Sexual health

Good sexual health is an important part of being healthy.

It is vital that everyone is able to make the right choices so they can build fulfilling relationships and protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

The Sexual Health Services for Portsmouth are in St Marys Health Campus, on floor two. You have only one appointment, regardless of whether you are concerned about a sexually-acquired infection that requires treatment, or need advice about a new or existing contraceptive method.

You can expect to be treated with dignity and respect, and offered a high level of service, care and treatment in a welcoming and friendly environment.

The service offers a mix of both ‘drop-in’ and ‘appointment only’ slots. This includes a new clinic, specifically designed to meet the needs of young people (under 20 years) on Thursdays from 3pm.

Clinics

The service offers a mix of both ‘wait to be seen’ and ‘appointment only’ clinics. This includes a new clinic, specifically designed to meet the needs of young people (under 20 years) on Thursdays from 3pm.

For opening days and times please visit www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk.

You are also advised to check this website before attending for the most up to date information about waiting times and any clinic amendments such as restrictions and closures.

Online Services

If you are not experiencing any symptoms of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), you can request a free and confidential STI test kit online.

Visit the Let’s Talk About It website to see the services available for all ages, or to find details of your nearest clinic.

Sexual health services in Hampshire and Portsmouth are now accessible through a single local phone number: 0300 300 2016

The following websites also offer information and advice on sexual health issues:

• NHS Choices 
  
• Brook 
  
• Family Planning Association 
  
• Think u know

If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, your condom split or you’ve had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours, then you may need emergency contraception, and the sooner you take it the better.

• Follow the link for more information on emergency contraception.

If you’re worried that you might have put yourself at risk of HIV, there are a number of ways to get tested. It’s really important to get tested as the earlier you are diagnosed, the quicker you can access treatment and support which will improve your long term health outcomes.

For all information on the different ways to get tested visit the Testing for HIV page on Let’s Talk About It, the sexual health site for Hampshire.

If you are found to have HIV, there is a lot of support available. This includes:

• 48-hour guaranteed post-diagnosis appointment with a specialised nurse or doctor
• Long term follow up, treatment and management
• Psychological support from health advisor, health promotion or adult mental health nurse
• Specialised dietician support
• Specialised pharmacist to support with medication
• Anonymous partner notification
• Sexual health care and ongoing STI screening
• Specialist care (shared with other hospital consultants where necessary) including preconception advice, care in pregnancy, hepatitis co-infection and TB treatment

If you are concerned about HIV testing you can speak to one of the Solent NHS sexual health team in confidence by phoning 0300 300 2016 or email  SNHS.sexualhealthpromotion@nhs.net.