Urgent Help
Risk of HIV Exposure
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours:
- Call us on 0300 300 2016 immediately and a clinician will assess you for PEP or PEPSE (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). This is medication you can take to help reduce the chance of HIV transmission. It is a course of medication that is taken after unprotected sex where there has been a higher risk of exposure. PEP should be taken as soon as possible after sex, and definitely within 72 hours. The earlier it is started the more likely it is to work.
- During clinic closing times, attend your nearest A&E department.
- Do not wait - PEP is time sensitive and should be started as soon as possible.
Risk of Pregnancy
If you’ve had unprotected sex or are worried that your contraception might have failed, you can access emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy.
- For emergency contraception, options are most effective within 72 hours, but some can be used up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
- Emergency contraception is available for free from Sexual Health Services, most pharmacies and GP surgeries.
- Click here [(https://
www. ) ] for more information and to find your nearest Pharmacyletstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/ contraception/ emergency-contraception Acute Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following, seek urgent medical help:
- Severe pain in the pelvic or genital area
- Fever or flu-like symptoms after sexual contact
- Rash, sores, or blisters in the genital area
- Symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that are worsening
Call 0300 300 2016 to speak with a sexual health clinician.
If your symptoms are severe or life-threatening, go to your nearest Emergency Department.
General help and advice:
- Call us: 0300 300 2016 Monday to Friday 8:15am to 3:00pm (excluding bank holidays). You can contact or GP or call 111 outside of our opening times for any medical advice.
- Register for a Personal Health Record (PHR) to order free STI/HIV test kits and condoms by post. Click here [www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/phr] to register for your free, secure account.
- Click here [https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/clinic-finder] to find your nearest Sexual Health Clinic
- Visit a Pharmacy for free contraception, emergency contraception and advice about STIs and treatment. Click here [https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy} to find your nearest Pharmacy.