NHS Sexual Health Services

NHS sexual health services are free and available to everyone. Unless you are seeing your GP, you don't have to give your real name or tell staff who your GP is if you don't want to. You can visit any sexual health clinic, it doesn't have to be local. 

Support provided by NHS sexual health services includes:

• Contraception clinics
• Sexual assault referral centres
• Sexually transmitted infection testing clinics 
• Sexual health (GUM) clinics
• Young people's services 

How they can help

NHS sexual health services can provide help and support on a number of different issues. In particular, you can use these services to check for and treat sexually transmitted infections, to learn about safe sex, and to receive sexual assault help and medical care. 

If you have been sexually assaulted, it is likely that a specialist service will be provided. If you wish to report the assault to the police, they can help you through the process. However, you do not need to involve the police if you do not want to.

Good to know

All NHS Sexual Health services are free of charge. 

Check with your clinic to see if you need to book an appointment. Appointments are often required, although some clinics offer a drop-in service. 

All information regarding face-to-face visits will be treated confidentially. Treatments and test results will not be shared with anyone outside of the sexual health service, including your GP or parents, without your permission. However, other services may need to be contacted if a healthcare professional believes that you are at risk of harm. 

How to access

To find a specific NHS sexual health service, please visit the NHS website. You can also use the website to find services local to you.  

If you are not sure which service is right for you, please call the NHS 111 helpline, and someone will be able to advise you. 

Visit NHS Sexual Health Services Website