Contraception and Sexual Health Services
The Contraception and Sexual Health service has specially trained doctors, nurses and administrators who offer free supplies, advice and confidential discussion.
What does the Contraception and sexual health service cover?
The service covers a wide range of services, including:
- Contraceptive advice
Specially trained medical and nursing staff provide free and confidential advice. All contraceptive supplies are free. - Emergency contraception
If you have run a risk of pregnancy you can obtain safe treatment if you see a doctor soon after. Pill treatment should be taken within 72 hours (three days); coil treatment usually within five days. - Pregnancy tests
If you have been intending to get pregnant and want this confirmed you will need to make an appointment to see your GP. Otherwise all tests are free and the results are available immediately. If you are pregnant and are not happy about this, staff are available to talk about the options open to you including adoption, fostering or help with arranging a termination (legal abortion). - Infections
Advice and assistance in arranging tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have any questions about HIV and Aids a member of the team would be happy to discuss them with you. - Cervical smear tests
Women in Dorset are routinely offered a cervical smear test by their General Practitioner. If you prefer you can have the test done at a family planning clinic. The result will be sent to you by post and members of the team are available to discuss it with you. - Sexual problems
Staff are able to give you advice on sexual problems and can arrange for a referral to a specialist clinic if necessary. - Getting pregnant
If you are thinking of getting pregnant, the service can provide health advice to you and your partner. If you have difficulty becoming pregnant, members of the team can give you simple advice and, if required, help you obtain more specialist help.
How can I get contraception and sexual health advice?
Advice can be obtained in one of the following ways:
- By visiting a contraception and sexual health advice clinic. Most clinics run on an appointment basis and you can obtain an appointment by phoning your nearest clinic.
- By telephoning a family planning clinic. Telephone advice is available to anyone, whether you attend a clinic or not.
Please contact a clinic for further information.
Please click on the links below for detailed information on the services provided: