General FAQs
All patients will be triaged when they call the information and booking line and where it is felt that you require an appointment, a telephone consultation or a face to face appointment will be given.
I have an appointment – important information to read before your visit
If you have an urgent booked appointment at one of our sexual health clinics, please read this important information before you visit:
- If you have symptoms associated with coronavirus (Covid-19)
including a new continuous cough and/ or a high temperature and/ or loss or a
change to your normal sense of smell or taste, you are advised to stay at home
for 7 days.
Please cancel your appointment and DO NOT ATTEND if you have symptoms that could potentially be coronavirus, as described above. Seek advice and information here: www.nhs.uk. - You must attend your appointments alone in order to minimise risks to yourself, your families and staff. Relatives or friends will not be able to enter the waiting room and will be asked to wait outside of the building.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds especially when you arrive, when you leave and after using the toilet. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.
- Please be aware that our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment, like masks and gowns.
- As per government guidelines, it is compulsory to wear a non-medical face mask/ covering during your visit to our clinic at all times and in all areas of the building. These guidelines do not replace the need for social distancing and good hand hygiene.
My contraception is running out and needs replacing
Coils, implants or injections (Long-acting reversible contraception, LARC)
The Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare have given the following LARC extension guidelines to patients, which are being applied by sexual health services:
LARC | Extend to |
---|---|
Etonogestrel implant | 4 years from date of fitting |
52mg Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system | 6 years from date of fitting |
Banded IUD | 12 years from date of fitting |
5 year IUD (non-banded) | Unable to extend, change to POP or offer condoms by post* |
Jaydess and Kyleena | Unable to extend, change to POP or offer condoms by post* |
If you are unsure which device you have had fitted, please contact the service that fitted it for you e.g. your GP or sexual health service.
Women can leave the LARC in place and also have a Progestogen-only contraceptive pill or order free condoms via our new postal service if they are worried about the risk of pregnancy.
If you are coming towards the end of this extension period, please contact us to arrange a replacement or discuss your contraception options on 0800 328 3383.
I need to order oral contraception ("the pill")
You can order oral contraception ("the pill") from our website, which will link you to our online provider SH:24 . Alternatively, you may be able to contact your GP to order your repeat prescription.
I would like free condoms or C-Card services
Unfortunately we are not currently handing out condoms or C-Card at our clinics. We are, however, providing a free and confidential condoms and lube by post service to people aged 13+ years old who live in Derbyshire and Derby City.
Each pack contains up to 12 condoms and 4 sachets of water-based lubricant. Packs are sent in a discreet plain envelope with a plain postmark and will fit through a letter box.
I'd like my implant/ coil removing
If you require an implant or coil removal please contact us to arrange an appointment on 0800 328 3383.
I need emergency contraception
For emergency contraception, please use the 'search' on our website for your nearest pharmacy in either Derbyshire or Derby City. We also advise that you contact the pharmacy directly, ahead of your visit to find out their current situation regarding opening times and access to services.
We also offer emergency contraception online (for 16 year olds and over).
If you are under 16 years old and wish to access sexual health services for emergency contraception, please contact us on 0800 328 3383 for support and advice.
I’m worried that I have an STI
If you are worried that you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is a good idea to get tested, especially if you have recently changed partners. Most infections can be cured and we will be able to help you get treatment.
Many people with STIs have no symptoms and STIs can pass from one person to another during sex, especially if you don’t use a condom.
You can order a free and confidential STI test kit online. Your test kit will arrive in a plain envelope. It will contain everything you need, to provide us with samples that we will test in the lab.
If you are using the online testing service and a chlamydia test came back as positive, treatment will be sent to you via the postal service.
Common infections which cause irritation and discharge, such as thrush and bacterial vaginosis, are not STIs or sexually shared. Click the links to find out more. To treat these infections you can purchase treatment over the counter from your local pharmacy.
If you have symptoms and would like to talk to someone about STIs, HIV and/ or testing please contact us on 0800 328 3383.
I'd like to talk to someone about my sexual health and wellbeing
Sexual health promotion practitioner 1-1 virtual appointments (non-clinical) are now available, offering free and confidential information, advice and support.
We know that good sexual health and wellbeing is not the same for everyone and sometimes a confidential chat can help you to make the right sexual health choices for you.
Our sexual health promotion practitioners are an experienced community based team, trained to offer psychologically informed support around a wide range of sexual health and wellbeing issues. We are also able to offer onward referrals to other support services, if this is right for you.
Click the link to find out more about the sexual health promotion practitioner appointments.
I need abortion or "termination" advice
An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it does not result in the birth of a baby. It is also sometimes known as a ‘termination’ or a ‘termination of pregnancy’.
An abortion or ‘termination’ can be carried out free of charge on the NHS. It’s important to act quickly. Although the normal legal limit for abortion is 24 weeks, it’s easier to get an abortion on the NHS if you are less than 12 weeks pregnant. The doctor or nurse will be able to give you more information about abortion services in your area.
If you are considering an abortion/ termination you can be referred via your GP practice, sexual health clinic or self-refer to Chesterfield Royal Hospital to discuss your options. You can contact the service at Chesterfield Royal Hospital on 01246 513224.
Derby City based residents can self-refer by contacting the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust phone line: 07788 388412, open 9am – 12 noon, Monday to Friday or email: uhdb.top@nhs.net to make referral.
I need help following a sexual assault or abuse
Follow the link for information and support around sexual abuse or sexual assault.
I am a young person and need some advice
Find out more about sex and relationships online via our website or if you would like to chat to someone about your sexual health and wellbeing, you can text ChatHealth, which is a secure and confidential NHS approved text messaging service that is offered by the school nursing service for young people aged 11-19 years old.
Text ChatHealth on 07507 330025 or visit https://chathealth.nhs.uk
We also have sexual health promotion practitioner 1-1 virtual appointments (non-clinical) available; offering free and confidential information, advice and support.
We know that good sexual health and wellbeing is not the same for everyone and sometimes a confidential chat can help you to make the right sexual health choices for you
Click the link to find out more about the sexual health promotion practitioner appointments.
Is the vasectomy service still open during Covid-19?
Please contact your GP for a referral into our vasectomy service or contact our vasectomy team for further info on 01246 293702 or email DCHST.vasectomy-services@nhs.net
I have concerns about lumps, bumps or warts
Click the link for information about photo diagnosis for lumps, bumps and warts.