Sexual health

Looking after your sexual health is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.  In the UK, we are continuing to see yearly increases in most sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS) and termination of pregnancies which have physical and emotional consequences for many people.

This section of our web site provides information on safer sex, STIs, contraception, abortion, advice on accessing sexual health services in Leeds, and contact details for organisations that offer further information and support.

How is Leeds tackling this issue?
What do sexual health services do?
How do I access sexual health services?
What is safer sex?
How will I know if I have an STI?
How can I get tested and treated for STIs?
Where can I get contraception?
Where can I get emergency contraception (the morning-after pill)?
How can I get an abortion?
If I have any other problems, where can I go?
Useful links

How is Leeds tackling this issue?  Back to top

The Government recognises the importance of reducing rates of HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies and has outlined a commitment to sexual health in producing the National Strategy for HIV and Sexual Health (2001). Also this year there has been Choosing Health money for sexual health work to enable better access to sexual health services and support

In Leeds we are increasing people's access to testing for HIV and STIs, raising awareness of services, support and symptoms of STIs as well as continuing with prevention work to help people understand how they can protect themselves from poorer sexual health.

What do sexual health services do?  Back to top

Many people need to access sexual health services, and need support from them, at different times during their lives. Common reasons people need support are:

• Contraception
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) testing and treatment
• HIV testing and treatment
• Termination of pregnancy (abortion)
• Reproductive health
• Sexual dysfunction (e.g. problems getting an erection)

How do I access sexual health services?  Back to top

For information about your local NHS sexual health clinics and services, you can contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

The main providers of sexual health services in Leeds are:

Provider	Services offered and further details
Your GP	contraception service emergency contraception information on terminations and pregnancy some STI testing referrals to other sexual health services
Your Pharmacist	information on local sexual health services emergency contraception pregnancy test condoms May also offer: free Chlamydia testing for young people free pregnancy testing for young peopl free condoms for young people
Contraception and Sexual Health Clinics (formerly known as family planning clinics)	free contraception free condoms emergency contraception support around terminations cervical smear tests Call 0113 305 7884 for further details and locations
The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health (also known as the GUM clinic), Leeds General Infirmary	HIV and STI testing and treatments cervical smear tests contraception advice Call 0113 392 6724 / 6725 for an appointment. All information is kept at the clinic. No information is sent to your GP to be recorded on your medical records.
City-wise (drop-in clinic for under 25 year olds), 1st floor, 1 Eastgate, Leeds city centre	contraception emergency contraception pregnancy testing Chlamydia screening counselling and support from youth workers Call 0113 295 4820 for further details

What is safer sex?   Back to top

Safer sex means reducing your chances of getting an infection.

Condoms are the most effective way of stopping the transmission of HIV (the virus that leads to AIDS) and most other STIs during sex.

When you change sexual partners, you may both want to go for tests to rule out having an STI.

How will I know if I have an STI?   Back to top

STIs are common. Around one in 10 sexually active people will have an STI at some point in their lives.

There are lots of different STIs. The most commonly diagnosed ones in Leeds are Chlamydia, Genital Warts, Genital Herpes, and Gonorrhoea. All these infections can be transmitted to and passed on by both men and women. However, you will not always know if you have an infection as some do not show signs and symptoms.

Some common symptoms include:

• Sores or blisters around the genital area
• An unusual discharge
• Pain when urinating or during sex
• Bleeding between periods

How can I get tested and treated for STIs?   Back to top

If you have any of the symptoms above, or want to be screened for STIs, you can book an appointment at the Leeds Centre for Sexual Health (see How do I access sexual health services?, above).

Tests for STIs are painless, and treatments for STIs or their symptoms are available.

HIV testing is also available. There are treatments to support people who are diagnosed HIV positive to live healthy longer lives.

Where can I get contraception?  Back to top

Contraception is available free from your GP or from Contraception and Sexual Health Clinics (see How do I access sexual health services?, above).

There are a variety of different contraceptives available, and some recent advances in long-acting contraceptives. These include injections which protect against pregnancy for up to three months, and implants which protect against pregnancy for up to three years.

Remember that condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against STIs as well as pregnancy.

Where can I get emergency contraception (the morning-after pill)?  Back to top

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (the "morning-after pill") is available to help prevent pregnancy if your usual method of contraception has failed. It does not protect against STIs.

Emergency contraception can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it can be in preventing pregnancy.

You can get emergency contraception by a prescription from your GP, from your local Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic (see How do I access sexual health services?, above), or over the counter in most pharmacies. Some pharmacies are on a scheme which offers emergency contraception for free.

Ask your pharmacist for more information about emergency contraception.

How can I get an abortion?  Back to top

Termination of pregnancy (also known as abortion) is available to women who are less than 24 weeks pregnant. The earlier in pregnancy the procedure is performed, the safer it is.

If you need to talk about the options available to you, visit your GP or any Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic (see How do I access sexual health services?, above).

If I have any other problems, where can I go?  Back to top

For any problems with reproductive health or sexual dysfunction, your GP is the first person to contact. He or she will be able to offer information and support.

Useful links  Back to top

fpa (formerly the Family Planning Association)

RU Thinking? (Sexwise)

Brook

Terrence Higgins Trust

Centre for Sexual Health (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)