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 (STI). Anyone who has sex can catch an 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 the borough's sexual health clinics. Visit NHS Richmond for a list of clinics and details.
Support for people with HIV and AIDS
Contraception
There are many types of contraception. Speak to your GP or local family planning clinic to see which suits you best. Visit NHS Richmond for a list of clinics and details. The Family Planning Association (FPA) is the UK's leading sexual health charity and works to enable people to make informed choices about sex and to enjoy sexual health and aims to provide high quality information and services. Visit their website for a number of factsheets that outline different methods of contraception.
Abortion
If you think you may be pregnant and you want to talk to someone about the options available to you, there are specialist services available to help you. Visit NHS Richmond to find out about sexual health clinics and abortion services available in the area.
NHS Richmond
NHS Richmond provides more information on sexual health, including a list of local sexual health clinics for any age and those catering for young people, with opening times and contact details. They also provide details of family planning clinics and information on how to access emergency contraception.
For more information and online advice go to the South West London Information on Sexual Health (SWISH) website.
Useful contacts
Sexual Health Line (NHS)
Phone: 0800 567 123
Web: www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
FPA (Family Planning Association)
Phone: 0845 122 8690
Web: www.fpa.org.uk
British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy
Phone: 020 8543 2707
Email: info@basrt.org.uk
Web: www.basrt.org.uk
Health Protection Agency
Web: www.hpa.org.uk
Brook
Confidential advice for under 25s.
Helpline: 0808 802 1234
Web: www.brook.org.uk
Terrence Higgins Trust
Information, support and advice on HIV and sexual health.
Helpline: 0845 122 1200
Web: www.tht.org.uk
Sexwise
This is a free confidential advice line on sex, relationships and contraception for young people aged 18 or under
Tel: 0800 28 29 30
Chlamydia Testing
To request a free testing kit for anyone aged 16-24 years of age, visit:
Young People’s Sexual Health Services
It's important to pay attention to your sexual health, whatever your age.