Sexual Health Services
The Sexual Health Team provide innovative services, delivered by a committed, highly skilled workforce to achieve standards of excellence in sexual health. Our team includes health advisors, doctors, sexual health nurses and support staff who are friendly, non-judgmental and will be happy to advise on any matters related to sexual health. Our services are free, confidential and open to people of all ages (including under 16s).
The Sexual Health Team offer both appointments and walk-in clinics. There is no need to book an appointment at a walk-in clinic but you may be waiting some time.
Sexual Health Services Newsletter June 2026
This e-newsletter is dedicated to providing you with information about Sexual Health Services in County Durham.
Where Can You Go & Appointment Information?
Clinics are located multiple locations within County Durham:
Click Here for Clinic Locations
Appointments TEL: 01913728700 Choose Option 1 for Contraception Choose Option 2 for Sexual Health
Click here for Appointments, more Information, Clinic Times & Telephone Contact Number
Services available in your local Sexual Health and Contraception Clinics
• Advice on a range of contraception services including emergency contraception: • No symptom screening • Sexual health advice • DoxyPEP – medication that can help prevent people developing syphilis if they have been
Click Here for list of Services Available Within Your Local Sexual Health and Contraception Clinics'
• Symptomatic screening available at specific clinics
• Treatments
exposed (Please note: specific criteria must be met for these types of medication)
• Vaccination services available at specific clinics
• Appointments are not always necessary
STI Elephant in The Room Campaign
It’s time to stop avoiding the awkward stuff! STI rates in our region are among the highest in the UK and more young people, aged 15–24, are being diagnosed with chlamydia and gonorrhoea. But a new campaign is hoping to change that and get people talking. The campaign’s key messages include: We’d love your help to spread the word. The more people we reach, the more we can support better
Let’s get people talking - Let’s talk about the Elephant in the Room
Elephant in the Room encourages young people to talk openly about sex, condoms, getting tested and accessing confidential sexual health services – no judgement. Just facts, support and better health.
• If you’re having sex, protect yourself with condoms & regular testing
• Many STIs don’t show any symptoms, so people may have an infection without knowing, meaning it can be passed on without realising and still cause serious long-term health problems
• Testing is confidential and simple.
• You’re not alone – support is available (and they’ve seen it all before!)
sexual health across the region.
Syphilis Elephant in The Room Campaign
Syphilis Know the symptoms and get Tested - Elephant in The Room Campaign
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
It is easy to treat and cure with antibiotics.
If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health issues.
Symptoms
• Sores (ulcers) – on intimate areas or around the mouth.
• Rash – a rash that sometimes appears on the palms of the hands
and soles of the feet.
• Wart-like growth – typically white or grey in intimate areas.
• White patches inside the mouth.
You can have an STI without symptoms, if you think you may have
been exposed you should get tested.
What to do
If you think you have an STI, or if you’ve had sex without a condom, get tested.
Testing is free and confidential.
Click here for Syphilis Fact sheet
County Durham Sexual Health Services:
If you live in County Durham, contact our Central Booking Line (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) TEL: 0191 372 8700 or visit for advice and clinic information
County Durham Sexual Health Services
C Card
Click here for C Card Information
C Card is a condom distribution scheme that provides young people from 13-24 years old with a C Card which entitles them to free condoms.
The C Card is a plastic card the same size as a credit card. You can pick up free condoms from over 200 outlets throughout County Durham once you have completed some straightforward registration details. The scheme also gives young people access to sexual health information, advice and support. For further information on C Card please visit:
Gonorrhoea & Mpox Vaccines are now available
Gonorrhoea and Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) vaccines are now available through our service.
Gonorrhoea and Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) vaccines are now available through our service.
Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. Symptoms can include pain when passing urine and abnormal discharge, although some people may have no symptoms. Antibiotics usually treat gonorrhoea effectively, but concerns about antibiotic resistance are increasing. Previous infection does not protect against future infection.
The UK vaccine (Bexsero) can reduce the risk of gonorrhoea by around 30–40% after 2 doses, given at least 28 days apart. The vaccine is generally well tolerated. The vaccine is offered during routine clinic appointments to people at higher risk of gonorrhoea, including:
• People with a current bacterial STI
• People involved in sex work
• People with multiple sexual partners
Mpox is a viral infection spread through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated bedding or clothing. Symptoms can include a blister-like rash, fever, headache, and general flu-like symptoms.
The UK vaccine (Imvanex) reduces the risk of Mpox infection by around 80% after 2 doses, given at least 28 days apart. People who already received 2 doses during the 2022 outbreak do not need another course. The vaccine is offered during routine clinic appointments to people at higher risk of Mpox, including:
• Gay, bisexual & other men who have sex with men
• People who have group sex
• Close contacts of someone diagnosed with Mpox
• People who attend sex-on-premises venues
Suitable patients can receive both vaccines during the same appointment.
If you would like more information, please contact our service. We are happy to discuss any
questions by telephone or during a face-to-face appointment.
Click the links for more information:
Emergency Contraception
Click here for information on emergency contraception
Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant after unprotected sex. You need to use emergency contraception within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected sex and the sooner you use emergency contraception, the more effective it usually is.
There are 2 types of emergency contraception:
an IUD (Intrauterine Device) also called a copper coil
The emergency contraceptive pill (also called the morning after pill)
The IUD is the most effective type of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is free from NHS sexual health clinics, GP surgeries and most pharmacies.
Online Services
Click here for Online Services information
Free Testing
If you are 16 years or over and live in County Durham or Darlington you can order a free testing kit for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis & HIV by visiting the link below:
The STI tests are delivered by post in a plain, letterbox friendly envelope with the results being sent by text.
Free Condoms
The free online condom service is available to any County Durham or Darlington residentaged 16 or over via the:
The service offers a choice of condoms & the orders are posted out in discreet packaging to the clients home address. For more info watch the videos: