Places to go
Most STIs’ can be easily diagnosed and treated at Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics. If you think you may have an STI you can refer yourself to any GUM clinic for advice and treatment.
Please click the link below for details of our local Sexual Health GUM clinics
Sexual Health Services
You can also see your family doctor for advice or contact one of our local Family planning Clinics. The family planning helpline gives you details of the clinics available locally is Tel: 01206 868686.
Chlamydia screening kits are available free from all of our clinics.
Did you know that there is also a wide range of sexual health and contraceptive services available from most of our local pharmacies?
• Chlamydia testing kits for 15-24 year olds free of charge.
• Chlamydia treatment for 15-24 year olds free of charge.
• Emergency hormonal contraception free of charge if under 18.
• Condoms under the C-Card scheme free of charge if you have a C-card.
If you are sexually active and under 20 you can get a C-card through the C-Card scheme. It is a small card that can fit in your pocket, purse or wallet. Having a card means that you can get free condoms at places that have a poster or window sticker which shows they are part of the scheme.
Have a look on/www.essexc-card.co.uk for more information.
There is lots of advice and information available on the internet and in local pharmacies and clinics about relationships and contraception and how to get a sexual health check up. But remember the people around you such as your family and friends that can also give you alot of support and advice. Do what is right for you and try not to feel pressurised into doing something that you are not comfortable with. Sexual health issues can be embarrassing but it is so important that if you have any worries you must try and talk to someone. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference for being happy and healthy.
Here are some websites that you may find helpful:
• www.ruthinking.co.uk
• www.condomessentialwear.co.uk
• www.playingsafely.co.uk
• www.action4men.org
• www.crcl.org.uk
• helpline@nspcc.org.uk
Young people can get free confidential advice about contraception and STIs, whatever their age. All young people have a right to confidentiality.
Occasionally a doctor or nurse may decide to break their confidence in order to protect someone from harm but he or she must always tell the young person that they need to pass information on for their safety.
A doctor or nurse can help a young person to talk to their parents or carers, if they would like them to.
