Sexual health

Information if you have sexual health concerns.

Anyone who has sex can catch a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if the correct precautions are not taken. Young people are a particular concern. Alarmingly, STIs within the East Midlands, such as Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Herpes are increasing at a rate higher than the UK average.

Thirteen per cent of men aged 20 to 24 are infected with Chlamydia.

12% of young women aged 16 to 19 are infected with Chlamydia, which can damage fertility

Source: Health Protection Agency & Office for National Statistics

Making the right decision – young people and sexual health

Sex is often a difficult subject to talk about seriously and most young people have many questions and concerns. There are a large number of web sites and help lines with useful information about sex and relationships. Choose the one that suits you from the useful links section.

Helplines:

Sexwise (0800 28 29 30) is a free confidential advice line on sex, relationships and contraception for young people aged 18 or under. It's open from 7.00am to midnight every day. The phones are answered by professional advisers who are experienced in working with young people - they are friendly and helpful and won't ask who you are - you don't have to give your name and address.

If you're worried you have an STI, you can find a clinic by calling NHS directon 0845 46 47 48, the Department of Health on 0800 567 123, the Family Planning Association on 0845 310 1334, or look in the phone book under genitourinary medicine, venereal or sexually transmitted disease.

Grantham College health drop-in

SKDC and Grantham College would like to announce the launch of a new student health drop-in service, funded initially through the Healthy Living group of the Local Strategic Partnership and for the benefit of the local community.

Although sited at Grantham College, this completely free service is available to all local students in the Grantham area regardless of which school or college they attend. It is run by an NHS prescribing nurse, Wendy Statham, and offers confidential advice and treatment on a range of issues including sexual health, (covering contraception, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases), weight gain and loss and smoking cessation. She will offer advice on any problem and make referrals to other professionals when needed. For the location and opening times see the poster attached. No appointment required, just turn up!