West Northamptonshire Sexual Health and HIV service
We are a welcoming and confidential service offering testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), complex contraception (implants, injections and coils), emergency contraception and HIV outpatient care.
This service runs on every other Tuesday from 8 AM - 12 PM. To find out more information and to book please call us on 0300 027 0110. Visit our Sexual Health Service overview page for more information on this service
This service runs on every other Tuesday from 8 AM - 12 PM.
At this site we offer:
Visit our Sexual Health Service overview page for more information on this service.
We offer a range of support for sexual health and HIV.
For under 25s only
We offer testing for:
Please get in touch with the service to book a test or currently you can order a test online.
Doxy PEP is not currently available through our clinic. But, it can be obtained through some private providers if this is a route you would like to explore.
If you are aged between 16-24 year old you can order a home testing kit:
Watch the video to learn what to do with your postal kit
For individuals over 18 years old who want a sexual health check-up and have NO symptoms.
Routine tests will be offered, if appropriate, for:
Emergency Contraception can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you access emergency contraception the more effective it can be. There are 2 types of tablets and the person you see will decide which is the best option for you.
The most effective form of emergency contraception is to have an intrauterine device (IUD) or copper coil fitted. This can be fitted up to 5 days after you have had sex and is usually done in:
You can get emergency hormonal contraception (tablets) free from GPs, some hospitals (Accident or Emergency Department), sexual health services and some pharmacies. The pharmacies in Northamptonshire that offer free emergency contraception are listed in the FREE Emergency Contraception boxes below.
You can also buy emergency contraception from some pharmacies if you are older than 25.
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 as this informs where funding is allocated to pay for your NHS care).
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.
You can get FREE Emergency Contraception from one of the following pharmacies around our county.
You can also find emergency contraception near you using the NHS tool.
This is available for all age groups.
Spackman and McKenzie - Abbey House Pharmacy (Spackman) - Daventry
Abbey House Surgery, Golding Close, Daventry NN11 4FE
Phone: 01327 702617
Chemist Near Me
Far Cotton Recreational Centre, Towcester Road, Far Cotton, Northampton, NN4 8NG
Phone: 01604 874444
Parklands Pharmacy
1a Coppice Drive, Northampton, NN3 6ND
Phone: 01604 647113
Superdrug
9-11 Wood Street, Grosvenor Centre, Northampton, NN1 2ED
Phone: 01604 624817
Kingsthorpe Pharmacy
Eastern Avenue South, Kingsthorpe, Northampton, NN2 7JN
Phone: 01604 719651
Chlamydia has a high positivity rate amongst under 25 year olds. You can get chlamydia through:
It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby.
Therefore, Chlamydia is very easy to catch, but testing and treatment is easy.
Contraceptive pills do not prevent STIs.
Visit the NHS Chlamydia page for more information
The bacteria that causes gonorrhoea are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid.
Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through:
The bacteria can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the tube that passes urine out of the body (urethra), the rectum and, less commonly, the throat or eyes.
The infection can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. If you're pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, it's important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.
Testing and treatment is easy.
Visit the NHS Gonorrrhea page for more information
We are getting ready to deliver gonorrhoea vaccination in Northamptonshire to those who are eligible and hope to start in the autumn. Not everyone will be eligible or will benefit from it, so it will be offered according to government guidelines to those most at risk.
If you are interested in seeing if you are eligible, please contact the team.
The symptoms of syphilis are often mild and hard to notice. They tend to change over time and may come and go.
Symptoms of syphilis include:
It can take 3 weeks or more for the symptoms of syphilis to appear after you're infected.
Sometimes the symptoms can improve or go away completely, but if you have not been treated the infection is still in your body.
This means you can still pass it on and you're at risk of getting serious problems later on.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).
Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection.
But up to half of all people will not develop any symptoms (though they can still pass the infection on to others).
The symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to those of many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose.
Contraception is something that is used to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of types of contraception to choose from, some are like medicines and some are devices that are put inside the body.
When used properly, contraception should prevent pregnancy but condoms are the only form of contraception that also stop sexually transmitted infections. The different types of contraception mean there is a lot of choice, so you can find something that suits you at different times in your life.
It is important to think about what contraception you want to use. If you are thinking about having sex or are already having sex it is a good idea to use contraception, unless you are trying to get pregnant.
Our team can offer all contraceptive methods, however if you are 19 years of age or older and require pills, patches or a ring, this is provided by your GP.
To access and book for contraception, contact us here.
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.
Find out about different methods of contraception on the NHS website
Condoms are types of barrier methods of contraception. Berrier methods of contraception stop sperm from fertilising an egg by creating a physical barrier.
