Sexual health and contraception

There are a number of sexual health clinics in Calderdale. These offer free confidential advice and support around:

• Contraception.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
• Chlamydia testing.
• If you want to become pregnant.
• If you are pregnant and unsure what to do.
• Abortion.
• Sexual problems.
• Sexual assault.

Are worried about your sexual health or just have some questions? You can talk to your doctor or make an appointment at your local contraception and sexual health clinic.

Sexual health clinics

For help and advice about your sexual health or to attend a clinic:

• Visit: Visiting a sexual health clinic (NHS).
• Phone: (01422) 261370.

Attend a clinic

Testing for Chlamydia

One in ten under 25s tested for Chlamydia do have the disease. It is a bacteria that affects the sexual organs and is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Most people do not have any signs or symptoms, so may not know that they have it.

The Chlamydia Screening Programme

This is a national programme set up by the Government. It is to encourage young people to have a Chlamydia test and to get treatment if they need it.

These tests are free for anyone under 25 years old. All you need to do is give a simple urine sample.

For more details, visit: Chlamydia Screening Programme (NHS).

To ask for your free kit, please visit: Request a home test for chlamydia screening (NHS).

Information and support for young people

• Visit: Sexual health (NHS).

You can also visit the Young People's Drop-in clinics in Calderdale:

• Broad Street Plaza.
• Brighouse Health Centre.
• Todmorden Health Centre.

To find out when these are open, visit: Opening times (NHS).

Other useful links:

• Youth page: Just young people (NHS).
• LGBTQ+ youth page: LGBTQ+ young people (NHS).

Teenage Pregnancy

The only way to know if you are pregnant is to take a test. These can be bought from supermarkets and chemists or done free of charge by your GP.

Do you have a risk of unintended pregnancy and have you had sex within the last 5 days? You can still take emergency contraception to help prevent the conception and the sooner you take this the better. You can go to:

• Pharmacy (phone in advance to check your local pharmacy provides this service).
• Your GP.
• Visit: Sexual Health (NHS).

Sexual Health Service

Condoms

Buy them

They are widely available from most chemists and shops.

Get them free

• Available at many youth services in the area. These services can also usually let you know where to get:
  • chlamydia screening;
  • pregnancy testing;
  • and other sexual health services you may need.
• Call in at the Sexual Health clinic on Broad Street (Halifax).

Where there is a risk of pregnancy, to give the best protection we always recommend:

• hormonal contraception;
• and a barrier method like condoms.

Useful links

• Sex: worth talking about. Why it is important to talk about sex. Also, information and support on sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and contraception (NHS Choices).
• Brook. A registered charity that gives information, guidance and support to young people on sexual health and sex. They also have a free and discreet helpline for under 25s, phone: 0808 802 1234.
• Family Planning Association. A registered charity that has information and advice on sexual health, sex and relationships for everyone in the UK.

For more about Sexual Health Services in Calderdale or the Public Health Commission, please contact Kate Horne:

• Email: kate.horne@calderdale.gov.uk.
• Phone: (01422) 266154.