Sexual Health and Contraception
Lots of info to make sure you don't get an infection or get pregnant by mistake.
Should I have sex?
Link to our section on Personal Relationships for help with thinking about this important decision
Safer Sex
Safer sex means sex with a lower risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV, or getting pregnant by mistake.
It’s very important, for you and your partner's health, to practice safer sex by using a condom.
You can get free condoms and other contraception from young people’s clinics around Leicester and Leicestershire and from Connexions Centres. Staff can answer your questions about sex, contraception, pregnancy and infection.
It is best to go to the clinic before you start having sex so you are fully protected.
Chlamydia Screening
One in ten people under the age of 25 will have Chlamydia. Most people do not know they have it because it usually doesn't show any symptoms. There is a simple test you can do yourself to see if you have Chlamydia. You can pick up a free test in a plain white bag from Leicester Connexions centre, Hinckely Connexions centre or at one of the many screening sites near you.
The kits including full instructions and all results will be kept confidential. If you test positive the treatment is simple, usually a course of antibiotics. You can choose where you go to be treated, there are treatment sites all over the City and County.
Click here to find out more about the Chlamydia screening programme.
New HPV vaccine
In September 2008 12 and 13 year old girls will be offered a new vaccination that can help protect you against the commonest causes of cervical cancer.
You can download more info on the new vacination here.
Read me guide- Leicester
This guide to sexual health, contraception and relationships has been designed by young people. It includes lots of local information on where you can get:
It also gives you the facts about sex and law, your rights, and where you can go to talk about relationships and sexual health matters.
Download the Read me guide (pdf format)
The Blast directory- Leicestershire
Directory of sexual health services in Leicestershire providing advice and information on important issues like relationships, contraception and pregnancy. You will also find details of other support services e.g. emotional support, bereavement, and drugs/alcohol.
Download The Blast Directory (pdf format opens in new window)
Real Life Stories
Watch
videos of teenagers talking about their experiences of sexual
health.
From: www.youthhealthtalk.org based on research carried out at the University of Oxford.
Contraception
Here’s a rundown on the main types of contraception – follow our Top Links or ask your doctor or young people’s health centre for more information about any of them.
| Condoms - male and female Cap, Diaphragm - female |
Condoms prevent unintended pregnancy by physically preventing
sperm entering the uterus (womb) Condoms also prevent infection. Cap and diaphragm do not protect against infection but may prevent spreading in to the womb. |
| Oral contraceptives The Pill , either combined pill or 'mini pill' |
The combined pill stops the woman releasing an egg each month (ovulation). The mini pill works in a different way, but may also prevent ovulation. |
| Other hormone methods Injection Implant |
Hormones which stop eggs being produced are given via an injection, an implant under the skin or Evra skin patch that is worn weekly for 3 weeks with a break for a week. |
| Intrauterine methods IUD IUS |
Tiny devices inserted into the womb through the vagina and cervix. They stop sperm meeting an egg, or may stop a fertilised egg from settling in the womb. |
| Natural family planning | The woman uses natural indicators, such as changes in her body temperature, to tell her which days she is fertile each month. |
| Sterilisation Vasectomy Female sterilisation |
A permanent method of preventing pregnancy for men or women who have decided they don't want any more kids. It is unlikely that a UK surgeon would agree to sterilise a young person who hasn't had any children. |
Emergency Contraception
If you have had sex without using contraception, or think your condom or other contraception may have failed, emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy.
There are 2 types of emergency contraception:
- Emergency pill form, which must be taken within 72 hours of having sex
- Emergency IUD, which can be fitted up to 5 days after having sex
It is important to act quickly. You can go to your nearest sexual health centre or go to a pharmacy for the emergency contraception pill.
Sexual Health Telephone Helplines
Choices Sexual Health Helpline
A local helpline for young people
0116
289 8969
Sexwise helpline For
under 19s only
Open 7am to midnight every day
0800 28 29 30
Leicestershire AIDS Support Service (LASS)
HIV tests, advice & support
for all people affected by HIV/AIDS
0116 255 9995
Sexual Health Centres
For information/advice on contraception, pregnancy, abortion, sexual health, safer sex, sexuality and relationships and free pregnancy testing and condoms
Choices clinics
Sexual health clinics for under 25's at Connexions Leicester, East Leicester medical practice, Street vibe youth bus, Braunstone Grove, Tudor centre,
Groby Road medical centre, De Montfort University, Merridale medical centre. Go to the Choices website for clinic times and locations or call: 0116 2898969.
St. Peter's Health
Centre
Sparkenhoe Street Leicester
0116 295 1212
Beaumont Leys Health Centre
1
Littlewood Close
0116 295 8700
Hinckley Health
Centre Hill Street
01455 441800
Loughborough Health Centre
Pinfold Gate
01509 611 600
Teen Health Stop
Ashby
Hospital and King Edward VII Community College Campus, Coalville
01530 566 900
Turning Point Women's Centre
27 Cantrell Road, Braunstone
0116 282 6918
Hitslink Advice Agency
39 Abingdon Road, Leicester
0116 255 5737
Open Door - a counselling centre where you can get help with sexual
health.
81 Great Central Street, Leicester
0116 253 7999
GUM clinics (Genito Urinary Medicine)
Leicester
Royal Infirmary - 0116 258 5208
Loughborough
General Hospital - 01509 568888
Last Updated: 17-Jul-2008