Sexual Health Services
There is much more to sexual health than Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Find out how to self refer yourself on the NHS. Visit North Lincolnshire's sexual health services website, HERE
What are sexual health services?
When you think about sexual health, your first thought might be protecting yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We hear a lot about chlamydia and HIV infection, but do you need to worry about genital herpes, genital warts or gonorrhoea? Do you need to get tested after a recent encounter?
Or maybe you want to know how to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. What methods of contraception are there, and how can you access them? How do you access emergency contraception if you've had unprotected sex? What do you do if you discover you are pregnant and you didn't plan it?
But there's even more to sexual health than this. Sex isn't always part of a loving relationship - you may have been sexually assaulted or raped. Even here, there's sometimes confusion: What does consenting to sex mean? What do you do if you've been sexually assaulted? Can you get counselling?
Maybe you think you might have been exposed to HIV. Can you get tested confidentially? Can you access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce your risk of HIV? How effective is it?
Are sexual health services confidential?
Absolutely. You can visit your GP for some sexual health services and they will keep your details completely confidential. However, if you do not want even your GP to be informed, you can visit a sexual health service in confidence.
Are sexual health services free?
Sexual health services, treatment for HIV and contraception are always free - there is no prescription charge, even if you usually pay for your prescriptions.
Services available at clinics in Barton, Brigg, and Scunthorpe
Confidential sexual health services are available across North and North East Lincolnshire, with clinics in Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Barton and Brigg. This includes information and advice on all types of contraception and STI testing and treatment. The service is confidential, non-judgmental and for people of all ages, genders and orientations.
Everyone is welcome and you don’t need to see your GP first. You can book an appointment online 24/7 or speak to the team on 0300 330 1122. Their phone line is available Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. For further details visit their website, HERE.