LGBT Helpline Scotland »

… has been launched and will provide information and emotional support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families, friends and supporters across Scotland.

The helpline is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 noon to 9.00 p.m.

Please call :  0300 123 2523

Sex – it’s healthy to talk about it – new campaign running »

… March 2013.

Here’s what the campaign is saying:

“Leave your thoughts and worries about sex unspoken and they could start to get in the way of your relationship.  Getting them out in the open is the best way to keep things healthy and happy”

For more information and to see the campaign go to :  www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk

 

Use of Cookies »

NHS Lanarkshire Sexual Health website uses cookies to provide a service finder function for users and to allow us to track visitor numbers, how they use our site and which pages they visit.

This means that you will receive cookies by visiting our site – providing your browser is set to allow them.  You can choose to prevent your browser accepting cookies from our site by changing your browser settings. …

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics (Formerly Genito-urinary Medicine GUM Clinics) »

NHS Lanarkshire provides a range of services to promote positive sexual health and support people who have concerns about their sexual health. This includes providing information, training and education, support and advice and clinical care.

To make an appointment at one of our clinics please call our Appointment Line on 0845 618 7191 (Line open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.)

Women who have experienced sexual assault or abuse should see the …

Thank you »

Your message has been sent to our team.  If you require urgent assistance please contact our Sexual Health Appointment Line on 0845 618 7191 (Line open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.)

Please note this facility is set up to allow website users to give us feedback about this site. It is not an online question and answer service.

NHS Lanarkshire does not currently offer this service. To speak to a health adviser or to make an appointment to attend a Lanarkshire based service …

Safer Sex »

We know all the reasons why it’s a good idea to have Safer sex, but how do you do it?

There’s lots of things that you can do to get sexual pleasure with yourself or your partner. You can use your tongue or your mouth or fingers to stimulate you or your partner’s body. And not just sexual parts either. You see, the whole human body has lots of sensitive nerve endings under the skin, and that means you can get sexual pleasure from being touched or …

Inflammation »

… small amount of salt in the water and pulling back the foreskin to clean underneath will help.

Sexually Transmitted infections ( sti ’s) can also cause these symptoms.  A sexual health screen can be arranged at you local Integrated Sexual Health Clinics (formerly Genito-urinary GUM ).

Urethritis/Meatitis

Is when the urethra is inflamed. This is usually caused by an STI and requires treatment at a Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Genito-urinary GUM).  Symptoms …

Circumcision »

… foreskin is too tight to pull back easily, and this causes it to tear or burst when they have sex.  The benefits are that it is easier to keep clean and prevent build up of smegma under the foreskin.  It also leads to fewer infections including hiv.

Gonorrhoea »

What is Gonorrhoea ?

Gonorrhoea is a sexually-transmitted infection that affects both men and women. It is also an infection that is becoming increasingly common. It is caused by a bacteria (neisseria gonorrhoea) and can create problems in the penis, vagina and anus. It can also be caught and passed on by the throat from unprotected oral sex with an infected partner.

How do I know if I have gonorrhoea?

The majority of …

Oral Sex »

Oral sex (mouth or tongue licking the Genitals ) is low risk.  However, it is not ‘no risk’ and is also a risk factor for STI, such as Syphilis and Gonorrhoea.  So use a condm for Oral Sex to protect youself and your partner. There are flavoured Condoms available which have been specially designed for oral sex.

Arousal »

It is really difficult to define how people become interested in possible sexual activity and the Arousal that follows this. Different factors such as the ease, frequency and intensity of these feelings come into play. Where one step leads into another can be hard to decide. Libido is the term generally used to describe Sex drive, the urge to sexual fantasy or activity. It varies between individuals and there is no identifiable “normal” level of …

Other Methods of Contraception »

… pills there is no pill free week. This method would be discussed fully with you at the sexual health clinic. If you had no problems in the first 3 months, the POP could be prescribed for 6 – 12 months depending on your health.

THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH – EVRA

There is now a contraceptive patch containing hormones similar to the combined pill i.e. Oestrogen/Progesterone. This is only used in exceptional circumstances.

The following website provides information to help you …

Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods (LARC) »

These methods of contraception should be discussed with all clients wishing to avoid pregnancy . These methods of contraception last from 3-5 years and do not involve swallowing pills etc.

Implanon, the contraceptive implant

Implanon is a little rod, which can be inserted into your arm just under the skin.It is about the size of a match and once inserted you are able to feel it but it …

Dementia »

… not develop dementia than that you will!

Dementia is likely to have an impact on the person’s sexual activity. Some degree of sexual difficulties, described elsewhere on the site, are likely to have developed earlier in life with people who suffer from Vascular disease.

You might consider talking about these things now when you are well. In this way, should the worst ever happen, your partner(s) will be aware of your wishes and will feel more confident and able to deal with any …

Menopause »

… of Contraception , feel liberated and may even experience a flush of sensuality and interest in sexual adventure. Others lose any interest in continuing sexual activity, whether the passage through the menopause was difficult or relatively easy. Vaginal dryness accompanying the menopause can be off-putting too, especially if sexual activity results in pain.

 

Difficulties with Arousal are discussed more fully at the Sexual Difficulties section of this web site.

The most common …

Infections »

… to experience all manner of Infections  throughout their lives which have an impact on their sexual health. Some of these are Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STIs ) and some are not (Non STIs).

Society at large tends to make the assumption that sexuality and associated sexual health is the prerogative of the young. Apart from being mistaken, this presumption may also be misleading.

Sexually Transmitted Infections do not distinguish between the 18 year old and the 80 year old …

Stroke »

… pressure (hypertension), both of which can lead to stroke, may have experienced some degree of sexual difficulties caused by these. It is always important to report this type of physical change to your doctor as it may indicate an underlying cause which can be dealt with before it becomes more serious. This may even improve your chances of avoiding a stroke. With heart disease, changes to your sexual capacity and the physical activities you are able to engage in may have been notable for …

Curved Erection (Peyronie’s Disease) »

… Disease

Peyronie’s Disease is a bend or curvature of the penis, which can make sex difficult and painful. Most commonly the bend is upwards but can be to the left or right. It is most noticeable when the penis is erect. Most males have a slight bend in their penis, present from puberty.

What causes it?

The cause is unknown. The bend is caused by a growth of ‘plaque’ at the area affected. A hard lump can often be felt. You should visit a doctor to make sure …

Cervical Cancer »

… cancer there may be pelvic pain, back pain, pain while passing urine/ stools or having sex. These last symptoms can be found as the result of other non-cancerous conditions, so don’t jump to the worst conclusion, if you are experiencing these pains make an appointment to get checked over.

Contributory factors

There is evidence to suggest that the earlier penetrative sexual activity starts the greater the risk of developing cervical cancer. The more sexual partners, the …

Trauma »

If you have experienced abuse – childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault or domestic abuse – at any time in your life, this can be physically and emotionally traumatic.

Everyone is different and we all respond to events in our lives in our own way. If you have experienced trauma repeatedly over a long time, or it has got worse, then you might have more extreme responses. Sometimes we try not to think about what has happened …

Discrimination »

Sexual discrimination is not the same as harassment, but it is still an important issue in the workplace.

Sometimes it is obvious. If you are treated unfairly in any way because of your gender (and you can show that someone of a different gender would not be treated that way) then this is direct discrimination. Indirect discrimination refers to conditions that are set down for a job that …

Contact Us »

… site only.  It is not an online question and answer service.  If you have a concern about your sexual health please call 0845 618 7191 to make an appointment to attend a Lanarkshire based service. 

