straightforward and simple as possible. We look forward to seeing you.

We also appreciate your constructive feedback - you may leave online feedback about our services here.

We are able to offer you

We also take part in national local research studies which you maybe eligible to participate in such as: pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV

Click here to find the right site for the service you need

We are not able to offer you

For the following conditions / request please see your GP. NISHH does not offer these services:

  • simple contraception (repeat hormonal contraception such as pills, patches and rings)
  • routine cervical screening (smear tests)
  • male and female sterilization
  • management of erectile difficulties
  • psychosexual medicine
  • genital skin problem management (dermotology)

 

Sexual health

There are several different sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some do not cause any symptoms.

To keep healthy it’s important to find out if you have an infection and which one it is so that it can be treated.

It is also important that you understand how to prevent being infected again. (reinfection). We need your help to prevent infections being passed to other people.   

Some infections are not transmitted by having sex, but they can still cause you discomfort or symptoms. We can tell you more about these. We provide information about different STIs via an app. 

I’m worried about an STI

If you have nothing wrong with you and are under 25, click here

If you have physical problems relating to your sexual health or you are over 25 years old, click here to see what clinics we have available

STIs - know them, recognise them, treat them

This section explains the common sexually transmitted infections. Information is also available via our app.

Chlamydia

What is it?

Chlamydia is a bacteria.

How is it passed on?

Through unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex and occasionally by sharing sex toys.

Symptoms

There are often no symptoms. Sometimes men have discharge from their penis or pain in their genital area. Women may have discharge from their vagina that is different from their normal discharge. Women may also have period type pains when they don’t have their period.

What are the long term effects?

Usually, there are no long term effects.  If Chlamydia is not treated it may occasionally cause long term damage and result in women finding it difficult to have children.

Can you get rid of it?

Yes, chlamydia may be tested for.  If found it can be treated with antibiotics. It is best to test and treat as early as possible. Unprotected sex can put you at risk of a chlamydia infection. The best way to prevent this is to use protection

A free online test is available here for people under 25, click here to find out more.

If you are over 25 years old, click here to see what clinics we have available

 

Genital Herpes

What is it?

Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV) is a viral infection; it is the cause of the common cold sore

How is it passed on?

Herpes is very common. It is passed on through genital or oral skin to skin contact and through unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex.  There are 2 types of the virus. Type 1 will cause cold sores but can also cause genital sores and type 2 is more common in the genital area.  You can carry the virus and not know that you have it.

Symptoms

Blisters or sores around the penis, vagina or anus.

What are the long term effects?

Herpes cannot be cured. You can treat the sores when they appear but they are likely to come back again. It can be difficult to predict how often. They often come back when you are stressed or run down.

Can you get rid of it?

The sores can be treated with medication when they appear, but the virus cannot be cleared. Most people do not require treatment for recurrent attacks. The use of simple pain killers is usually effective.  It will go away without treatment.

We would recommend a full STI screen and you can visit a clinic for this.

Further information can be found from the herpes virus association website.

Genital Warts

What are they?

A wart is a skin condition caused by a virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV).

How is it passed on?

Through direct genital skin to skin contact or through unprotected vaginal or anal sex.  Using a condom during sex can help to prevent transmission.

Symptoms

mall bumps or lumps (warts) around the penis, vagina or anus. Warts can also be found inside the vagina, urethra or anus.

What are the long term effects?

Usually, there are no long term effects. However, the virus that causes warts has been linked to cervical cancer. This is why woman are encouraged to attend for cervical screening at their GP. You should be called for cervical screening once you reach 25 years of age. 

Can you get rid of it?

Warts may need treatment for several weeks before they disappear. Warts can be frozen off, or creams can be used to remove them. If you smoke, or are pregnant, or take medication that suppresses your immune system, it may take longer to get rid of them. If you would like a full STI screen you can visit a clinic.

