Sexual Health
Continuous Pill Taking
Many people choose “the pill” as a form of hormonal contraception, the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), traditionally taken for 21 days followed by a 7 day gap. Updated guidance advises continuous (every day) pill taking for improved ease and effectiveness and to reduce the troubles that come with regular menstrual periods.
Sexual Health and Contraception Clinics
If you think you might have an infection, or just want a sexual health check-up, the doctors and nurses at Northern clinics in Manchester will be happy to help. These clinics are free and confidential.
Your own GP clinic can provide some contraception and emergency contraception advice, and the Northern clinics offer this too. Some local pharmacies also provide an emergency contraception service.
Website: www.manchester.gov.uk
Website: mft.nhs.uk
Family Planning Association
They are a sexual health charity. They give straightforward information and support on sexual health, sex and relationships to everyone in the UK.
Website: www.fpa.org.uk
Brook
Brook provides free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing services for nearly 250,000 young people UK-wide, each year.
Website: www.brook.org.uk
Vaginal Discharge
Common causes for vaginal discharge include bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush (candida). These are not sexually transmitted infections although it is recommended to have a sexual health screen if they keep coming back. Advice on BV and thrush as well as tips on how to treat any symptoms you have can be found on the links below.
Further information
For more information about Sexual Health topics including a contraception guide visit
FRESH - Sexual Health & Contraception
FRESH is a city-wide sexual health and contraception services with dedicated clinics for under 25s.
Website: www.fresh4manchester.nhs.uk
The Proud Trust (LGBT+)
The Proud Trust is the home for LGBT+ Youth (Lesbian. Gay. Bisexual. Trans. Other identities).
Website: www.theproudtrust.org
Sexual Health Helpline
The National Sexual Health Helpline provided by Public Health England is open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.
Telephone: 0300 123 7123
Cervical Screening (Smear Test)
If you or someone you know has questions about cervical screening (the smear test), cell changes, HPV or cervical cancer, take a look at the Jo’s Trust website. They have put together information with the help of experts and people with personal experience.
Website: www.jostrust.org.uk