Sexual health services

Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea

We offer testing for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Both of these Sexually transmitted infections are bacterial infections.

Get a free chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing kit

Watch the video to learn what to do with your postal kit

Chlamydia

Chlamydia has a high positivity rate amongst under 25 year olds. You can get chlamydia through:

• unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
• sharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom each time they're used
• your genitals coming into contact with your partner's genitals this means you can get chlamydia from someone even if there's no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation
• infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye

It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby.

Therefore, Chlamydia is very easy to catch, but testing and treatment is easy.

Contraceptive pills don t prevent STI s.

Visit the NHS Chlamydia page for more information

Gonorrhoea

The bacteria that causes gonorrhoea are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid.

Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through:

• unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
• sharing vibrators or other sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they're used

The bacteria can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the tube that passes urine out of the body (urethra), the rectum and, less commonly, the throat or eyes.

The infection can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. If you're pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, it's important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.

Testing and treatment is easy.

Visit the NHS Gonorrrhea page for more information

Information about Mpox and guidance to follow if you think you may have Mpox

Types of Mpox

There are two specific types (Clades) of Mpox that are currently of concern. Last year, the Clade that was in the UK was Clade 2. This was most commonly seen in men who have sex with men. The new Clade that might cause a problem in the UK is Clade 1. It is associated with exposure specifically in particular areas of Africa so can affect anyone who has travelled or been in contact with someone from those areas.  

If you suspect you might have Mpox

If you have had a fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms with a rash AND either of the following apply to you, please do NOT book through our online forms or attend the sexual health clinic. Call NHS 111 for advice. You will be advised, tested and managed according to the history you give to NHS 111. Sexual Health is not your first point of contact if you suspect you have Mpox. Mpox is an infection that can be spread in a number of ways, including through sexual contact. Find out more about Mpox on the NHS website. 

• Have you visited any of these countries in the 3 weeks before your symptoms started?

Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, South Sudan, Tanzania or Zambia.

• Have you been in contact with someone known to have or suspected to have Mpox in the last 3 weeks?

NHS 111 will take a history from you and either direct you to isolate at home and advise you on how you will be tested, or if you are unwell they will direct you to an isolation unit within the NHS. Please DO NOT come to the Sexual Health department. If NHS 111 advises you to call sexual health, please do so. Do not use the online booking system or arrive at the reception if you suspect you might have Mpox. You need to be seen in an isolation area.

Emergency Hormonal Contraception ( morning-after pill )

Emergency Contraception can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex. The sooner you access emergency contraception the more effective it can be. There are 2 types of tablets and the person you see will decide which is the best option for you.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

The most effective form of emergency contraception is to have an intrauterine device (IUD) or copper coil fitted. This can be fitted up to 5 days after you have had sex and is usually done in:

• family planning or contraception services
• sexual health services
• some GPs

Emergency Hormonal Contraception tablets

You can get emergency hormonal contraception (tablets) free from GPs, some hospitals (Accident or Emergency Department), sexual health services and some pharmacies. The pharmacies in Northamptonshire that offer free emergency contraception are listed in the FREE Emergency Contraception boxes below.

You can also buy emergency contraception from some pharmacies if you are older than 25.

What might I be asked if I require emergency contraception?

• When did you last have sex?
• Are you using any contraception (condoms or anything else)
• When was your last period? (it s helpful to have a think about this before you see the person helping you). If it is late, could you already be pregnant?
• Have you ever had emergency contraception before, and if so when?
• Do you or anyone in your immediate family have any health problems? Do you take any tablets or medicines?

They will also need to know your age and your name & postcode (this is not so that they can contact you but so they know where you've come from as this informs where funding is allocated to pay for your NHS care).

There are different types of contraception, some that you take every day (called short-acting) and others that are fitted and last for months or years. If you have any medical problems it is important to tell the person looking after you so they can help you make the safest and right choice for you.

Contraception is something that is used to prevent pregnancy. There are lots of types of contraception to choose from, some are like medicines and some are devices that are put inside the body.

When used properly, contraception should prevent pregnancy but condoms are the only form of contraception that also stop sexually transmitted infections. The different types of contraception mean there is a lot of choice, so you can find something that suits you at different times in your life.

It is important to think about what contraception you want to use. If you are thinking about having sex or are already having sex it is a good idea to use contraception, unless you are trying to get pregnant.

Our team can offer all contraceptive methods, however if you are 19 years of age or older and require pills, patches or a ring, this is provided by your GP.  

If you are pregnant and plan to continue with the pregnancy please contact your GP.

You have the right to confidential advice and support even if you are under 16.

Find out about different methods of contraception on the NHS website

HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the body s immune system lowering your ability to fight everyday infections and diseases.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen at the later stages of HIV. Anyone can catch HIV.

Let's talk about sex...

Sex is a normal and important part of our lives, but it is important to stay safe. Only have sex with people when you really want to and never feel forced into having any kind of sexual contact. It’s ok to say "No".

If you have sex with lots of different partners, it’s a good idea to have a sexual health check-up regularly as some infections like Chlamydia often don’t have any symptoms.

If you are attending university or college away from your home town please ensure you are registered with a GP local to your place of education. However, please note that if you are registered with a GP near your place of education you will be taken off your GP list in your home town. It is important you plan appointments for your on-going basic contraception (pills, patches, rings) and take into account holiday periods, to make sure you don’t run out.