hide me!

welcome to shnel.co.uk – your one stop shop for sexual health in north east lincolnshire, please enable javascript for added functionality.

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

happy holidays

information for the holidays

news

Offer teenagers LARCs to reduce risk of unintended pregnancies, say researchers

Women using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are 20 times less likely to experience an unintended pregnancy due to contraceptive failure, compared to those using pills, patch or rings, say researchers.

Investigators looked at pregnancy rates for 7,486 women aged between 14-45 years who were given a contraceptive method of their choosing. The failure rate in the group of people using pills, patch or rings was 9.4%, at three years, and this compared with failure rates of 0.9% in those who had contraceptive injections and 0.7% in the group using IUDs or implants.

Women under 21 years using a patch, pill or ring had twice the risk of unintended pregnancies compared with older women. Study lead Dr Brooke Winner, obstetrician at Washington University School of Medicine, USA, said: ‘These data underscore the potential benefits of offering adolescents long-acting reversible contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies in the high-risk age group.'

Click here to read the full article on Pulse Today.


Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

01472 255 180

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

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.

Return to top

happy holidays

Feeling amorous this Valentines week? Whether Love is in the air or you just fancy a bit of flirty fun make sure you have nothing to worry about after the day is done!

 

Singles:

Ok so you already understand that condoms help prevent unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections but make sure you carry them with you just in case your lucky valentines pants work!

If you've had unprotected sex in the past why don't you pop in to one of our pharmacies, GP surgeries or sexual health services for a sexual health check for peace of mind. Most STI's can be treated simply and easily and we've seen and heard it all before. So don't be embarrassed or shy it's just every day stuff to us!

We're also here for you in case of life's little accidents. Follow the links below to find out more. All our services are free of charge too so you have one less thing to worry about.

 

Couples:

Valentines Day can often spur couples on to taking the exciting next steps. Whether that may be the first kiss, declaring that you love each other for the first time, suggesting you live together, proposing marriage or thinking about creating your very own Mini-me together...yes baby time! Every step is both exciting and scary and you may not really be thinking everything through. Whatever your needs, we can help you with any contraception queries you have or by giving you both a sexual health check if you want to ditch the condoms.

Why don't you pop in to one of our pharmacies, GP surgeries or sexual health services for a sexual health check for peace of mind. Most STI's can be treated simply and easily and we've seen and heard it all before. So don't be embarrassed or shy it's just every day stuff to us!

We're also here for you in case of life's little accidents if you're not quite ready for the Mini-me stage! Follow the links below to find out more. All our services are free of charge too so you have one less thing to worry about.

 

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 and fun Valentines ;o)

happy holidays!

 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.

 

Return to top
 
Content

Please fill out the form below to send us your feedback on the website.