Sexual health
It's important to pay attention to your sexual health, whether you are in a long term relationship or not.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
If you're sexually active, you're at risk of catching a sexually
transmitted infection. Anyone who has sex can catch a Sexually
Transmitted Infection (STI) so you need to find out how to avoid
infection, how to get tested or treated and how to protect
your sexual health. This can prevent health complications
for you and your sexual partners. Remember, practising safe sex and
always using a condom can reduce the risk of infection.
If you think you may have an STI then you could make an
appointment to see your GP or visit one of NHS
Stockport's Contraception and Sexual
Health (CASH) clinics. There are a number of clinics in the
area and all provide emergency contraception, condoms,
contraceptive pills and injections, diaphragms, smear tests,
pregnancy tests, sexual health advice and testing and treatment for
some sexually transmitted infections. Phone 0161 426 5599 for
details of your local clinic or to make an appointment.
Or you could contact Stepping Hill
Hospital's Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic for testing and
treatment on 0161 419 5377/8. All these services are
confidential.
Support for people with HIV and AIDS
Contraception
In addition to the contraceptive advice available at your GP or
local CASH clinic, the FPA (Family Planning Association) is the
UK's leading sexual health charity. They work to enable
people to make informed choices about sex and to enjoy sexual
health and aim to provide high quality information and
services. Visit their website for a number
of factsheets that outline different methods of
contraception. For more detailed guidance visit your GP or family
planning clinic.
Useful contacts
Please note that links to websites will open in a new
window.
Sexual Health Line (NHS)
Phone: 0800 567 123
Web: www.condomessentialwear.co.uk
FPA (Family Planning Association)
Phone: 0845 122 8690
Web: www.fpa.org.uk
British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy
Phone: 020 8543 2707
Web: www.basrt.org.uk
Email: info@basrt.org.uk
It's important to pay attention to your sexual health, whatever your age.