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condoms

information about condoms

contraception

information about contraception

emergency contraception

information about emergency contraception

young people

information for young people

pregnancy testing

information about pregnancy testing

stis and hiv

information about stis and hiv

help!

help information

valentines

information for valentines

news

new website launched

After listening to residents across North East Lincolnshire, a new website has been launched so the public can easily find the many free contraceptive and sexual health services that are in the area.

The local NHS organisation, North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus, who commission health services for the benefit of the local population, found that it was little known that sexual health related services are free of charge to both women and men of all ages. 

We’d love to hear what you think about the new website and would welcome any suggestions to improve the site for you. Please click on the feedback link on the left side to anonymously send your views.

not from NEL? - click here for sexual health services in North Lincolnshire, Hull, North Yorks & Lincolnshire


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condoms

If you’re looking for condoms in North East Lincolnshire, this is the place to start.

Locally we have a range of services providing condoms free of charge. Check out the links opposite to find out where to get them from.

Condoms help to protect you from STI’s and pregnancy. They come in a range of flavours, sizes and textures which are all available free for you to have fun with and find what you like. There are even female condoms available, so everyone has a choice.

If you’re a sensitive soul there are condoms that are made of latex which should meet with your approval. Just remember only to use water based lubricants with condoms. Oil based lubricants, including that massage oil you got at Christmas and the well known brand of petroleum jelly lurking at the back of the bathroom cabinet, can rot a condom causing it to burst. You can ask your GP or Pharmacist if you are concerned about any other creams or lotions you are using.

When used correctly condoms are a very flexible and reliable form of contraception whilst also helping to protect you from STI’s. If you do have an accident with a condom follow this link to emergency contraception. You may also wish to find out about pregnancy testing and STI testing

Free condoms are available from the following services:

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

NHS Choices Logo

You can also obtain free condoms from your GP whose details can be found on NHS Choices.

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contraception

If you’re looking for contraception in North East Lincolnshire, this is the place to start.

Locally we have a range of services offering contraception free to everyone just look at the links opposite to see where to get contraception from.

Contraception helps you take control of your own fertility and plan what’s right for you. There’s now real choice when it comes to contraception that will fit most peoples’ lifestyles. The most convenient and reliable methods are long acting types such as the implant and Intra-uterine devices. You can see further information below on these methods and more. Just remember; whatever method you use, you also need to use a condom if you want to protect yourself from STI’s.

Click an option to see more information:

  • Implants
  • Progestogen Injections
  • IUD (The Coil)
  • IUS
  • Patch
  • Vaginal Ring
  • Combined Pills
  • Progestogen Only Pills
  • Condoms
  • Diaphragms/ Caps
  • Natural Methods
  • Sterilisation
Click an option above to see more information.

Vaginal Ring

A flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks every month. It releases a low dose of hormones, similar to the contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy..

Efficacy and Advantages

  • Over 99% effective.
  • You don't have to remember it everyday.
  • Your periods could become more predictable, lighter and less painful.

Main Drawbacks

  • Some women are put off by inserting and removing it.
  • You may get some initial side effects while your body gets used to the hormones such as nausea, headaches, increased discharge etc.

Implants

Small, flexible rod which is placed just under the skin. Contains progestogen only.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • Over 99% effective.
  • Effective and rapidly reversible method of contraception.
  • Lasts up to 3 years.
  • Don't have to remember to take it every day.
  • Is not affected by other medication.

Main Drawbacks

  • Some women have changes in menstrual pattern.
  • Insertion and removal must be performed by trained professionals.

Injections

Injection containing progestogen, injected into a muscle every 10 or 12 weeks.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • Over 99% effective.
  • Useful for women who forget to take their pills.

Main Drawbacks

  • Cannot be immediately reversed.
  • Many women have changes in menstrual pattern.
  • Can take some time for fertility to return to normal.

Combined Pills

Tablet containing oestrogen and progestogen.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • 99% or more effective when used correctly.
  • Useful for young, healthy women who can reliably take pills.
  • Works mainly by preventing egg release.

Main Drawbacks

  • Not suitable for women with conditions such as high blood pressure.
  • Unsuitable for women over 35 who smoke.
  • May be affected by other medication, e.g. antibiotics.

Progestogen Pills

Tablet containing progestogen only.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • 96-99% effective when used correctly.
  • Suitable for women who do not want to or cannot take oestrogen.
  • Type 1:
  • Works mainly by preventing egg release.
  • In case of missed pill, can be taken up to 12 hours late.
  • Type 2:
  • Works mainly by preventing sperm entering the womb.
  • In case of missed pill, must be taken within 3 hours.

Main Drawbacks

  • Type 1:
  • Many women have changes in menstrual pattern.
  • Type 2:
  • Does not consistently prevent egg release.
  • Many women have changes in menstrual pattern.

