Let’s Talk About Sex
Your GP practice is there to provide honest advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs, pleasure, and advise on how to manage problems. You can expect safe friendly, non-judgemental help and services at our practices, whatever your gender, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your GP or practice nurse if you’re worrying about anything – from how to have pleasurable sex to how to avoid unwanted pregnancy! They are highly trained to help. You can look at www.nhs.uk for lots more information about how to avoid unwanted pregnancy, have safer sex, and prevent or manage sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Reproductive Health Self Referral
Find out about different types of contraception, including where to get them and how well they work at preventing pregnancy on the NHS website. Contraception is also available online through Sexual Health London, which is a discreet online sexual health service for Londoners.
If you are registered with a GP in City and Hackney, you can get your coil or implant fitted or removed at a GP surgery near you. Ask your GP practice first (rather than going to a sexual health clinic such as the Clifden Centre or the Ivy Centre) for LARC options available at the practice.
If your GP practice doesn’t do coil or implant fittings or removals, they may be able to book you an appointment at one of the LARC Hubs in City and Hackney.
Self-refer to any of the LARC hubs
Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC)
Many women are now choosing Long Acting Reversible Contraception, known as LARC (which includes coils and implants). These are considered the most effective methods for preventing pregnancy. The NHS website has more information about LARC.
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Contraceptive implant
Self-refer to any of the LARC hubs
Don’t Want To Get Pregnant?
Your GP practice can help you avoid unwanted pregnancy and ensure sex is still enjoyable. It can be tricky to know which type of contraception to choose that will protect you from pregnancy. The online “Contraception Choices,” linked below, can help you choose which contraceptive method might suit you best.
Contraception Choices – What’s right for me?
Safe Sex – Do You Want To Protect Yourself And Protect Your Partner?
Condoms
Condoms help prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if you use them correctly every time you have sex. Using a condom every time you have sex is the best way to protect you and your partner from HIV and other STIs. You can visit the NHS website for more information about condoms.
PREP / PEP
PREP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication taken by HIV negative people before sex (usually daily) to lower the risk of contracting HIV. This can be accessed from sexual health clinics.
More about PREP at Sexual Health London
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an emergency medication taken after sex when you believe you may have been exposed to HIV. This can be accessed from sexual health clinics (or A&E when they are closed).
More about PEP at Sexual Health London
Are You Worried About A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
If you are worried you might have caught an STI, contact your GP practice for confidential, sensitive support. All practices can get you the right tests and help you make sure sexual partners are notified, if you test positive. You can learn more about STIs on the NHS website.
STI Testing
If you are over the age of 16, you can also order a free STI test kit to be delivered to your home via Sexual Health London. You complete a simple form online, order the kit, and your results are sent to you by text or email. It is simple, fast, and secure!
Free STI Home Kit
Chlamydia testing
GPs and practice nurses will often offer chlamydia screening to people seeking sexual health advice. If you are between the ages of 15 and 24 years old, it is recommended that you have a Chlamydia test annually or on every change of person you have sex with.
HIV Testing
If you are a newly registered patient with a practice, feel free to ask for an HIV test.
Cervical screening
All women aged 25 – 65 are entitled to participate in the national cervical screening programme. There is information for all eligible groups, including trans women, women who have undergone surgery, and had the HPV vaccination.
Get Involved
You can take part by following your GP practice’s updates, joining local health events, or sharing campaign materials within your community.
If your organisation would like to collaborate on future public health campaigns, please contact our team.