Sexual health

When it comes to contraception there are many choices, and it's so important to use what's right for you. This will change as you go through life.

• Contraception: When it comes to contraception there are many choices, and it's so important to use what's right for you. You can check out all the different contraception methods and where to get them on Let's Talk About It
• Emergency Contraception: If things don’t quite go to plan, you can take emergency contraception up to three days* after you’ve had unprotected sex – the sooner you take it, the more effective it will be. Visit your local pharmacy or GP

*Three days (Levonelle) or five days (ellaOne). Find more information about emergency contraception.

Pharmacies in Southampton offering free oral and emergency contraception

To enable more women to manage their oral contraception in a way that better suits their own needs, many pharmacies in the city are able to provide a first and a repeat supply of oral contraception for free, without the patient first needing to contact their GP or a sexual health clinic. Pharmacies offer private consulting rooms where you can be assured of the same expert advice and checks, but please consider calling ahead to make sure a trained member of staff is available when you attend.

Some pharmacies can also offer free emergency oral contraception. To see which pharmacies offer these services please use the table below.

For more information about oral contraception please call 0300 300 2016 for confidential advice or see:

• Let's Talk About It - Contraception
• Let's Talk About It - Emergency contraception

For further advice you can drop into the No Limits advice centre. Free condoms, pregnancy tests, C Cards and Chlamydia tests are available at all these venues.

You can also call Southampton Young People's Clinics on 0300 123 7399.

STI testing is quick, free and easy.

STI testing kits, which test for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Hepatitis B and C are available to order for free online via the Lets Talk About It website or you can make an appointment at your local sexual health clinic.

HIV

Please visit our webpage for more information about HIV for people living in Southampton.

Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline - 0300 123 7123

Lets Talk About It – sexual health advice and support

Tel: 0300 300 2016

Website: Lets Talk About It

No Limits – sexual health clinic and drop-in support

Tel: 023 8022 4224

Address: 13 High Street Southampton SO14 2DF

Email: advice@nolimitshelp.org.uk

Website: No Limits Help

Find your local pharmacy or GP

Website: NHS services near you

Drugs and alcohol often increase the chances of you having unprotected sex and can affect your ability to effectively communicate.

If you know you’re likely to drink or take drugs, here are some tips on how to stay safe this summer:

• Eat first if you're planning to drink
• Space out your drinks and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with water
• Don't accept drinks from people you don't know
• Make sure you plan an alternative way of getting home, so you don't drink and drive
• Start slow – use a small amount to check strength and effect (“Crush, Dab, Wait”)
• Don’t mix drugs with other drugs including alcohol or prescription medications
• Don’t use drugs alone
• Have a trusted friend with you who could look after you if you become unwell
• Ask for help if you’re unwell, medical services will want to help you
• Be prepared by having condoms and lube. If you know you are likely to have sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs, you may be eligible for PrEP, a form of HIV protection. Contact your local sexual health clinic if you think you might be eligible
• Be mindful that a hangover can make you feel anxious or low, so look after yourself and rehydrate the next day

Change Grow Live – support for adults aged 25 years and over

Tel: 023 8071 7171

Address: 50-52 London Road Southampton SO15 2SF

Email: southampton@cgl.org.uk

Website: Change Grow Live

DASH (No Limits) – support for young people aged 24 years or under

Tel: 023 8022 4224

Address: 13 High Street Southampton SO14 2DF

Email: advice@nolimitshelp.org.uk

Website: No Limits Help

Parent Support Link – support for family and friends of people who use drugs and/or alcohol

Tel: 023 8039 9764

Address: 48-50 Vespasian Road Southampton S018 1AX

Email: admin@pslcharity.org.uk

Website: Parent Support Link

Drugwise promotes evidence-based information on drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Frank offers honest information and facts about drugs.

NHS sexual health offers information and advice about sexual health, including contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).