The HPV vaccine

In the UK, girls aged 12 years and above are offered a vaccine on the NHS which protects against the forms of the virus most associated with cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb). This vaccine also includes protection against the forms of the virus that cause most cases of genital warts. It is recommended that you have the vaccine if and when it is offered to you. It is a course of three injections given over 6 months.

At the moment the vaccine is not offered to boys aged 12 in the UK. However, from the 2019/2020 school year, it is expected that 12 to 13-year-old boys will also become eligible. It is also offered to men who have sex with men below the age of 45. 

As a woman, even if you have had the HPV vaccine it is still really important to have a regular smear test done through your GP when you are called to do this at age 25.

Gonorrhoea

What is it?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria.

How is it passed on?

Through unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex and the sharing of sex toys

Symptoms

Sometimes there are no symptoms. However, gonorrhoea may present as a green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina. You might also feel pain when you have a wee. Men usually have symptoms, but women often do not.

What are the long term effects?

Taking the correct treatment usually means there are no long term effects. Untreated gonorrhoea can cause damage to the reproductive organs in women making it more difficult for them to have children.

Can you get rid of it?

Yes. However, gonorrhoea is becoming more difficult to treat. This is because of inappropriate antibiotic use. It is very important that you complete any course of antibiotics that you are given and avoid reinfection by getting your partners to attend for testing. The damage gonorrhoea does cannot always be repaired.

If you would like a full STI screen you can visit a clinic.

Hepatitis A

What is it?

It is a virus that affects the liver.

How is it passed on?

It is usually passed on through contaminated food as it is found in the faeces (poo) of an infected person BUT If you have contact with your partner’s faeces when you have sex (for example through oral/anal contact) then there is a chance of it being passed on.  It can also be passed on through poor hand hygiene (failing to wash your hands properly after going to the toilet).

Symptoms

Symptoms can sometimes be flu-like symptoms or jaundice (yellowing of the skin). Some people don’t have any symptoms.

What are the long term effects?

It is very unlikely that there will be long term effects.

Can you get rid of it?

Yes.

We do not routinely offer testing or vaccination for Hepatitis A except for men who have sex with other men. If you are concerned about Hepatitis A and you are not MSM you might want to consider contacting your GP.

Hepatitis B

What is it?

It is a virus that affects the liver.

How is it passed on?

Unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex or contact with someone’s blood through damaged skin e.g. cuts, grazes, needle stick injuries.

Symptoms

Flu-like symptoms followed by jaundice (yellowing of the skin) later on and generally feeling unwell over a long period of time.

What are the long term effects?

Liver damage and in a small number of cases liver cancer.

Can you get rid of it?

Most people clear their body of Hepatitis B on their own. However, some people need further management. It is important that people living with hepatitis B see their GP regularly.  There is a vaccine to prevent you from passing it to other people.

We do not routinely offer testing or vaccination for Hepatitis B except for men who have sex with other men. If you are concerned about Hepatitis B and you are not MSM you might want to consider contacting your GP.

HIV

Also known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

What is it?

It is a virus that affects the immune system.

How is it passed on?

HIV can be passed on through anal and vaginal sex, by blood to blood contact, by needle sharing, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.

Symptoms

Most people live for years without showing symptoms, but you can have an illness like flu in the first few weeks after becoming infected, HIV attacks the immune system so eventually, someone with HIV will be unable to fight off simple infections and will become ill.

What are the long term effects?

If HIV is diagnosed early and treated most people go on to live a normal life. The latest research shows that they can live as long as someone who does not have HIV when they are on medication.

Some people who are diagnosed after living with HIV for a long time can still have some medical problems, so it is important to test if you think you have been at risk. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for HIV. People with HIV will also have to take care not to pass the infection on to a sexual partner. There is good medical evidence to show that if you are HIV positive and taking effective medication you cannot infect a sexual partner. This is known as U=U (undetectable = untransmissable)

Can you get rid of it?

There is no cure for HIV but people who take effective medication are expected to have a normal life expectancy. 

If you would like a free home HIV test kit you can request one here.

Pubic Lice

Also known as

Crabs.

What is it?

