Sexual Health and Contraception

You may be single, seeing someone, or in a long-term relationship - whatever your situation, sexual health will form an important part of your life.  

Sexual Health

It is important you share the responsibility that comes with sexual activity and that you treat yourself and your partner with respect.

In Liverpool, there are many services available to help and you can find out more from NHS Direct, NHS Choices or your GP. Alternatively contact one of the following:

Sexual Health Helpline 0800 567 123 - free, confidential advice and information.

www.sexualhealthliverpool.co.uk

RU Thinking is a free and confidential helpline for under 18's

0800 28 29 30

www.ruthinking.co.uk

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexual health is a mutual responsibility between you and your partner.  A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection passed from one person to another through intimate sexual contact.  The only way you can be sure you have an STI is to get tested as some STIs have no symptoms.  Prevention is better than cure and you should always use a condom.

Find out about testing at www.eesypeesytesting.nhs.uk

Get tested and treated for Chlamydia
 

Chlamydia Screening    0151 227 1471

The GUM Clinic (Genito-Urinary Medicine) is the best place to go to if you do have symptoms and think you have an STI. They offer testing and treatment for all STIs including HIV.  The service is free, confidential and open for walk in.

0151 706 2620  1st Floor, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Prescot Street L7 8XP

Contraception

Contraception is used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. (The only type of contraception that prevents STIs as well as pregnancies is a condom).

There are many types of contraception available - from pills to injections. Different types suit different people and lifestyles. This is because they each have different advantages and disadvantages.

Unwanted Pregnancy

If you haven’t used any protection, the condom burst or you forgot to take your pill, emergency contraception can prevent an unplanned pregnancy if you act fast.  The Emergency contraception pill can be taken up to 72 hours (three days) after unprotected sex but the earlier it’s taken the better and can be obtained free from the organisations named in this guide or by payment through a pharmacy.  Alternatively, you could choose to have an IUD (coil) fitted up to five days after unprotected sex. This is a small device inserted into the womb through the vagina. This is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy.

In Liverpool – you can find out more and get contraception from the following free confidential services:

Abacus  0151 284 2500

Citrus House, 40–46 Dale Street, Liverpool City Centre - other  Abacus clinics are based round the city (call NHS Direct see page 64 for details) offers a free, confidential drop-in service for men and women of all ages offering: advice, counselling and information, contraception (including pills, IUD/ coil, injection, implant), free condoms, emergency contraception, chlamydia testing etc.

Offers free, confidential sexual health and contraception service for under-25s.  Advice, information, contraception, condoms, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, counselling, referral for abortion, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

www.brook.org.uk

Great Charlotte Sreet Sexual Health Service

Opens daily from 12.00, offers a free confidential drop-in for men and women of all ages. Offering: contraception, free condoms and STI testing for people who do not have symptoms but want to get checked out, Emergency contraception, referral for abortion.

City Centre Walk In Centre   
Unit 4 Charlotte Row
52 Great Charlotte Row
Liverpool L1 1HU

For more information and advice on sexual health and contraception contact the fpa

0845 122 8690

HIV infection and AIDS

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a virus that destroys the body's ability to fight off infection.  People who have AIDS are very susceptible to many life-threatening diseases.  Transmission of the virus primarily occurs during sexual activity and by sharing needles used to inject intravenous drugs.

For information, support and advice relating AIDS, HIV and sexual health contact:

The Terrence Higgins Trust

0845 1221 200

Sahir House is a Multicultural Support and Information centre offering a wide range of services to individuals and families living with or affected by HIV on Merseyside.

Sahir House, PO Box 11, Liverpool, L69 1SN

0151 708 9080  www.sahir.uk.com