Sexual Health

Looking after your sexual health

It’s important to look after your sexual health and take the time to understand issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception.

If you are worried about any aspect of your sexual health, there are plenty of free and confidential services in Sheffield. The most important thing to remember is that it is your body, so you don’t have to do anything that you don’t feel comfortable with.

Confidentiality

One of the biggest fears some people have is that their family will find out about an aspect of their sexual health. It’s always best to discuss confidentiality with your doctor, nurse, teacher, youth worker, Connexions Personal Adviser or any other professional before talking about anything.

In certain instances, they may be required by law to inform your parents or carer. Remember though, these services aren’t there to judge or nag you, but to help you look after your sexual health.

Common sexual health questions

How do I know if I have an STI? Some STIs, like Chlamydia don’t have any symptoms, so if you think you may have an infection then talk to your GP or school/college nurse about getting tested (tests are free).

Can you get pregnant the first time you have sex? Despite what you may have heard, yes you can get pregnant when having sex for the first time. That’s why it is important to use contraception (condoms are best as they protect against STIs and unwanted pregnancies) even if it is your first time.

Do you have to keep paying for condoms? They are expensive! The Central Health Clinic in Sheffield City Centre provides free condoms (Tel: 271 6816). Some other services like NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics in the city may offer them too. Ask your GP or nurse for more information – there’s no need to be embarrassed.

Pregnancy & Parenthood

Becoming a mum or dad is an exciting time but it can also be stressful!

It’s going to mean some big changes to your life and no matter what age you’ll no doubt have plenty of questions and want to seek advice from professionals.

There are many organisations in Sheffield that offer support and information for young parents and young parents-to-be. You should also discuss things with your doctor or nurse if you feel comfortable doing so.

Sheffield Centre for HIV & Sexual Health
Support and information for young people
Tel: 0114 226 1900
CHIV website

Central Health Clinic
Daytime and after school appointments available.
Tel: 0114 271 6817

MAMs – Make a Move
Youth Association South Yorkshire (YASY) runs a programme 3 days a week for pregnant teenagers/teenage mothers aged 13-19 years
Tel: 0114 275 5309
YASY website

Supporting Families
A support group for families in the Manor, Castle and Woodthorpe areas
Tel: 0114 283 5822

Smoking and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an ideal time to start taking really good care of yourself – both you and your baby will benefit. If you are a smoker, one of the most important positive health decisions you can make for your child is to try and give up smoking.

The Sheffield NHS Stop Smoking Service has specially trained midwives who can offer a one-to-one, confidential service. They can arrange times to meet you where you like and when you like, whatever suits you best.

Sheffield Stop Smoking Service website

You can also talk to your midwife or GP, or call 0800 068 4490 to find out more.

Information & local support

Clinics
There are a number of NHS clinics around Sheffield and in the city centre. Below you will find a selection, but please visit the Sheffield NHS website or call 0114 305 1000 or more information on opening times and to find out what services are available in your community centre, school, clinic or college.

Services in Sheffield include:
• Walk-in Centre at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital
• Firth Park Youth Clinic
• Manor Clinic
• SCASH (Sheffield Contraception & Sexual Health Service), Central Health Clinic, City Centre (opposite the Crucible).

The Centre for HIV and Sexual Health
The Centre for HIV and Sexual Health has produced a booklet called the Young Persons Guide to Sexual Health Services in Sheffield. This guide has information on all sexual health and related services in the city, as well as providing basic information about contraception choices, emergency contraception, drugs and alcohol, sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.

You can download a copy here, or request one via phone 0114 226 1900, or email admin@chiv.nhs.uk

Brook Advisory Clinic
Brook – provides free and confidential sexual health advice and services specifically for young people. Visit the Brook website or call the helpline on 0808 802 1234 (free and confidential number).