I’m worried about my sexual health, what can I do?

Being worried about your sexual health can be a scary situation, but there are lots of services in Leeds that are here to support you.

Where to go for sexual health support

The first point of call for any questions about your sexual health should be your GP. So, please ensure you are registered with a doctor in the local area.

If you are unable to make an appointment with your GP, there are other services who may be able to help. Please see below for specific information about different areas of sexual health.

Do I need a sexual health test?

If you are worried about having an STI (sexually transmitted infection), you can use the symptom checker function on the Leeds Sexual Health site by clicking the “I think I have an STI” icon. If you believe you need to do a test, you can then access a sexual health test by one of the methods explained below, depending on your circumstances.

If you have symptoms you will need to go to Leeds Sexual Health so that they can test for all STIs.

If you have no symptoms but have had unprotected sex with a new partner/multiple partners, your condom split, or you just want to check etc, you can get a chlamydia and gonorrhoea test. (It is advised that you always take one of these tests when you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner or have multiple partners).

Accessing a sexual health test

The first recommended step would be to make an appointment with your GP to discuss getting a test and receive the relevant support information.

If you are unable to make an appointment with your GP you have the following options. Please note that some of these services are not applicable to everyone, and you may need to answer questions to see if you meet the criteria for any free tests.

• You may be eligible to order a free postal testing kit. To check eligibility please visit this site: https://www.sh.uk/welcome
• Free Test Me is an NHS service in Leeds where you can apply for a free chlamydia or gonorrhoea self-test to be sent to your home.
• 3in1 sites and enhanced pharmacies across Leeds offer free tests for adults up to the age of 24. See the service finder for locations. **Please ring ahead if you are to visit one of these services.
• You can buy a testing kit online or from a local pharmacy.

How long will a test result take?

You can usually expect to receive your results within 14 working days. The result will be sent via text message if negative or you will receive a phone call if positive to arrange treatment.

What if my result is positive?

If your result is positive you will be referred into the Leeds Sexual Health service and will be contacted by a clinician for further support. For Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, treatment is easy and is just a short course of antibiotics.

Contraception

What type of contraception should I use?

There are many methods of contraception available and you can explore the different methods on the Sexwise website here. Some methods may be more appropriate or effective for you than others. It is highly recommended that you speak to your GP where possible so they can help you find the ideal method for you.

The only contraception to prevent contracting STIs are barrier method products e.g. condoms and oral dams.

Where can I get contraception on campus?

Free condoms, oral/dental dams and lubricant are available within LUU in cabinets at the following locations:

Student Advice Office – Monday-Friday, 9-5.

Outside the Student Exec Office on Level One – accessible at all times while the LUU building is open.

Where can I get contraception off campus?

You can purchase contraception products from any pharmacy. However, there are also these free options off campus.

All individuals can get free contraception from their GP. In addition, there are alternative free options depending on your age.

If you are under 25

Under 25s can become a member of the C-Card scheme to confidentially access free condoms, lubricant and oral/dental dams. To register for a C-Card you must visit a 3in1 registration point where you will have a short conversation with someone from their team, including a condom demonstration. You can find your nearest 3in1 point using the service finder here by choosing “C-Card Registration (free condoms for under 25s)” in the drop-down under the “Find your nearest clinic” heading. Once registered, you can then collect free condoms from any 3in1 site across the city.

If you are over 25

If you meet specific criteria*, you may be able to access free contraception at sites across Leeds. You can find your nearest point using the service finder here by choosing “Condoms (over 25s)” under the “Find your nearest clinic” heading.

*The current criteria is specified as: “BAME communities, trans people, and men who have sex with men.”

Emergency Contraception

If you are in need of emergency contraception, please visit the information on the Leeds Sexual Health website here.

Pregnancy

Where can I get a pregnancy test on campus?

The LUU cabinet in the Advice Office has free pregnancy tests.

Where can I get a pregnancy test off campus?

Pregnancy testing is available at GP surgeries. There are also some 3in1 community bases across the city that offer free testing. See here for more information.

If you decide to buy a pregnancy test it is worth noting that a cheap test from a pound shop is just as effective as more expensive ones.

Where can I go for support/information on pregnancy choices if my test is positive?

There is some useful information about pregnancy options and choices on the Leeds Sexual Health website here.

Sexual health support following an assault

What sexual health support can I get if I have been sexually assaulted?

If you have been sexually assaulted, we can recommend services that offer non-judgemental and confidential support to meet your needs, whether this is recent or something that has happened in the past. If you ever wish to report what has happened to you there are services both on and off campus that can support this. You will never be pressured to report what has happened, it is up to you what you would like to do.

On campus

The University has a specialised Harassment and Misconduct Team who offer bookable drop-in sessions in LUU on a Tuesday and Wednesday during term time.

If you wish to report any incidents, you can do this on the Report and Support site, either anonymously or by name. The Report and Support system is run by the Harassment and Misconduct team, they can refer you to the relevant team at the University or LUU if this is what you wish, or signpost you to relevant services if you wish to remain anonymous.

Off-campus

Leeds Sexual Health can offer a range of services including symptom checking, providing emergency contraception, STI checks and signposting to further support. They have some useful information on their website here.

The Hazlehurst Centre are an organisation based in Yorkshire who help young people and adults who have been sexually assaulted.

SARSVL is the dedicated Rape Crisis Centre for all women and girls in Leeds affected by rape and sexual violence.

Ben’s Place is a male-focused online trauma-informed counselling service. Their aim is to create a specialist service which easily connects survivors and their supporters to professional services that work well for them.

Galop supports LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse.

Sexual health support for sex workers

Yorkshire MESMAC

Sexual health promotion service, working with most at risk populations, with a focus on LGBT+, BME and other marginalised communities.​

Drop-ins for gay/bisexual male sex workers and trans/non-binary sex workers.

www.mesmac.co.uk​

Basis

Information, safety and support for women (cis and trans) working in the sex industry, living or working in Leeds.

https://basisyorkshire.org.uk/

Leeds Sexual Health

Specialist sex worker weekly clinics in Beeston including providing contraception and various types of test/screenings.

https://www.leedssexualhealth.com/

Extra helpful resources

How to put on a condom video - Condom Demonstration - YouTube