The Terrence Higgins Trust has an online question and answer service called Sexfacts. Click on the link below to go to the Sexfacts webpage.

http://www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health/Get-help-now/Ask-a-question  

Send us a message

Your Name (required)

Your …

C Card Scheme »

… working or studying in Lanarkshire.

Condoms can help prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and can also help protect against unintended pregnancy.

Here are some frequently asked questions on what the scheme is about and how to use it.

Where do I get my C Card from?

You can pick up a C Card and leaflet (which lists where the C Card centres are and some local sexual health information) from any of the 98 health centres, GP practices and …

Wishaw Health Centre »

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Monday

1.30pm – 3.30pm

C Card

Monday-Thursday

Friday

9.00am-5.00pm

9.00am-4.30pm

 Young Person’s Clinic

Monday

4.00pm-5.30pm

(last drop in 4.45pm)

 

Viewpark Health Centre »

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Friday

9.30am to 12.00noon

C Card

Monday – Thursday

Friday

9.00am – 5.00pm

9.00am – 4.30pm

 

Motherwell Health Centre »

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM )

Tuesday

9.00am – 10.00am *Walk In

(see below for more information)

1.30pm – 4.30pm – By appointment only

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Tuesday

9.00am – 10.00am *Walk In

(see below for more information)

1.30pm – 4.30pm – By appointment only

 Young …

Lanark Health Centre »

C Card

Monday to Friday

9.00am-5.00pm

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics (formerly Family Planning)

Alternate Tuesdays

7.00pm-9.00pm

Hunter Health Centre »

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM )

Wednesday

1.30pm – 4.30pm

6.45pm – 8.30pm

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Monday  

Wednesday* 

Thursday

9.30am-12.00noon, 7.00pm-9.00pm

1.00pm-2.00pm*,6.45pm-8.00pm 

1.30pm-3.30pm

 Young People

Thursday

3.30pm-5.30pm

  C Card

 Monday …

Carluke Health Centre »

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM )

Monday

9.30am – 12.00noon

1.30pm – 4.30pm

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Monday

 

Thursday

9.30am – 12.30noon

1.30pm – 4.30pm

C Card

Monday – Friday

9.00am – 12.00noon

1.00pm – 4.30pm

 

Blantyre Health Centre »

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM )

Thursday

9.30am-12.00noon

1.30pm-4.30pm

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Thursday

9.30am-12noon

1.30pm-4.30pm

C Card

Monday – Friday

9.00am – 4.00pm

 

Airdrie Health Centre »

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

 

Thursday

1.30pm – 4.00pm

7.00pm - 9.00pm

 

 

Please enter clinic from side of building and press intercom to gain entry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly GUM ) 

 

Thursday

5.45pm – 8.00pm

Please enter clinic from side of building and press …

Douglas Street Clinic »

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM )

Friday

9.30am – 12.30pm

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Wednesday

Friday

7.00pm-9.00pm

9.30am-11.30am

C Card

Monday-Friday

9.00am-4.00pm

 

Cumbernauld Central Health Centre »

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM )

Friday

9.30am-12.30pm

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Monday

Friday

7.00pm-9.00pm

9.30am-11.30am*

Young Person’s Clinic

Monday

4.00pm-6.00pm

* LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraception ) Clinic Only

Coatbridge Health Centre – Reception »

Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics

(formerly Family Planning)

Monday

9.00am-10.00am*

1.30pm – 8.30pm

Integrated Sexual Health Clinics

(formerly Genito-urinary GUM ) s

Monday

9.00am-10.00am*

1.30pm – 8.30pm

*Walk in Clinic – Patients must arrive before 10.00am and will be assessed by a nurse and seen in order of priority.  Please note that …

Online Sexplanations »

Welcome to the NHS Lanarkshire Sexual Health Website.

We have developed this site to help you enjoy your relationships and sexual health with safety, pleasure and respect. It contains advice and information on a wide range of sexual health topics as well as details of how to access local services. Contact us if there is anything else you would like to see included.

If you are looking to make an appointment at one of our …

Chlamydia »

… come from?

It can be easily passed on through Vaginal , Anal and, perhaps, Oral sex . There is no evidence to show that it can be passed on from toilet seats, sharing towels or cups. An infected mother can pass it on to her baby’s eyes and lungs at birth. It can also be spread from Genitals to eyes with your fingers. Using a condom will greatly reduce your chances of becoming infected with chlamydia.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia (trachomatis) is a very …

Safer Sexual Health »

Here are a few hints and tips to help you enjoy safer sexual health.

Stay sexy, stay healthy

If you are sexually active, it’s important to look after your sexual health.  Why not book a sexual health check up at your local Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic on 0845 618 7191 or 01236 712908 (Line open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.).  You’ll get advice on looking after your sexual health and you can access free condoms …

Chlamydia Test – How does it work? »

Where does Chlamydia come from?

For a step by step guide how how to use our Chalmydia Postal Testing Kit, check out our video clip:

Easy to Catch – At least 1 in 10 people have chlamydia! Most people have no symptoms

East to Test – All it takes is a free urine test for men/self-taken swab for women

Easy to Treat – Free antibiotics are usually all you need

To …

The Folder »

The Folder is intended as a brief guide to HIV and its treatment. It is for people who have been diagnosed HIV positive and who are attending the Lanarkshire HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis Centre (LHAHC).

Click here for more information

  …

Chlamydia Postal Testing Kit »

… pain when urinating, bleeding between periods you would be best to attend one of our sexual health clinics for assessment.

If you have been notified that you have been in contact with someone who has chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea please do not request a postal testing kit, instead call 0845 618 7191 to arrange an appointment with us. 

If you live in Lanarkshire you can order your free Postal Testing Kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea here. Just fill in the form below. It is …

Request a Postal Testing Kit »

… , pain when Urinating , bleeding between periods you would be best to attend one of our sexual health clinics for assessment.

If you have been notified that you have been in contact with someone who has chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea please do not request a postal testing kit, instead call 0845 618 7191 to arrange an appointment with us.

If you live in Lanarkshire you can order your free Postal Testing Kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea here. Just fill in the form below. It is a …

Welcome »

NHS Lanarkshire has developed this site to help you enjoy your relationships and sexual health with safety, pleasure and respect. It contains advice and information on a wide range of sexual health topics as well as details of how to access local services. Contact us if there is anything else you would like to see included.

If you are looking to make an appointment at one of our clinics our appointment line number is 0845 618 7191 (Line Open Monday to Friday 9.00 …

NSU »

… don’t worry, read on and everything will become clear.

What is it?

NSU/NGU is a  common sexually-transmitted infection. Both men and women can get it but only males can be tested for it (due to anatomical reasons). However, female partners also need treated for it. It can only be diagnosed at a Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Genito-urinary GUM ) because a microscope is needed to make the diagnosis.

The symptoms are the same as those for chlamydia.

Women may get …

Therapies »

When the underlying cause of sexual dysfunction is found to be physical, then your doctor will provide the required treatment or arrange specialist involvement for this purpose. This will also be the case when the underlying cause is decided to be psychological, or there are significant psychological effects resulting from a dysfunction.

A thorough medical examination is usually made, if this has not already been done …

Parents »

Many parents and carers feel uncomfortable or unsure about talking with their children about sex. But there is support available for discussing sex and relationships with your family.

Speakeasy – courses for Parents and Carers in Lanarkshire

Speakeasy is a fun and relaxed course that helps parents and carers build on what they already know about relationships and sex. It offers the opportunity to learn together using their own experiences. Courses are delivered by skilled …

Unplanned Pregnancy »

… important to ensure you have an accurate pregnancy test- you can get this done through your GP, Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics (formerly Family Planning)  clinic, Integrated Sexual Health clinic (formerly GUM clinic) or some chemists.

Your options are:

To continue with the pregnancy and keep your baby

To continue with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted

To have a termination of pregnancy (abortion)

You will need to carefully consider your options, and it often …

Going on Holiday? »

When on holiday it is important to remember to protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STI ) and HIV.  Before you head off on holiday if you need a supply of your regular contraception to take with you then contact your local sexual health clinic on 0845 618 7191 (Line open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.).  If you are looking for condoms then please use our Free Condoms, No Fuss Service, for more information on where to obtain …

Emergency Contraception »

… morning after pill, it is worth doing a pregnancy test. Ideally, we would like to see you in the sexual health service to discuss ongoing contraception. If you are pregnant and have used emergency contraception, it is important that you make contact with a doctor or sexual health clinic so that pregnancy options can be discussed.  If you do become pregnant and have taken emergency contraception, there is no evidence emergency contraception effects a developing pregnancy.

Emergency …

Black & Minority Ethnic sites »

NHS Health Scotland

A range of sexual health information leaflets which are translated into a number of different languages, including Bengali, Chinese, French, Hindu, Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu and Romanian are available through the following links.

Chlamydia – http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/5768.aspx

Vaginal health – http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/3419.aspx

Genital …

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) »

… the result of infection which moves up into the womb and tubes, from lower down in the female sex organs ( genital tract).

What causes Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may occur either from bacteria which are already present in the vagina or those which can be passed on during sex, for example chlamydia and gonorrhoea. When bacteria gets through the cervix (the neck of the womb), Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can sometimes occur. A …

Syphilis »

What is it?

Syphilis is a complex sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women, and it is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum.

What happens if I have syphilis?

Syphilis can affect the body in two stages, but often you may have no symptoms at all.

Early Syphilis

Primary stage (10 days – 6 weeks) usually is a small, red ulcer/sore which heals itself after 3-6 weeks. There may …

Pubic Lice (crabs) »

… to be seen by a doctor. You may want to go to your genitourinary medicine clinic to check for any sexually transmitted infections , which may be present without symptoms. Current sexual partners should also be treated.

Bed linen and recently used clothing should be put through a hot wash.

Will the pubic lice come back?

Treatment is successful for most people. You may experience itching afterwards but this does not necessarily mean that the lice have come back. Do not use the lotion …

Genital Warts »

… How are the warts passed on?

The virus can be passed by skin-to-skin contact  (usually sex ) with a partner who has the genital wart virus. A person does not need to have visible genital warts to pass the virus on to someone else. If you have sex with someone who has genital warts, you may get them too. The virus can lie dormant for a long time so it is difficult to know when you may have acquired the virus.

How is it diagnosed?

A doctor will usually be able to diagnose the …

Herpes »

… herpes, but there are a number of things that may contribute to another attack. Friction during sex (using a lubricating gel can help this), direct sunlight or sunlamp rays on genital area, tight clothing or nylon underwear, and often just being generally run down or stressed. Sometimes people need tablets to prevent them getting frequent attacks but this is something which should be discussed with the doctor at the sexual health clinic.

How is herpes passed on?

The herpes virus can …

Body Image »

… people to conform to these ideals, and if they can’t, they may face rejection or ridicule.

Sexual images and ideals are continuously used in the media and advertising. These may represent a look or a lifestyle that we should all be striving for and can make us feel inadequate if we fail to do so. Difference is too often viewed negatively and can be used as a source to insult the person who is different in some way.

How we feel about ourselves is an essential part of our self-esteem …

Young Persons Clinics »

… age of 20 to access.

To find the clinic nearest to you please go to : http://www.lanarkshiresexualhealth.org/age-sexual-health/young-persons-clinics/young-person-clinics/  

If you have any symptoms please do not attend the young person’s clinic but instead call 0845 618 7191 (line open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.) for an appointment.  If you attend a young person’s clinic with symptoms you will be re-directed to attend sexual health services to have the symptoms …