Sexual health
Sexual health is important for your physical, emotional, mental and social health and is not just about protecting yourself from infections and illnesses.
It also means ensuring we protect ourselves and others, both emotionally and physically, and have a respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.
This includes understanding what a healthy relationship looks like, talking about sex and relationships with your loved ones, safe sexual practices and respecting others’ sexual rights.
How we can help
Across West Northamptonshire, there are a variety of sexual health services in place to support you and your family with any sexual health matters.
Our main provider for sexual health services is the Northamptonshire Integrated Sexual Health Service (NISH) which offers a wide range of advice and support.
This includes:
- testing for sexually transmitted infections
- advice on pregnancy and contraception
- answers to questions and worries you may have
- access to contraception
Sexual health for adults
Sexual health support
If you are over the age of 25 and require support and advice on physical sexual health concerns, you can contact the NISH service on 0300 027 0110.
Alternatively, visit the Sexwise website for further information on contraception, pregnancy and STIs.
Screening
Cervical screening (smear test) is offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. You will be invited by letter to attend a routine appointment by your GP. If you were not able to take up your last appointment, please contact your GP for further information.
Sexual health advice line
National sexual health helplines
Call this free service on 0300 123 7123 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.
The Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Provides information, support and referral services for lesbians, gay men, bisexual people, and for those who are transgender or are exploring their gender identity.
Free to call on 0800 0119 100 from 10am to 10pm every day.
You can also receive support via email, or by using their instant messaging service.
See the Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline website for more details.
Advice for children and young people
There is a variety of sexual health information and support for children and young people across West Northamptonshire to help them navigate challenging times.
Some of the available local services are detailed below.
Additional information can be found on the Integrated Sexual Health Service website.
ChatHealth
A confidential service to seek advice and support for any health-related issue including sexual health and contraception.
Anyone aged from 11 to 19 can access the service by texting 07507 329600 - you will get a reply within 24 hours from an NHS School Nurse. Young people who have left school can still use this service.
The service runs from Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm (except bank holidays).
National sexual health helpline
Call this helpline for free on 0300 123 7123 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm. Your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.
The LGBT+ Helpline
Provides information, support and referral services for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans (transgender, transsexual, transvestite) people. Free to call on 0800 0119 100 from 10am to 10pm everyday.
Free STI self-testing kit
Signs and symptoms of STIs include unusual changes or discomfort of the genitalia. However, some people may not have any signs or symptoms.
Worried you might be at risk of an STI? If you are aged between 16 to 24, you are eligible for a free home STI testing kit, which can be delivered to you by post.
Find out if you're eligible for an STI kit
Free HIV self-testing kit
Do you live in Northamptonshire and are worried you might be at risk of HIV? You could be eligible to get a free HIV self-testing kit delivered to your home by post.
Appointments with the Sexual Health Clinic to discuss concerns and get in-person support can be booked online using the Lilie Hub booking site.
Alternatively, there are drop-in clinics available to under 19s.
These are available at:
Northampton General Hospital, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5BD - Entrance R
Wednesday 3pm to 4:30pm
Contact number: 03000 270 110
Ashwood Centre for Sexual Health, St Mary's Hospital, London Road, Kettering, NN15 7PW
Thursday 3pm to 4:30pm
Contact number: 03000 274 100
For honest advice about contraception, STIs and pregnancy you can visit the Sexwise website.
For further advice, see the Health for Teens website.
Termination services
British Pregnancy Advisory Service is the UK’s leading abortion care service. They have been taking care of pregnant people for almost 50 years.
Their sensitive and highly trained staff will provide unplanned pregnancy advice, help guide you through your options and provide abortion treatment to end pregnancy if you choose it.
Find out more about termination of pregnancy on the BPAS website.
Local clinics are held at BPAS Northampton.
For any appointment or treatment enquiries, contact BPAS.
In the case of sexual assault
If you have been sexually assaulted, please contact Serenity Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) directly on 01604 601713.
You can also contact the Integrated Sexual Health Service for further advice.
You may wish to report the assault to the police who will work closely with our services.
Last updated 23 October 2023