Sexual health clinics, also known as family planning centres, genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics or reproductive clinics, provide a number of services related to sexual health – including contraception and emergency contraception.
When you visit a sexual health clinic all your details will be treated confidentially. This includes any information provided by young women and children who are between the ages of 13 and 16 years. Sexual health clinics will never contact your family about your visit or your contraception use. You can take a friend with you to your appointment if you feel like it.
If you’re visiting a sexual health clinic for the first time, you should expect to be asked to provide some basic details about yourself like your name, date of birth and contact details. You may be asked about your past contraceptive use and sexual health history – certain clinics may offer to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The contraception you’re provided with should always be free, and if you decide on certain types of contraception, such as the implant, you may need to return later for a second appointment .