Sexual and reproductive health

Sexual and reproductive health can have an impact on all aspects of our physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing. Being informed, safe and respectful are important factors for everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, disability and age.

Solent NHS Trust Sexual Health Service provides free sexual and reproductive health services and advice across Hampshire.

Cervical screening (also known as a smear test) is a test to check the health of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. You can access this through your GP. For more information visit our screening page.

Solent NHS Trust Sexual Health Service provides free sexual and reproductive health services across Hampshire. Visit the Let’s Talk About It website to find the details of your nearest sexual health clinic or call 0300 300 2016.

Access to contraception is important, regardless of the risk of pregnancy, as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect all ages. It is important to be tested for STIs if you are sexually active. Many STIs are asymptomatic. This means you can have an infection even though you may not have any symptoms. However, they can still cause harm and you can pass them onto others. This is why it is especially important to get tested if:

  • you are beginning a new sexual relationship
  • you have had unprotected sex (no barrier contraception) with a new partner recently
  • you or your sexual partner has sex with other people without using a condom
  • your sexual partner has recently been diagnosed with an STI
  • you or your sexual partner has symptoms that are unusual or worrying

For more information, visit the NHS website.

What can I access through Sexual and Reproductive Health Services?

  • STI testing
  • HIV services
  • STI and HIV treatment
  • Contraception (including emergency contraception)
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Sexual Health Referral

All services accessed through the Sexual Health Services are free.

How can I access a test?

  1. Create a personal health record. This is a confidential personal health record and is not linked to any other medical records.
  2. Once you have an account you can:
    • book appointments
    • order free STI testing kits
    • order condoms by post
  3. You can be tested for STIs at a clinic (people with symptoms must see someone in clinic) or at home by receiving a test kit in the post:
    • A urine sample or vaginal swab for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
    • A blood test for HIV and syphilis
  4. Test results will be received by text message, unless you have specified otherwise.
    • Online STI test kit: text messages are sent within 7 working days of the laboratory receiving your sample
    • Tested in clinic: text messages are sent within 7 working days of your visit to a clinic

For more information, visit the Let’s Talk About It website.

Emergency contraception, sometimes known as the morning after pill, can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex (using no contraception) or if your contraception has failed, for example, you have missed a pill, or the condom has split. Emergency contraception is best taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Some pills can be taken within 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex.

If you need emergency contraception, you can access it free from:

  • Contraceptive clinics
  • Visit the NHS website to find out which pharmacies offer the morning after pill for free
  • Most GP surgeries

If you have been sexually assaulted it is important to remember that it was not your fault. Do not be afraid to seek help. For more information on the services available, visit the Lets Talk About It website. You can also find a 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line at Rape Crisis or by calling them on 0808 500 2222.