Safe sex advice

If you have had unprotected sex you may be concerned about the risk of STDs and STIs (sexually transmitted diseases and infections).

If you feel embarrassed talking to your own doctor about this you can go to a clinic that specialises in STDs/STIs. Normally, you don't need an appointment. They will give you all the tests that are needed and provide the most suitable treatment, usually within two or three visits.

Special Clinics are called GUM Clinics (Genito Urinary Medicine) or STD Clinics and they are often located in large, general hospitals. You can find them in the phone book, or ring your nearest hospital to ask. Anything you tell the doctor or nurse at these clinics is confidential and they will not write to your own doctor or contact anyone else without your permission.

Having taken the emergency contraceptive pill will not affect the results of any tests that you have, but you should tell the clinic that you have taken it.

Levonelle One Step® does not give any protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).

You can find more information about check ups, safe sex and long-term methods of birth control in I'd like to look after my sexual health.