A sexual health clinic should be able to give you advice about both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. They are sometimes called family planning, GUM, or sexual and reproductive health clinics.
Their services are completely confidential. You should be able to get:
- Advice on STIs and how to protect yourself.
- Tests for STIs.
- Information on different types of contraception
- Any type of contraception, including emergency contraception
For some kinds of contraception, such as an implant or intrauterine device (IUD), you may need to come back for a second appointment.
Some, but not all, sexual health clinics may provide additional services, such as:
- Special services for people who have been sexually assaulted (in the UK)
- Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination (Gib and in UK)
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a short course of anti-HIV drugs for people who may have recently come into contact with HIV (Gib and in UK)
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications for HIV – a longer course or event based course of anti-HIV drugs for people who would be higher risk to coming into contact with HIV (Gib and in UK)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations for men who have sex with men (MSM), up to and including 45 years of age (Gib and in UK)
As part of your consultation, you may be asked some personal questions, such as your medical and sexual history, what methods of contraception you use, and other questions about your sex life and sexual partners. If you need to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you may need to provide a blood or urine sample or do a self-swab.
All information regarding your visit will be treated confidentially. This means that your personal details and any information about the tests or treatments you have received will not be shared with anyone outside the sexual health service without your permission. This includes your GP and this remains the same for the UK and Gibraltar.
Find a clinic in the UK:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-sexual-health-clinic – enter your Postcode and find the nearest sexual health clinic to you.
All sexual health services in the UK are Free of charge and you do not need to be registered with GP in the UK to attend a service. You will be provided with Free Testing, treatment and all contraception.
Your local pharmacy may offer emergency contraception and sometimes can test for STIs such as chlamydia. However, this service will not necessarily be free of charge.
In some places, people over 25 can also order free STI self-testing kits online, but this may not be available in your area.
Sexual health in Gibraltar:
2nd Floor Primary Care Centre
Tel: 200 07842
Mon-Fri 8am-2pm
18 and under slots available at 15.45 hrs. – after school.
Contraception Provided:
Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted, you may be offered support from a specialist service. They can also help you report the assault to the police if you choose to.
Who offers sexual health services and advice?
Depending on where you live, services and advice may be available from:
- Sexual health clinics (which can also be called family planning, genitourinary medicine (GUM), or sexual and reproductive health clinics)
- GPs
- Some pharmacies a hospital A&E department
- The police
- Young people’s services
If you are not sure which service is right for you, contact NHS 111 , and they will advise you.
Not all service providers offer the full range of sexual health services, and it’s always best to check what’s on offer in advance.
If you’ve been sexually assaulted it’s important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don’t be afraid to get help.
There are services that can help if you’ve been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. You don’t have to report the assault to the police if you don’t want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.
However, consider getting medical help as soon as possible for any injuries and because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want the crime to be investigated, the sooner a forensic medical examination takes place, the better.
Try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault. This may destroy forensic evidence that could be important if you decide to report the assault to the police.
Where to get help:
Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped sexually assaulted or abused. They have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you. Help is available 24 hours a day.
Find your nearest Sexual assault referral centre:
You can also call the Rape Crisis free helpline on 0808 802 9999. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, providing support for female and male victims, partners, family and friends.
Abortion services
If you are pregnant but for any reason feel you cannot continue with the pregnancy, then there are places you can seek advice, such as your GP or sexual health clinic who will refer you to an abortion service. In some areas you can ring the abortion service directly and book your appointment.
In Gibraltar:
Confidential dedicated direct Line Tel: 200 76333
During working hours 08:00 – 16:00
During busy workdays or out of hours (24/7) you will be able to leave a voicemail message, where you can leave your number and request a call back.
In Gibraltar, the law allows women to obtain an abortion at up to 12+0 weeks of pregnancy if 2 doctors agree that it would cause less damage to her physical or mental health than continuing the Pregnancy.