NHFT offer a free condom service for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24
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 CE/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:
Remember!
The pill is a method of short-acting reversible contraception (SARC). As it is reversible you can change your mind about using the pill at any time. There are two types of contraceptive pills, the combined pill and the mini pill. Both types require you to take a pill every day and they do not protect you against STIs.
Please see your GP for these medications.
The combined pill is a small pill that contains two hormones which we naturally have in our bodies called oestrogen and progestogen. Taken as the combined pill they stop a woman releasing an egg each month (ovulation). If taken correctly it is very effective. This is also available in patch and vaginal ring forms if you prefer not to take a pill.
They can reduce bleeding, and pre-menstrual tension (PMT) and often help with period pains BUT:
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:
The implant, the coil (IUD) and IUS are all methods of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). They last for several years, however as they are reversible you can change your mind about using them at any time. These methods do not protect you from STIs.
Your GP may offer these methods. Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV (NISHH) also offers these methods to all women needing contraception.
This is a small soft flexible cylinder (about the size of a matchstick) placed under the skin of the inner upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen into the bloodstrea,m 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:
This is a small plastic and copper device which is put into the womb. It stops sperm from meeting an egg and/or may stop an egg from settling in the womb. It lasts for 5 or 10 years. It can also be used as emergency contraception, BUT:
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 your womb and makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to settle in the womb and form a pregnancy.
Pros:
This is when a woman works out when the most fertile time in her monthly cycle is, 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.
When used correctly all the time, fertility awareness methods are between 91% and 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
If you do not follow the instructions exactly, it is only 76% effective, meaning 24 in 100 women will get pregnant when tracking their fertility for a year.
This is where the man or woman has surgery to prevent them from 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. Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health and HIV service does not offer sterilisation or referral for sterilisation. Sterilisation does not protect you from STIs.
Here are the facts: a woman can still get pregnant:
If you are pregnant and do not want to continue with the pregnancy, you can contact an abortion service directly:
BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) Abortion Clinic | BPAS Northampton | BPAS
HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the body's immune system lowering your ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen at the later stages of HIV. Anyone can catch HIV.
We offer a HIV Emergency testing and medication service up to 72 hours after exposure. If you are worried after condom less sex with someone, that they may have HIV, or you have received a needlestick injury or been the victim of a needle assault, we can provide post exposure medication known as PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). Please contact the service.
HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person. It can be passed on through/from:
HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat, urine or saliva or through any of the following methods:
Many people with HIV do not know they're infected. Commonly after acquiring the infection, an individual may have flu-like symptoms for 2-3 weeks, before feeling better. Over the longer term, the virus will replicate and kill immune cells leaving the body vulnerable to infection.
The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test. This involves testing a sample of your blood or saliva for signs of the infection. Modern HIV tests are very accurate. You can order a test online or visit one of our clinics.
For those most at risk of acquiring HIV, you are eligible to order a free online HIV test.
There is still no cure for HIV but there are very effective treatment options available for people The treatments allow most people with HIV to live a long life and prevent the onward spread of the virus.
If you are diagnosed with HIV you will be offered a combination of drugs that can reduce the amount of HIV to undetectable levels. This means it can stop onward HIV transmission to sexual partners. Antiretrovirals work by stopping the virus from replicating in the body, allowing the immune system to repair itself and preventing further damage. The goal of HIV treatment is to have an undetectable viral load. This means the level of HIV in your body is low enough to not be detected by a test.
There are also medications used to prevent HIV infection. These are PEP and PrEP.
An emergency HIV treatment can be taken up to 72hrs after exposure to someone suspected of having HIV. This is a month's course of ARVs that prevents HIV from taking hold. It is available in A&E departments, sexual health clinics and NHS workplaces for staff who may have had needlestick injuries.
We offer a HIV Emergency testing and medication service up to 72 hours after exposure. If you are worried after condom less sex with someone, that they may have HIV, or you have received a needlestick injury or been the victim of a needle assault, we can provide post exposure medication known as PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). Please contact the service.
An effective treatment which prevents HIV transmission. PrEP is aimed at people who are at higher risk of acquiring HIV.
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.
Northampton: 03000 270110
Northampton General Hospital, Billing Road, Entrance R
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Monday |
8:30 - 19:30 |
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Tuesday |
8:30 - 15:30 |
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Wednesday |
13:30 - 19:30 |
+ Under 19s Drop-in 16 :00-18: 30 |
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Thursday |
8:30 - 15:30 |
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Friday |
8:30 - 15:30 |
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Kettering: 03000 274100
Ashwood Centre, St. Mary's Hospital
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Monday |
8:30 - 17:00 |
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Tuesday |
8:30 - 19:30 |
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Wednesday |
8:30 - 12:00 |
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Thursday |
8:30 - 19:30 |
+ Under 19s Drop-in 15 :00-16: 30 |
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Friday |
8:30 - 12:30 |
The C-Card service offers free condoms, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea testing, as well as pregnancy tests, if you are under 25.
