Sexual Health
Effective promotion of sexual health enhances sexual and emotional well-being and helps people reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy.
At this Health Centre we offer a wide range of services that cover many health issues/concerns that may impact on an individual’s sexual health.
We offer friendly, discreet and confidential access to ALL at risk groups, these include young people who are or who are contemplating becoming sexually active, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-sexual and questioning people (LGBTQ), black and ethnic minority people, and those with disabilities.
Sexual health needs and concerns we deal with
- Screening for and treating chlamydia
- Organising tests for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B
- Contraception advice and provision
- Pregnancy testing and support
- Referral for termination of pregnancy services.
- Sexual dysfunction
- Related problems e.g. infertility
- Experiences such as sexual assault or coercion
- Psychosexual problems
- Cervical cytology (women 25 years and over)
- Any other areas of concern where we may be able to help or direct to appropriate services
If you have any symptoms that might suggest a sexually transmitted infection you need to go to a GUM (Genitourinary medicine) clinic for assessment
Testing for STI’s (sexually transmitted infections)
Unfortunately due to the need for certain tests to be processed quickly for a reliable result, we are only able to offer a limited service here at the health centre.
We can screen for chlamydia and take swabs (females) to detect Bacterial Vaginosis (B.V), Thrush (candida) and some other non-sexually transmitted infections.
If you wish to perform a self-test for Chlamydia (urine or vaginal swab) and you live in Coventry, you can ask at reception for a Chlamydia screening pack.
You will find instructions on how to use the kit inside the envelope and the result will be texted, posted or emailed to you depending on your identified preference.
Leamington Students
If you are a Leamington student you simply Google™ Freetest.me and you will find information about how you can request a free Chlamydia test.
If you would like to have a ‘full STI screen’ that can check for things like Gonorrhoea or Trichomonas you will need to attend a GUM clinic – they will also be able to test your blood for things like HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis at the same time.
Occasionally the Coventry GUM service will come to the University to offer an outreach screening session for asymptomatic people.
The students union may be able to tell you if any sessions are planned for the near future.
If you want to find out how access GUM services locally follow this link and look at the section on ISHS. (Integrated Sexual Health Services)
If you are a Leamington student you will be able to attend the Coventry service.
You can find out more about Leamington Sexual Health Clinic if you follow these links:
http://www.respectyourself.info/provider/contraception-and-sexual-health-clinic-leamington-spa/
Coventry: 0300 020 0027
Stratford: 00300 123 6644, Option 3
Other Local Services
Pharmacy
You can also purchase emergency hormonal contraception here if you are over 25, however you have the option of attending the Health Centre where you will be issued a prescription which you will be able to obtain without charge following a consultation with a Nurse Practitioner.
Please let the receptionist know you need a same day appointment as the efficacy of this method is far greater when taken earlier.
You can also purchase condoms at the pharmacy but if you are under 25 you will be able to access them for free if you register with the C Card scheme.
C-Card Scheme
The Health Centre is a registration and distribution point for the C Card scheme will allows Coventry students access to free condoms.
If you wish to register please ask one the receptionists or nurses for a registration form. Please return them between Monday and Friday at which point they can be processed.
For more information about this scheme other places you can access this service please follow the Integrated Sexual Health Services link (see above).
Leamington Students
Although Leamington students are not able to join the C Card scheme there are still a number of places where you can access free condoms.
If you follow the following links you will be able to find services in the locality of your home address.
You can also attend the GUM clinic at Warwick hospital for free condoms:
Contraception & Sexual Health Clinic
Brunswick Healthy Living Centre
98 – 100 Shrubland Street
Leamington Spa.
http://www.respectyourself.info/provider/contraception-and-sexual-health-clinic-leamington-spa/
Other local services
Further information about STI’s (Sexually transmitted infection)
A STI is an infection that can be passed from person to person when having sex, you can get an STI from having vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex.
The 10 most common STIs in the UK are anogenital warts, Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, pubic lice and Trichomonas (For further information on individual STIs try www.patient.co.uk).
What are the possible symptoms of an STI?
- A vaginal discharge
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- A discharge from the penis
- A sore/ulcer/rash or lump that appears on the penis or around the vagina, vulva or anus
- Pain when you have sex
- Pain when you pass urine
- Swelling in the glands of your groin
But remember in many cases of STI, no symptoms may develop, therefore, if you think that you may have an STI, it is best to get it checked out.
If you have any concerns or questions and you are not sure if you should be visiting a gum clinic make an appointment at the health centre.
HIV
25,000 people in the UK are currently living with HIV But they don’t know it!
Taking an HIV test in the only way to find out if you have HIV.
If you have HIV, early diagnosis will mean that your treatment will have better outcomes, and the risk of passing the infection on to others will be reduced.
The period of time between becoming infected with HIV and the infection being detectable by a test is referred to as the “window period”.
If an HIV test is performed during this window period, a person who has recently become infected with HIV may receive a “false negative” test result.
If you have had a new partner or think you may have been put at risk of contracting HIV in the last 3 months you should get a test done now and get re-tested in 3 months.
If you’re interested in a free HIV blood test, please ask reception for details.