Pubic lice are a parasite which infects hairy genital areas.

How is it passed on?

Close physical contact.

Symptoms

Itching around pubic hair, tiny eggs in the pubic hair, and sometimes seen in underpants.

What are the long term effects?

No known long term side effects.

Can you get rid of it?

Yes, using special lotions from the chemist or from GP or sexual health clinic.

If you would like a full STI screen you can visit a clinic

 

Syphilis

Also known as

the ‘pox’.

What is it?

It is a bacterial infection.

How is it passed on?

Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex or from a mother who is infected to her unborn child or from sharing needles.

Symptoms

A painless ulcer around the penis or vagina, followed by a body rash BUT syphilis can show no symptoms. It is easy to detect by a blood test.

What are the long term effects?

Untreated syphilis can cause damage to the nervous system, blindness, confusion and eventually death. This is rare. 

Can you get rid of it?

Yes, it is still easy to treat with a course of antibiotic injections or tablets.  It is important to get treatment to reduce the risk of passing it on to others.

If you would like a full STI screen you can visit a clinic.

Thrush

What is it?

Thrush is a fungal infection of the vagina or penis. Occasionally it can affect the skin in other places.

Vaginal Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection but it can be passed on during sex.

If you have Thrush it is best to avoid having sex until you’ve completed a course of treatment and the infection has cleared up.

How is it passed on?

Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection. Thrush is usually a result of the loss of the normal bacteria found present within the genitals which allows the thrush to grow and cause symptoms. Triggering factors include being run down, wearing tight clothes, or using perfumed soap to wash your private parts as well as using antibiotics for other medical problems. Having sex can also make thrush worse.

Symptoms

The symptoms of thrush are soreness or itchiness around your vagina or penis. Sometimes there is thick, white discharge in women.

What are the long term effects?

No long term effects.

Can you get rid of it?

Some people get thrush more than once. Avoid wearing tight clothing and don’t use perfumed soap on your vagina or penis. It can be treated with cream and tablets as well as pessaries (tablets that are placed inside the vagina). You can get these from the chemist without a prescription.

Trichomoniasis

Also known as

Trichomoniasis Vaginalis or TV.

What is it?

It is an infection with an organism called protozoa which is a bit like a bacteria.

How is it passed on?

TV is passed on through unprotected vaginal sex.

Symptoms

TV symptoms are smelly, painful discharge from the vagina or penis, although sometimes there are no symptoms. Men do not usually get any symptoms.

What are the long term effects?

No known long term effects.

Can you get rid of it?

Yes, with antibiotics. 

If you would like a full STI screen you can visit a clinic.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

What is it?

It is a bacterial infection of the vagina

How is it passed on?

BV is not a sexually transmitted infection and is not passed between people

Symptoms

Most people with BV have no symptoms other than a smelly discharge. Soreness of the genital area or itching or a burning sensation usually means there is an alternative diagnosis. 

What are the long term effects?

None known, but if you have BV when you are pregnant you should have treatment.

How can I get rid of it?

It is usually treated with antibiotic tablets or creams which go into the vagina. You can reduce the chance of it occurring again by not washing inside the vagina and not using soaps or shower gels to wash. Using condoms can also help (we would recommend this anyway!). Some people get BV more than once and they can seek help from a sexual health clinic or GP.

Contraception

Contraception is something you use to stop yourself getting pregnant. There are lots of types of contraception to choose from, some are like medicines and some are devices that are put inside the body.

Emergency contraception is used after you have had unprotected sex (or if the condom breaks), to stop you getting pregnant. This has to be taken ideally 3 days after you have had sex, but can be used up to 5 days. It is important to get this as soon as possible after you have had unprotected sex if you don’t want to be pregnant.

Contraception (when used properly) should stop pregnancy but (apart from condoms) contraception does not stop sexually transmitted infections. The different types of contraception mean there is a lot of choices, so you can find something that suits you at different times in your life.

This section is about giving you the information so you can decide which contraception is right for you.

