Your sexual health | You're Welcome!

Looking after your sexual health

Remember you don't actually have to be having sex to ask for advice - and everything is kept confidential.

The legal age to consent to have sex is 16 whether you identify as straight, gay or bisexual. The aim of the law is to protect you from abuse and exploitation, and keep you safe. Remember, whatever your age, you shouldn't have sex until you feel ready.
You still have the right to confidential advice on sexual health even if you are under 16.

Remember contraception is free! Find out about your options - it's important to get the right kind of contraception for you.
Hormonal contraception (e.g. pill, injection, implant) can protect you from unwanted pregnancies but you need to use condoms too if you want to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. You can get free condoms by getting yourself a C-card from somewhere like Streetwise.

Emergency contraception ("the morning after pill") can be taken up to 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.
You can get it for free from your practice or any pharmacy in the "Plan B scheme". If you can't make it to your practice you can phone the receptionists and they will tell you where else you can go.

Sexually transmitted infections are passed on through any kind of unprotected sexual activity.
There are lots of different types of STI. Symptoms can include itching, burning when you pee, bleeding between periods, discharge, rashes etc. Know your own bits and know what's normal for you. If you notice any changes get checked out.
Some STIs don't always have symptoms (e.g. Chlamydia) so it's worth getting checked out if you're having sex just to be on the safe side. You can see a doctor at your practice for a chlamydia test or if you're under 25 you can get a postal kit sent out to you.
If you want a full STI screening you can go to the New Croft Centre in Newcastle City Centre. This is also a free and confidential service. For more information visit the New Croft Centre website

If you think you are too late for emergency contraception and your period is a week late then it's important to have a pregnancy test. If you are pregnant we can talk to you about your options and help you to make the right decision for you. You will not be judged. We are here to listen to you and support you.
We will ensure you are seen by a doctor or nurse without any ethical objections to abortion. This means you will be seen by a doctor or nurse who can give you balanced information and who can support you in making the right decision for you.
If you decide to have an abortion we can make a referral for you and talk you through what will happen.
Further information is contained in our termination of pregnancy policy