Your questions and what things mean

Yes, you can still get help from home.

We offer free online services, including home STI testing kits. These test for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. You can use this service if you have no symptoms.

To order a home test kit visit - Welcome to SH.UK — SH.UK. After you sign up, we will send the kit to you in plain, private packaging. The kit comes with easy steps to help you complete the test at home. It should arrive within one week.

You may also be to access contraception online. Visit - Welcome to SH.UK — SH.UK. 

If you would like to chat to someone, access support or ask questions, we are here for you. Click the link to get in touch - Contact us.

Definitely not. We are happy that you are doing something about your sexual health and not just leaving it to chance.

If English is not your first language, we can get an interpreter. An interpreter can speak your language and help at your appointment.

Please tell us when you book your appointment if you need an interpreter. 

Click the link to see how you can get in touch - Contact us

We support all young people from the age of 13 to look after their sexual health.

Never!

Usually, no. We do not normally tell your GP that you have visited us.

Sometimes, we may need to share information to help keep you safe. If this happens, we will talk to you about it first.

If your GP sent us a letter to refer you, we will write back to them.

If there is a safeguarding concern, we may need to share this with your GP or hospital doctor. This is because learning from past cases has shown this is best practice.

No. All our services are confidential. This means we will not share your details or tell anyone about your visit, whatever your age.

We will not do the following without your permission:

• write to your GP about your care or treatment
• refer you to other specialist services
• share your information

The only time we may need to speak to a GP or another healthcare professional is if:

• we cannot contact you using your chosen method, or
• we are worried that you or someone else may be at risk

This is to help protect your health and safety.

If you have had sex without a condom or a condom has split, there is a chance you could be pregnant.

Emergency contraception, also sometimes called the morning after pill, can be used to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. 

We offer free emergency contraception. There are two kinds:

• Levonorgestrel – take within 72 hours (3 days)
• EllaOne – take within 120 hours (5 days)

You can also get free emergency contraception from partner pharmacies in Newcastle. Click here for more information - Where to go. It is a good idea to call first to check a pharmacist is available.

Your GP and most NHS walk in centres can also give you emergency contraception.

A copper coil (IUD) is also an option that can be used. However, it does not suit everyone.

You can find out more here - Emergency contraception

If you have had unprotected sex or a condom has split, click the links below for information on the support available : 

• STI
• Pregnancy

STIs do not show up on a test right away. If you had unprotected sex in the last few days, we can still test you now. But we will usually ask you to come back for another test 1–2 weeks later. This is to make sure any infection has had time to show.

If you have symptoms, are worried, or want general advice, please get in touch as soon as you can - Contact us

If you do not have symptoms and would like to order an STI test kit to your home please click the link - SH.UK. 

You will get your test results by text unless you and the doctor or nurse choose another way, such as a phone call or a letter. Most people choose text because it is quick and easy.

If your test shows an infection, we may text you and ask you to contact the clinic. If you have not heard from us within 7–10 days, please contact us - Newcastle Sexual Health

Looking after your sexual health is important for you and for others. How often you need a test depends on your:

• Sexual activity
• Relationships
• If you think you may have been in contact with an STI

If you are in a long-term relationship, many people get tested once a year for peace of mind. Some people also get tested with a new partner when they start a new relationship. term relationship, many people get tested 

Some STIs have no symptoms. If they are not treated, they can cause serious health problems. Most STIs can be treated or cured if they are found early. We recommend getting tested:

• Once a year if you are in a relationship
• When you start a new relationship or have a new sexual partner.

If you have any worries or questions, please contact us - Newcastle Sexual Health.

If you are aged 15-24 you can also get free condoms to help protect you from STIs. Click here for more information - Free condoms.

When you call us, we will ask for your:

• Name
• Address
• Contact details 

These help us book tests, make referrals and contact you if you need treatment. 

You don’t have to give your real name if you don’t want to. If you do, it will be kept private.

The clinic won’t tell your GP unless you say they can.

We know sexual health is confidential. This is why we will always ask how you want us to contact you.

We may also ask a few optional questions on a form when you come to the clinic. These include things like ethnicity or place of birth. You do not have to give us this information but it helps us understand who uses the clinic so we can improve our service. 

All of your answers are confidential. 

No. All our services are free.

We are an NHS service, and everything we provide is free. This includes advice, STI testing, treatment, screening and all types of contraception.

No, we will not tell your parent or carer.

If you are under 16, we will ask you who knows you are coming. We encourage you to be open and talk to a parent or another trusted adult. This is so you have support if you need it.

If you are under 16, we will check with you that you understand the advice we give you.

We will only share information if we think you or someone else is at risk of harm. If this happens, we will talk to you first about it.

Everyone deserves relationships that make them feel safe, happy and supported. When a relationship is healthy, it can help you grow, enjoy good times, and cope with life’s tough moments. A good relationship can feel like a safety net that helps you when things get difficult.

Dating and new relationships should feel exciting and fun. Here are some tips to help you build a healthy and respectful relationship with your partner.

• Communication
  Talking and listening to each other is one of the most important parts of any relationship.
  Checking in with each other helps you understand how you both feel and what you both want.
• Disagreements
  It’s normal to disagree sometimes. What matters is how you handle it.
  Try to talk things through, compromise, and find a fair solution so both people feel OK afterwards.
• Boundaries
  Boundaries help relationships feel safe for everyone.
  This can include spending time with friends, having hobbies, and having space when you need it.
  It’s healthy to do things on your own as well as together.
• Respect
  Respect means caring about each other’s feelings, needs and opinions.

It includes supporting one another, being kind, and lifting each other up - not putting each other down.

Find out more here - Healthy and unhealthy relationships | Barnardo's

Sometimes a relationship can start to feel uncomfortable or unfair. These are signs things may not be healthy:

• Being called names, shouted at, or made to feel bad about yourself
• Being put down or criticised often
• Someone making demands or threats
• Always feeling pressured to do what the other person wants
• Being stopped from seeing friends or family
• Being asked for passwords or having your messages checked
• Being contacted constantly and made to explain where you are

These signs don’t usually appear at the start. They can develop slowly over time.

It’s important to check in with yourself now and then and think about how the relationship makes you feel.

If something doesn’t feel right, or if you’re unsure about a relationship, it can help to talk to someone you trust.

You deserve relationships that make you feel valued, respected and safe.

Find out more here - Healthy and unhealthy relationships | Barnardo's