Sexual Health Services
What are sexual health services?
In this survey we are asking about sexual health services that cover:
- Being able to get contraception to prevent pregnancy
- Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Testing and treatment for STIs and HIV
- Advice for adults experiencing sexual problems (also called Psychosexual Medicine)
- Support for Relationships and Sex Education in schools
These services are free for everyone. Current services are provided through Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust – known as “Sexual Health Dorset”. Some services are also available through GP practices and pharmacies.
More information about sexual health services
Sexual Health Dorset, run by Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust, provide free confidential services for all ages. Services are available in person, online and through the post using the digital service SH:24. Services the Local Authority commission from Sexual Health Dorset include:
- Information, advice and access to a broad range of contraception. This includes emergency contraception.
- STI and HIV testing and prevention. We commission treatment of STIs. This includes partner notification services. We don't commission HIV treatment, this is led by NHS England.
- Advice and counselling for people experiencing sexual health problems (known as psychosexual medicine).
- Specialist outreach services for young people, sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Education and sexual health promotion work for schools and colleges.
General Practices (GPs) provide contraception services (including emergency contraception) and access to STI testing. These are generally in person. Some local GPs offer Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) services such as implant or coil fitting and removal.
Pharmacies provide and dispense contraception and can provide free-of-charge emergency contraception. These are generally in person, but some pharmacies offer online contraception services.