Sexual Health Services

Bishop Auckland

Chester le Street

Consett

Crook

Durham

Easington

Newton Aycliffe

Peterlee

Shildon

Spennymoor

Stanley

Appointments TEL: 01913728700

Choose Option 1 for Contraception

Choose Option 2 for Sexual Health

• Advice on a range of contraception services including emergency contraception:

• No symptom screening

• Sexual health advice
• Symptomatic screening available at specific clinics
• Treatments

• DoxyPEP – medication that can help prevent people developing syphilis if they have been
exposed (Please note: specific criteria must be met for these types of medication)
• Vaccination services available at specific clinics
• Appointments are not always necessary

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.
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.

The campaign’s key messages include:
• 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!)

We’d love your help to spread the word. The more people we reach, the more we can support better
sexual health across the region.

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:

Sexual Health Services C Card

Gonorrhoea and Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) vaccines are now available through our service.

NHS Gonorrhoea Vaccine

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

NHS Mpox Vaccine

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:

NHS MenB Vaccine for Gonorrhoea

NHS Mpox Vaccine

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.

Click here to find emergency contraception near you

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:

SH:24

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:

Sexual Health Website

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:

NHS How to put a condom on

How to chooose the right condom size