If you are thinking about having sex or are already having sex it is a good idea to go to a local doctor for advice.  NISHH does not offer on-going contraception.  This is provided by your GP.  We offer device insertion - find a clinic.

If you are pregnant and plan to continue with the pregnancy please contact your GP.

You have the right to confidential advice and support even if you are under 16.

Myths about contraception

There are still a lot of myths around about contraception.

Here are the facts: a woman can still get pregnant:

  • if the man pulls out of her vagina before he “comes”
  • if she has sex when she is on her period.
  • if it is the first time she has had sex
  • whatever position the couple are having sex in
  • if she does not have an orgasm
  • if she is breastfeeding.
  • if she douches (squirts water into the vagina). This can be harmful to women.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (‘morning-after pill’)

It works best if you if take it within 24 hours of having sex, but can be taken up to 120 hours after. There are 2 types of tablets and the person you see will decide which the best one for you is. The most effective form of emergency contraception is to have an intrauterine device (IUD) or copper coil fitted. This can be done up to 5 days after you have had sex and is usually done in:

  • family planning or contraception services
  • sexual health services
  • some GPs.

You can get emergency hormonal contraception (tablets) free from GPs, some hospitals (Accident or Emergency Department), pharmacies and sexual health services.

Some pharmacists offer free emergency hormonal contraception for under 25s following a short consultation, but you can buy it from pharmacies if you are older than 25.

Wherever you go for emergency contraception you will be asked questions like:

  • When did you last have sex?
  • Are you using any contraception (condoms or anything else)
  • When was your last period? (it’s helpful to have a think about this before you see the person helping you) If it is late could you already be pregnant?
  • Have you ever had emergency contraception before and if so when?
  • Do you or anyone in your immediate family have any health problems? Do you take any tablets or medicines?

They will also need to know your age and your name & postcode (this is not so that they can contact you but so they know where you’ve come from).

There are different types of contraception, some that you take every day (called short-acting) and others that are fitted and last for months or years. If you have any medical problems it is important to tell the person looking after you so they can help you make the safest and right choice for you.

Short-Acting methods

Please see your GP for these medications.

Combined Pill

The combined pill is a small pill that contains two hormones which we normally have in our bodies called oestrogen and progestogen. Taken as the combined pill they stop a woman releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

They can reduce bleeding, and pre-menstrual tension (PMT) and often help with period pains BUT:

  • they cannot be taken by some women (for medical reasons)
  • they do not protect against STIs
  • they have side effects
  • you have to remember to take it every day.

Mini Pill (or Progestogen-only Pill – POP)

A small pill which only contains one hormone called progestogen. This thickens the mucus at the opening to the womb and makes the womb an unpleasant place for a fertilised egg to attach. Some POPs also stop a woman releasing an egg (ovulation).

The POP can be taken by most women (even those with medical conditions that stop them from taking the combined pill. It can stop your periods BUT:

  • it does not protect against STIs
  • you have to remember it at the same time every day
  • you can get some irregular bleeding (you may not get a regular period or no period).

Long-acting methods

Your GP may offer these methods.  NISHH offers these methods. 

Implant

This is a small soft flexible tube which placed under the skin of the inner upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstream so that a fertilized egg cannot settle in the womb and form a pregnancy.  Each implant lasts for 3 years and then needs to be removed and a new one put in to continue to prevent pregnancy BUT:

  • it does not protect against STIs
  • it can cause irregular bleeding
  • you can have some side effects like headache and breast tenderness which usually get better with time.

IUD (Intra-Uterine Device) or the Coil

This is a small plastic and copper device which is put into the womb. It stops sperm meeting an egg and /or may stop an egg settling in the womb. It lasts for 5 or 10 years. It can be used as emergency contraception BUT:

  • it does not protect against STIs
  • you can have heavier and more painful periods with the copper coil.

IUS (Intra-Uterine System)

This IUS is like the IUD/coil, except it has the progesterone hormone inside which is slowly released. The progesterone thickens the mucus at the entrance of the makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to settle in the womb and form a pregnancy.

Pros:

  • it can stay in for up to 5 years BUT It does not protect against STIs.
  • it can cause no periods or irregular periods
  • it cannot be used for emergency contraception.

Barrier methods

Condoms

Condoms are made of very thin rubber or polyurethane and come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colours and flavours. To use a condom it is rolled down over the erect penis and stops sperm coming into contact with a partner’s body.

Condoms and femidoms (female condoms) are the only methods of contraception that provide effective protection against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. You can buy them at any age (even under 16).

Double Dutch is when condoms are used with another form of contraception so that you are protected against pregnancy and infections. Many young people are now using this.

You should check the expiry date (the date it runs out) and for a Kitemark (to check it is made to proper standards).

Oil-based products can make condoms more likely to break, e.g. Vaseline, baby oil and lipstick, but water-based lubricants such as KY Jelly and Senselle can be used.

If a condom breaks or you have unprotected sex, remember Emergency Contraception and a check-up for STIs.

Condoms are free from sexual health and family planning clinics and can be bought in most pharmacies, supermarkets and online BUT:

  • they can slip or split during sex
  • they can be expensive if you are buying them
  • some people find they interrupt sex while you put it on.

Male and female sterilisation

This is where the man or woman has surgery to prevent them ever being able to have children again. It is not usually offered to younger people and you need to see your GP to discuss this. NISHH does not offer sterilisation or referral for sterilisation. 

Natural contraception

This is when a woman works out when at the most fertile time in her monthly cycle, and then avoids sex without contraception during this time.

It does not mean “withdrawal” (removing the penis before the man ejaculates) and it needs to be taught by a specialist to work properly and the person needs to understand their personal cycle and the way their body works. Everyone will be different. 

Natural family planning will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so the best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use a condom every time you have sex.

HIV

Accessing HIV Services

Accessing HIV Services

The Summers Unit

The Summers Unit is the name given to our adult HIV service (over 18 years). We run HIV out-patient clinics every weekday at Northampton, on Mondays and Thursdays at Kettering and we also run a fortnightly clinic in Corby.

We have a dedicated team of medical, nursing, pharmacy and psychology staff and work closely with our colleagues in the main hospitals in Kettering and Northampton.

If you want any more information, or want to transfer your care to us please contact the Summers unit on 01604 609766 Northampton or 01536 410647 for Kettering and Corby.

We only offer treatment and care to patients who understand that we share their care and information with their GP.  We are an appointment only outpatient service.  Out of hours patients will attend A&E. 

Information about HIV

HIV Also known as…Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

WHAT IS IT?

It is a virus that affects the immune system

HOW IS IT PASSED ON?

HIV can be passed on through oral, anal and vaginal sex, blood to blood contact, needle sharing,  and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.

SYMPTOMS

Most people live for years without showing symptoms, but you can have an illness like flu in the first few weeks after becoming infected, HIV attacks the immune system so eventually, someone with HIV will be unable to fight off simple infections and will become ill.

WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS?

If HIV is diagnosed early and treated most people go on to live a normal life. The latest research shows that they can live as long as someone who does not have HIV when they are on medication.

 Some people who are diagnosed after living with HIV for a long time can still have some medical problems, so it is important to test if you think you have been at risk. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for HIV. People with HIV will also have to take care not to pass the infection on to a sexual partner, but we know now that if they are taking their HIV medication properly that this is unlikely to occur.

CAN YOU GET RID OF IT?

There is no cure for HIV but people can take medication to slow down how fast the immune system is destroyed. This medication suits some people very well and they can live for a long time. (see the section above)For some people, it takes a while to find the right medication that suits them but we have many different combinations of treatment for patients to try and find out what works for them.

HOW TO AVOID HIV

HIV can be avoided by not having unprotected sex and using a condom. It can also be avoided by not sharing needles if you inject drugs.

If you have had sex with someone you think has HIV you can take medication to stop yourself getting HIV. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis.

