Sexually Transmitted Infections (Centre for Sexual Health)

The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health is an outpatient clinic specialising in providing sexual health services. Everything you discuss with them is confidential and treatment is free of charge (contact details and map at the bottom of this page)

What is sexual health?
Sexual health is being physically and emotionally well so you can enjoy safe and healthy sex. Sexual health is also about looking ahead and dealing with any issues that may later interfere with your sex life. To help show you what this means, here are some of the areas where of help offered:

Sexually transmitted infections
It is possible to have a sexually transmitted infection without having any symptoms at all. On the other hand, such an infection may cause a discharge or pain on passing water, or ulcers on your genitals. The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health provides full screening tests for sexually transmitted infections and in many cases, the doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis at your first attendance. Sometimes treatment to make you better can start right away

Safer sex
Safer sex reduces your chances of catching sexually transmitted infections. You may find it useful to talk about the various forms of sexual activity and risks of infection. You may also find it useful to talk about how to use condoms. The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health can help you to talk to a sexual partner about safer sex and using condoms, and provides condoms free of charge

Family planning
If you have sex without using contraception, you may be risking an unplanned pregnancy. The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health provides free pregnancy tests and family planning advice (including emergency contraception). If you are pregnant and unsure about whether you want to continue with the pregnancy, you can discuss your concerns with a health adviser

Other aspects of sexual health
There are many areas where we can help you with your sexual health:

• Screening tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections
  
• HIV tests
  
• Treatment and care for people with HIV infection
  
• Family planning advice including free pregnancy tests, emergency contraception and free condoms
  
• Smear tests and colposcopy (investigation and treatment for abnormal smears)
  
• Thrush and cystitis
  
• HIV certificates for travel / insurance purposes. (There is a charge made for this service)
  
• Information, testing and treatment for Hepatitis B and C infection
  
• Hepatitis B vaccination
  
• Specific sexual health advice for gay men
  
• Confidential discussion with one of our Health Advisers

Treatment & care for people with HIV infection
The Leeds Centre for Sexual Health provides specialist medical treatment, information and emotional support for HIV positive people

HIV discussion/testing
You may find it helpful to talk about HIV and find out what it means to you. You may even want to go further and have an HIV test. If you book an appointment for a "same-day" HIV test, you can have your blood taken in the morning and come back later in the day for the result

The clinic is open Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 08:45 – 12:00 and 13:45 – 16:30
Wednesday: 08:45 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:30
Thursday: 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:45 – 19:00
An appointment system operates. If you have difficulty getting time off work, there is an evening clinic once a week on a Thursday. You can make your own appointment to see a doctor, nurse or health adviser. (You do not need to be sent by your doctor or other agency). If you have an urgent problem it may be possible for you to be seen without an appointment after discussion with a health adviser

The Centre for Sexual Health is part of the General Infirmary at Leeds (LGI) and is close to Leeds City Centre. They are located about five minutes walk from the Headrow (see map). Parking; there is an indoor "pay and display" car park at the top of Calverley Street (see map)

Source: GUM Leeds 2004

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Last revision: April 2011