IUD (The Coil)

Intrauterine device that is fitted internally.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • 98-99% effective.
  • Suitable for women who want longer term contraception or do not want to take hormones.

Main Drawbacks

  • Periods may become heavier, longer, or more painful.
  • Risk of pelvic infection if you have more than one partner.
  • Insertion and removal must be performed by trained professionals.

IUS

Intrauterine device that is fitted into the womb. Contains progestogen only.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • Over 99% effective.
  • Lasts up to 5 years.
  • Effective and rapidly reversible method of contraception.

Main Drawbacks

  • Periods may become heavier, longer, or more painful.
  • Risk of pelvic infection if you have more than one partner.
  • Insertion and removal must be performed by trained professionals.

Patch

Patch containing oestrogen and progestogen.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • 99% or more when used correctly.
  • Applied once a week for three weeks.

Main Drawbacks

  • May be seen on the skin.
  • Stress or illness can make the method unreliable.
  • Unsuitable for women over 35 who smoke.

Natural Methods

Recognising the fertile and infertile times of your cycle to plan when you should avoid sex.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • 94-99% effective with perfect use when intercourse is restricted to the time after ovulation.
  • Avoids devices or hormones.
  • Can be used at all stages of reproductive life.

Main Drawbacks

  • Can take up to 6 months to learn effectively.
  • Stress or illness can make the method unreliable.
  • Need to avoid intercourse at certain times of the month and be highly motivated.

Condoms

Barrier method that the man or woman can use.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • When used correctly, around 98% effectiveness for male condoms and 95% for female condoms.
  • Useful for those who wish to avoid hormones.
  • Offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Main Drawbacks

  • Putting them on involves interruption.
  • The male condom can split or rupture.
  • The female condom can be pushed aside.

Diaphragms/Caps

Barrier methods that fit inside the vagina to cover the cervix.

Efficacy and Advantages

  • Effective in 92-96% of women when used correctly.
  • Useful for those who wish to avoid hormones.

Main Drawbacks

  • Involves forward planning or interruption of intercouse.
  • Can be messy as you need to use spermicide as well.

Sterilisation

Efficacy and Advantages

  • Over 99% effective.
  • Permanent method of contraception that involves no hormones.

Main Drawbacks

  • Cannot be easily reversed.
  • Involves an operation.
  • Male sterilisation is not effective immediately.

Free contraception is available from the following services:

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

NHS Choices Logo

You can also obtain free condoms from your GP whose details can be found on NHS Choices.

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emergency contraception

If you’re looking for emergency contraception in North East Lincolnshire, this is the place to start.

Locally we have a range of services providing Emergency Contraception  free of charge. Just check out the links opposite to find a service that suits you.

Emergency Hormonal Contraception (aka the morning after pill) can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex but the sooner you use it the more effective it will be.

There is also other help available in the form of the IUD which can act as emergency contraception up to 5 days after unprotected sex to find out more about the IUD click here

Now might be the time to consider a more reliable from of contraception to use in the longer term. Follow this link for further info.

Emergency contraception is available from the following services:

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

NHS Choices Logo

You can also obtain emergency contraception from your GP whose details can be found on NHS Choices.

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young people

If you’re looking for services specifically for young people in North East Lincolnshire, this is the place to start.

Locally we have a range of services for young people providing free confidential advice , contraception and sexual health treatment. Just look at the links opposite to find one that suits you. Don't forget you can also use all of the other services on this website too!

If you’re looking at the Choices site from a mobile device, you may find some of the links awkward to navigate. If you have problems viewing it please call the number below and someone will talk through the options with you.

For appointments relating to any contraceptive or sexual health questions you may have, call 0300 330 1122

  • Monday: 9.00am - 9.00pm
  • Tuesday: 9.00am - 7.00pm
  • Wednesday: 9.00am - 8.00pm
  • Thursday: 9.00am - 9.00pm
  • Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Calls are charged at local standard rates.

You can also TEXT the first part of your postcode to 88020, to find out where your nearest service is. Texts are charged at local standard rates and all return texts are FREE.

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

SHOUT Logo

SHOUT: a friendly and confidential under 25's service that takes advice, support, contraception and testing out into the young persons' own environment if they cannot attend one of the regular services.

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pregnancy testing

If you’re looking for pregnancy testing in North East Lincolnshire, this is the place to start.

Locally we have a range of services offering free pregnancy testing. Just look at the links opposite to see what’s available.

Pregnancy testing is quick and easy but the results are a big deal whether planned or not. Deciding what you do next is different for everybody but you will be supported whatever you choose.