PEP (POST EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS)

PEP is a combination of 3 drugs which work against HIV which are taken after you have had unprotected sex with someone you think may have HIV. You must start taking it up to 72 hours after you had unprotected sex or the condom broke. You need to take it for 28 days. Some people experience side effects but it is important to carry on the medication and your doctor can help you with this.

PREP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS)

PrEP is 2 of the drugs used to treat HIV which are taken before you have sex to prevent you from getting HIV. You can take it in 2 ways, either every day or before and after you have sex.

It is currently not available on the NHS but a trial is going on to see if this is feasible. You can buy prep online but you should see a sexual health doctor before starting to check it is safe for you to take, and you should have a check-up every 3 months for sexually transmitted infections.

You can find out more about PrEP and how to buy it through:

www.iwantprepnow.co.uk

www.prepster.co.uk

HOW TO GET A TEST

You can get tested for HIV through sexual health services, through your GP or through self sampling (home testing). If you would like a free home HIV test kit you can request one here.

Young people

Let’s talk about sex

Let’s talk about sex

Sex is a normal and important part of our lives, but it is important to stay safe.

Only have sex with people when you really want to and never feel forced into having any kind of sexual contact.

It’s ok to say no.

If you have sex with lots of different partners, it’s a good idea to have a sexual health check-up regularly as some infections like Chlamydia often don’t have any symptoms.

If you are attending university or college away from your home town please ensure you are registered with a GP local to your place of education.  However, please note that if you are registered with a GP near your place of education you will be taken off your GP list in your home town.  It is important you plan appointments for your on-going basic contraception (pills, patches, rings) and take into account holiday periods, to make sure you don’t run out.

Healthy relationships

All relationships will have their highs and lows but a good relationship will be based on respect for each other and open communication. This is the same whether it is a sexual relationship or with your friends and parents, a relationship should be a positive experience in general, for most of the time, (we all have good and bad days!). A healthy relationship is important for general health and wellbeing. You should enjoy spending time together but also allow each other freedom to see your friends without being made to feel guilty. It’s nice to have common interests in a relationship but if you don’t then your partner shouldn’t stop you doing something you enjoy just because they don’t.

Your partner should respect your privacy and this comes with the trust you build in your relationship.

Signs of an unhealthy relationship can be:

  • Your partner insists on reading your text messages or looking at your social media
  • Your partner stops you seeing your friends or makes you feel guilty if you don’t spend time with them when they want you to.
  • You feel pressure to have sex with a partner even when you do not want to but you don’t feel like you can say no.
  • A partner tells you what to wear.

Finding ‘THE ONE’ can be difficult and you may experience a number of relationships before you find someone you are truly compatible with. Some people are not looking for a relationship and want to concentrate on themselves (exams, friendships, work etc) this is ‘OK’. Making yourself happy first will lead on to healthy relationships in the future if you want one.

Your body

Getting to know your own body is really important at any age. Knowing what is normal for your body is good and will help you notice when something changes or isn’t right for you.

Parents

Many young people are worried about telling their parents they are thinking about becoming sexually active or that they are in a relationship.

When you come to a sexual health clinic you are asked some questions to see if you understand the advice we are giving you. We also ask a few questions about your safety which we ask everyone who is under 18 years old.

If we are happy you understand what we are telling you and we have no concerns for your safety we would not tell anyone about your visit to us. This includes not telling parents/GP/School unless you want us to. We would, however, try and encourage you to have these discussions so that your parents or carers can support you to be able to get contraception or tests for sexually transmitted infections. Your parents will want the best for you and to keep you safe. If you are being sensible and trying to prevent unwanted pregnancy and infection most parents will be pleased you are trying to protect yourself.

Drug and Alcohol

Alcohol is a drug. Like other drugs, it can affect our normal thought processes and we may behave in ways which are not normal for us. We may forget what has happened and may regret what we have done. This can be scary and can mean we end up having sex when we don’t want to.