Many youth organisations, pharmacies and GP practices are part of the C-Card scheme. The C-Card can be used in person at any of these places, at an outreach team college drop-in event or with one of our provider sites such as the Lowdown.
| JB Cawdell Pharmacy | High Street, Thrapston | NN14 4JH | |
| Moulton Pharmacy | High Street, Moulton | NN3 7SR | |
| Odessey Pharmacy | 16 Lower Street, Kettering | NN16 8DH | |
| Thursfield & Co Ltd Corby | 63 Corporation Street, Corby | NN17 1NQ | |
| Far Cotton Pharmacy | Delapre Crescent Rd, Far Cotton | NN4 8LG | |
| Finedon Pharmacy | 95 Wellingborough Rd, Finedon | NN9 5LG | |
| West Chemist | 4 Kingsley Park Terrace, Northampton | NN2 7HG | |
| Jhoots Pharmacy Grange Park | Wilks Walk, Grange Park | NN4 5DW | |
| Jhoots Pharmacy Northampton | 42 Semilong Road, Northampton | NN2 6BU |
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.
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 about the app.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
Some people develop problems with drinking alcohol.
Signs that you may have some problems with drinking:
For more information visit:
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.
Are you aged 13- 24 years? Did you know you can speak to a member of the Sexual Health team by text to receive free advice and support?
Using Chat Health, you can text the service on 07312 263114 for a confidential chat about your sexual health.
ChatHealth is a secure NHS text messaging service used by school nurses, health visitors, mental health teams, and sexual health services across the country in NHFT.
The team can help with free testing, advice and contraception, to help you practice safer sex to protect yourself and others.
Confidentiality - We might inform someone if we were concerned about your safety but we would usually speak to you first. Your messages are stored and can be seen by other healthcare staff on the team who follow the same confidentiality rules.
Response - We aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate message back to confirm we have received your text. Text will only be seen between 9am and 5pm Monday-Thursday and 9am-2pm Friday (bank holidays are excluded). If you need help before you hear back from us contact your GP, nearest walk in centre or dial 111.
Messaging - Our text number does not receive voice calls or MMS picture messages. We support messaging from UK mobile numbers only (which does not include messages sent from landlines, international mobile numbers and some 'number masking' mobile apps). To prevent the health professional from sending messages to you, text STOP to our number. Messages are charged at your usual rates.
Support is available in the following situations:
If you need emergency healthcare support not listed or you are unsure, call 111 or in a life-threatening situation, call 999.
Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is a rare infection most commonly found in parts of central and east Africa. The risk of catching it in the UK is low for most people.
The MPOX vaccination programme is being rolled out across the country and we are preparing to deliver this in Northamptonshire and hope to start in the autumn. Not everyone is eligible or will benefit from this vaccine so we will be offering to those who are at the highest risk.
If you are interested in seeing if you are eligible, please contact our team.
There are two specific types (Clades) of Mpox that are currently of concern. Last year, the Clade that was in the UK was Clade 2. This was most commonly seen in men who have sex with men. The new Clade that might cause a problem in the UK is Clade 1. It is associated with exposure specifically in particular areas of Africa so it can affect anyone who has travelled or been in contact with someone from those areas.
If you have had a fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms with a rash AND either of the two bullet points below apply to you, please do NOT book through our online forms or attend the sexual health clinic. Call NHS 111 for advice. You will be advised, tested and managed according to the history you give to NHS 111. Sexual Health is not your first point of contact if you suspect you have Mpox. Mpox is an infection that can be spread in a number of ways, including through sexual contact. Find out more about Mpox on the NHS website.
Have you visited any of these countries in the 3 weeks before your symptoms started?
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, South Sudan, Tanzania or Zambia.
Have you been in contact with someone known to have or suspected to have Mpox in the last 3 weeks?
NHS 111 will take a history from you and either direct you to isolate at home and advise you on how you will be tested, or if you are unwell they will direct you to an isolation unit within the NHS. Please DO NOT come to the Sexual Health department. If NHS 111 advises you to call sexual health, please do so. Do not use the online booking system or arrive at the reception if you suspect you might have Mpox. You need to be seen in an isolation area.
We work closely with West Northamptonshire Council who fund our sexual health services in West Northamptonshire. West Northamptonshire Council are developing family hubs, a great resource to find support and resources for children, young people and their families.