If you’re pregnant and don’t know what to do call the Contraception, Advice & Sexual Health (CASH) service on the number below and they can help you look at your options

For appointments relating to any contraceptive or sexual health questions you may have, call 0300 330 1122

  • Monday: 9.00am - 9.00pm
  • Tuesday: 9.00am - 7.00pm
  • Wednesday: 9.00am - 8.00pm
  • Thursday: 9.00am - 9.00pm
  • Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Calls are charged at local standard rates.

You can also TEXT the first part of your postcode to 88020, to find out where your nearest service is. Texts are charged at local standard rates and all return texts are FREE.

Pregnancy testing is available from the following services:

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

NHS Choices Logo

You can find your GP on NHS Choices.

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stis and hiv

If you’re looking for Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment in North East Lincolnshire, this is the place to start.

Locally we have a range of services providing free STI testing and treatment. Just look at the links opposite to see what suits you.

If you suspect you have an STI you may feel embarrassed, scared or angry but don’t worry, the staff working at the services are incredibly helpful and everything is confidential. To them it's just routine, daily business so don't be shy.

Most screening is quick, simple and available to you within 48 hours. What is important is to get checked out if you’ve had unprotected sex, even if you have no symptoms. Also, if you’re in a relationship and want to stop using condoms it’s best to get checked before you do. If you want to know more about condoms follow this link.

STI and HIV services are available from the following services:

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

NHS Choices Logo

You can find your GP on NHS Choices.

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help!

I’m pregnant:

If you are pregnant and don’t know what to do the services opposite can help you look at your options. The sooner you speak to someone the more options you will have. Whatever choices you need to make there are people out there to help. If you are considering having an abortion you can find out information here http://www.nlg.nhs.uk/services/termination/default.asp

You may also want to consider STI testing.

I need emergency contraception:

If you have had unprotected sex or your contraception has failed you can still prevent pregnancy by using Emergency Hormonal Contraception or EHC. This is often referred to as the ‘morning after pill’ but as it can be taken up to 72 hours after sex has taken place the term EHC is more common now. Anyone can get EHC free from the following places.

I’ve been sexually assaulted:


If you have been sexually assaulted and need help it is important to speak to someone as soon as you can afterwards. Locally there is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre which can be accessed through the local police where evidence can be collected and any medical care given you require. This service is open to female and male victims of assault. Rape Crisis Grimsby can provide support to those who have been affected by rape or sexual assault. If you need to talk, Samaritans can help also.

Help is available from the following services:

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

NHS Choices Logo

You can find your GP on NHS Choices.

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valentines

It might not yet be spring but love is in the air! Valentines is around the corner and it's time to finalise those romantic plans. Follow the check-list below to help you get ready for cupids bow.

Card – A must, even for the most romance-phobic of us, surely! Whether it’s for the long term love of your life or that person in accounts you’ve had your eye on since the Christmas do - get it sent!

Flowers – It’s amazing what a bunch of flowers can do, even more so if they’re delivered in front of envious colleagues. There’s a bunch of flowers or single red rose to suit a variety of budgets and don’t just think they’re for girls, everyone loves flowers, don’t they?

Romantic meal – Cook something yummy at home, book a favourite restaurant or perhaps have a romantic outdoor picnic in the snow, with a flask of something hot and matching bobble hats. Alright we might be getting carried away there but the chance to chat over a meal in our hectic lives can make you both feel special and ignite that extra connection between you!

Foods thought to be romance-encouraging……
o Oysters
o Asparagus
o Shared spaghetti
o Mushrooms
o Carrots
o Salmon
o Steak
o Sushi
o Strawberries
o Bananas
o Chocolate
o Marshmallows
o Ice-cream or whipped cream
o Nuts

Trip to the clinic – No wait, seriously we have our reasons, hear us out. You single people out there will definitely need your condoms in case the person in accounts has been waiting just as anxiously as you have since the Christmas do. Those of you in new relationships might want to take things to the next level and plan for longer term contraception, getting some testing done to leave the condom days behind perhaps. And long-timers might want to start planning for a little person to join them in their lives in the near future.

Whatever the reason there are services out there to support your relationships; new or old. They are free, confidential and ultimately reassuring. You don’t necessarily need to go to a clinic either. Click on the links below to find the services that suits you most.

Click here to find out where to get free condoms in NEL
Click here to find out about your contraception options
Click here to keep your sexual health in check

Have a sexy, romantic & worry free Valentines Day!
 

Happy Valentines!

 from the following services,

CASH Logo

CASH: A free contraception and sexual health service open to all.

0300 330 1122

Choices Logo

Choices: a free, friendly and confidential service exclusively for young people.

0300 330 1122

ACT Logo

ACT: free advice, contraception and testing in local Pharmacies

NHS Choices Logo

You can find your GP on NHS Choices.

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