Sexual Health and Contraception

Find out more about STIs, symptoms and how to protect yourself on the NHS website. The NHS also provides an overview of HIV and AIDS.

Where to test?

Visit the Suffolk Sexual Health Service website for a full list of clinics across Suffolk. All clinics offer free and confidential (private) contraception and STI testing, treatment and advice, please check the website for opening times.

Some GPs and pharmacies offer STI testing and treatment and some forms of contraception. To find out more, visit the NHS Choices website or contact your local GP/ pharmacy.

STI testing at home

You can order a free home test for most common STIs using Suffolk Sexual Health Service – STI Self Test Kits. Your kit will arrive in discreet (plain) packaging to your chosen address. More details can be found on the Suffolk Sexual Health Service website.

Freetesting is the national HIV testing service providing free online HIV tests for sexually active people. You can choose for the kit to be delivered in discreet (plain) packaging to any address, there is also an option to test for syphilis.

Find out more about the types of contraception, including how well they work at preventing pregnancy and preventing STIs by visiting the NHS website.

Where to get contraception

You can get most forms of contraception, such as the pill, coil, implant and condoms, from Suffolk Sexual Health Service for free. To find out more and for information on how to book an appointment, visit the Suffolk Sexual Health website or call 0300 303 9982.

All GP Practices will offer oral and injectable contraceptive services. Many GP Practices will offer implants and coils.

Many pharmacies offer free Emergency Hormone Contraception (see below) and Oral Contraception. However, if your pharmacy does not offer free Emergency Hormone Contraception, they may offer the option of buying over the counter Emergency Hormone Contraception.

To find out more, please visit the NHS Choices website or contact your local GP Practice / pharmacy.

Emergency contraception 

Emergency contraception (e.g. ‘the morning after pill’) can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if the contraception you have used has failed (e.g. a missed pill or a split condom). Emergency contraception must be used within 3 to 5 days for it to be effective. To find out more about the different types of emergency contraception, visit the NHS website.

Emergency contraception is available in many pharmacies and GP Practices across Suffolk as well as through your local Suffolk Sexual Health Service.

Suffolk young people can access all the services listed above but there is also additional support and services for young people’s sexual health and contraception needs. Please see further information below.

How to access sexual health services

1. Call Suffolk Sexual Health Service on 0300 303 9982
2. Contact your local GP or pharmacy - visit the NHS choices website to find your nearest GP/pharmacy

What should you expect? We know that it can feel embarrassing, or you may not want other people to know that you are accessing sexual health services, that’s why all services are confidential (private) and staff will be there to help you in a supportive, non-judgemental way, no matter what you may need.

You can follow Suffolk Sexual Health Services on social media to stay up to date with the latest sexual health information and news.

16-24 Know More

You can find out more about sexual health topics, such as contraception, STIs and wellbeing by visiting the dedicated ’16 to 24 Know More’ section on the Suffolk Sexual Health Service website.

eC-Card 

If you are aged between 16-24 you can access free condoms and lube via the eC-Card App. More information about the eC-Card App and service can be found on the Suffolk Sexual Health Service website.

If you are aged under 16, please call Suffolk Sexual Health Service on 0300 303 9982 for free confidential (private) advice and support.

Is this OK

‘Is This Ok?’ is a safe, anonymous and confidential chat support service for young people in Suffolk. You do not have to provide any personal details about yourself. This service allows young people to find advice about topics affecting them, like sex, relationships, gangs, or running away. It offers a 24/7 Chatbot or you can speak to their specialist advisers who are available everyday between 4pm - 11pm to get specialist, non-judgemental support. Find out more at: www.isthisok.org.uk

If you have experienced sexual violence, abuse or assault whether recently or in the past, there are a range of services in Suffolk that can provide free and confidential help and support.

Where to get support?

• If you are in danger or need immediate medical attention, please call 999. You can also call 999 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and it is an emergency
• For urgent medical or mental health advice, please call 111
• Iris is an NHS run Community Sexual Assault Service provided by Suffolk GP Federation for people in Suffolk who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives. The service provides individuals with holistic support and the resources needed to make a positive recovery following sexual assault. You can contact Iris by calling 01473 344937 or emailing sgpfed.suffolkiris@nhs.net
• The Ferns – Sexual Assault Referral Centre offer free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support in Suffolk, to people of all ages, who have experienced sexual assault, including rape. You can call The Ferns on 0330 223 0099 Monday to Sunday (9AM to 9PM)
• Survivors in Transition provides a range of support for anyone in Suffolk who has experienced sexual abuse in childhood. You can call Survivors in Transition on 01473 232499 or email them on support@survivorsintransition.co.uk
• Brave Futures is a specialist support service operating in Suffolk and Norfolk for children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have experienced sexual abuse. You can contact Brave Futures by calling 01473 353355 or submitting an online form via their website.