Some tips for when you are drinking alcohol:

  • Look out for your friends  and ask them to watch out for you
  • Try and avoid too much alcohol e.g. do you need those shots? Try to avoid too much pre-loading
  • Try and plan ahead, if you think you might be having sex that evening, take some condoms with you so you are prepared.

Some people develop problems with drinking alcohol.

Signs that you may have some problems with drinking:

  • Has anyone ever raised a concern about the amount you drink e.g. a parent or friend?
  • Have you or a friend ever had an injury when you were drunk that you cannot remember getting?
  • Are you drinking alone?
  • Drinking more than the nation recommended allowance per week on a regular basis - find about the recommended guidelines
  • Do you need to drink to cope with certain situations

For more information visit:

Consent

Consent in relation to sex is when we agree to have sex with someone and we want to do this.  This video explains it clearly. There should be no confusion.

Keeping Safe

Our ‘gut feelings’ are often a good guide to if something ‘feels right’. , If something doesn’t feel right then it’s more than likely that it isn’t, if you don’t feel safe in a situation then take yourself away from it as soon as possible.

Basic common-sense safety tips can help keep us safe. Things like not walking alone at night or letting people know what time your bus is due to arrive so they know what time to expect you.

There are lots of apps you can get on your phone that help you to keep safe, one such app is Hollie Guard. This is a personal safety app which allows you to tell people where you are and if you don’t arrive at your destination when you thought you would. It also has a built-in safety alarm and deterrent alarm, find out more. 

Keeping safe applies to watching out for your friends too. If you see something that looks unusual or not right e.g. if your friend starts to behave differently, tell someone (parent, teacher) about it.

Contraception

From condoms to the coil, find out all about contraception here.

Sexual health

From chlamydia to pubic lice, find out more about sexual health here.

HIV

Your HIV questions answered here.

Free condoms

You can get free condoms from any of our clinics. Our outreach teams also give out free condoms when they visit schools, colleges and other places around the county. If you are under 25 you can access free condoms via the c-card scheme in participating locations.

Home Testing

Home testing is where you request a test kit for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea and you take the sample for the test at home. The sample is then sent back to us in the post. Click here to request a home testing kit.

We currently offer HIV and chlamydia testing in this way (and further STI tests in specific geographical locations) but hope to offer more tests in the near future. 

Young Persons Clinic

We offer young people’s service for people under 19 years at both our hubs:

  • Northampton Wednesdays 3-5pm
  • Kettering Thursdays 3-5pm.

These are walk in services and you do not need to book, but if lots of people turn up you may be asked to rebook. You can also attend our clinics by booking an appointment at any time in the week.

Click here to see where all our clinics are and find directions.

Get a home testing kit

If you have symptoms, need to speak to a medical professional or are over 24 years old please click here to book an appointment.

We are currently able to offer the following online STI testing options:

If you are under 25 years of age and would like a chlamydia and gonorrhoea test please check here:

Get a free chlamydia testing kit

If you just want an HIV test – please click here to see if you are suitable for an online test.

 

 

Sexual assault

We provide medical assessment and STI testing following sexual assault. We also work closely with Serenity the sexual assault referral centre in Northampton to support you if you have been assaulted.

If you have been sexually assaulted please contact Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) directly or you can phone us for further advice. You may wish to report the assault to the police and they will also liaise closely with Serenity and ourselves to support you.

If you are unsure what to do next please phone us.

Psychosexual services

We are able to provide psychological support for some psychosexual conditions, but you will need to be seen by a doctor in our clinic first.

If you are a man experiencing difficulties with getting or maintaining an erection you should see your GP in the first instance.

Proud to be smokefree

We know that quitting smoking reduces your chances of heart disease and lung cancer as well as improves your sense of taste, makes your skin look younger and reduces stress. That is why we are proud to be smokefree.

Remember smoking is not allowed anywhere, on any NHFT sites.

If you are an inpatient please speak to your ward matron about options for nicotine replacement. All other users (whether service user, visitors or staff)  must go offsite if they wish to smoke. For help and advice on quitting smoking visit our friends at First for Wellbeing.