Sex & Relationships

Gateshead

Sex & Relationships - Gateshead

Check Yourself

STI Screening Service

It’s easy to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even if you have no symptoms. This is called an asymptomatic screen and is recommended if you change partners or have unprotected sex. Men: urine sample, women: simple swab sample & everyone: blood test for HIV and Syphilis.

Trinity Square Health Centre offers a fast-track service (no need to see a doctor/nurse) if you have no symptoms. Healthcare assistants will ask a few questions and carry out the tests if you’re eligible. Free dual-screening kits (for chlamydia and gonorrhoea) are available at selected GP and pharmacy sites in Gateshead: https://www.gatesheadsexualhealth.co.uk/community-partner-site-locations/ and if you are over 16 years old you can order home-testing kits here: https://stg.liliehub.health/Lilie-STG/Hub/home

If you have symptoms, you must attend the main clinic at Trinity Square for full testing and possible same-day treatment. Your samples are sent to the lab anonymously using a clinic number. Treatment is free, and you’ll be able to discuss results and next steps with a doctor or nurse.

Know Your Body

Be aware of your body, what is normal for you, and listen to your body if you feel something isn’t right. Tell your doctor if you notice anything different. This is more effective than constant regular self-checks.

Testicles

It’s good to know what your testicles usually look and feel like, and to be aware of their normal size and weight. This makes it easier to spot anything unusual and tell your Doctor about it.

When to see your doctor:

You should see your doctor if you have:

– an unusual lump or swelling in part of one testicle

– a sharp pain in the testicle or scrotum

– a heavy scrotum

– an increase in the firmness or feel

– an unusual difference between one testicle and the other

Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer but it’s important to get them checked by a doctor.

Breasts

It’s good to be breast aware, knowing what they usually look and feel like, including at different times of the month, so that you can notice any changes.

When to see your doctor:

– a new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit

– a change in size, shape or feel of your breast

– skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin

– fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding

– changes in the position of the nipple

The symptoms listed here are more often caused by other medical conditions. But if you have any of them it is important to see your GP.

Mam's Health

Sex After Birth – Tips

– Speak up if sex is painful – don’t pretend it’s fine

– Explore gently – try using lubricant and start with self-touch

– Relax together – emotional connection helps

– Seek help – talk to your GP if pain continues after your postnatal check

Emotions

It is natural to feel overwhelming emotions in your postnatal journey. However, if you feel your emotions are becoming heavy and feel concerned, please follow this link for symptoms and advice https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/symptoms/.

Local Groups

Family Hubs – We support families from conception to the age of two so that all children get the best start in life. Support continues for children up the age of 19 and to age 25 for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). See the link below for details.

Dad's Health

Support for Dads & Partners

Partners can also feel low after birth.

Check out the Supporting Dads section on the 0–19 app

Young dads (under 25)? Visit:👉 North East Young Lads & Dads Group https://www.neydl.uk/

Supporting Your Partner Post-Birth

After birth, emotions can be intense, this is natural, however for some people these emotions can become heavier. Be aware of signs of postnatal depression, such as:

– Frequent crying

– Trouble bonding with baby

– Withdrawing from others

– Negative self-talk

– Neglecting self-care

– Loss of humour

– Constant worry about baby

The

'Birds

And

The

Bees'

Chat

Children and young people who can talk openly to their parents or carers about relationships and sexual health are more likely to have first sex later and to use contraception.

What are Young People Saying?

In a Health-Related Behaviour Questionnaire recently carried out by Gateshead Council, only just over half of Year 10 pupils said they think you should wait until 16 years old to have sex. Over 50% said they did not know where to get free condoms from. 27% of pupils responded ‘yes’ to having experienced negative and/or controlling behaviour with a partner. These stats show why it is so important to have these conversations.

What to say?

For advice on how to engage with children and young people for conversations around:

-Sex (inc contraception options)

-Puberty

-Consent

-Exploitation/sexting

The Little Book of Useful Stuff has information on:

-Puberty (female changes, male changes)

-Sexual health including what is consent

-Safe sex and contraception

-STIs

-Pregnancy

-LGBTQ+

-Good & bad relationships including friendships & abusive relationships

-Sexual exploitation

-Sexting

HIV

Prevent - Test - Treat

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If you have been diagnosed with HIV you will need to attend clinics for regular check-ups to monitor the infection. You will be supported whilst dealing with the diagnosis. When it is time to start treatment you will be be able to do so within Trinity Health Centre.

Examples of those who may be at high risk of HIV

If you are a man or a woman and have sex with men who themselves have sex with other men and do not always use condoms.
If your sexual partner is HIV positive who is not on treatment or is on treatment but their HIV has not yet been undetectable (not yet under control) for at least 6 months.
If you have sex without a condom with multiple partners and or with recent migrants to the UK.
If you are paid for sex and you are pressured not to use condoms.
If you were diagnosed with a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (especially rectal bacterial infection, HCV or syphilis).
If you needed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) particularly repeated courses.
If you use recreational drugs for sex (chemsex) such as crystal meth, mephedrone and or GHB.

For a free test kit please access Gateshead’s online testing page:

Learn your Terms

PrEP – Pre-exposure prophylaxis

If you’re HIV negative, you may be able to take PrEP to reduce your risk of contracting HIV. It is currently available as a pill taken before sex and is free across the UK.

If you think PREP is for you, give Trinity Square Health Centre a call to discuss accessing PREP on 0191 283 1577 between the hours of 08.45 & 12.15 for a telephone consultation.

PEPSE – Post-exposure Prophylaxis following Sexual Exposure

PEPSE is a short course of HIV treatment given to people who may have been exposed to HIV, in order to reduce the risk of becoming HIV Positive.

If you think you need PEPSE give Trinity Square Health Centre a call on 0191 283 1577 between the hours of 08.45 & 12.15 for a telephone consultation.

Healthy, Safe Relationships

1. Consent – it’s as simple as tea.

2. Be aware of the types of abuse:

Physical –This means doing a physical act which causes harm. For example, punching or strangling.
Psychological/emotional – This is when the person uses words and non-physical actions to manipulate, hurt or upset you.
Coercive control – an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation or intimidation. For example, isolating you from your friends/family, or tracking you and how you spend your time.
Financial/economic abuse – part of coercive control. This is where the perpetrator uses money to control your freedom.
Sexual abuse – this can take place within relationships or between family members. For example, rape or sexual assault, or forcing you to perform sexual acts with them or others.
Tech abuse – this is becoming more common as our homes become smarter. This could range from monitoring social media to using cameras to watch or listen to you.

For further details and where to find help please follow the link below.

3. Local Services:

Young Women’s Outreach Project –
https://sites.google.com/ywop.co.uk/home

Streetwise –
https://www.streetwisenorth.org.uk/

Children North East –
https://children-ne.org.uk/

Findaway Service –
https://www.wefindaway.org.uk/

4. Useful links:

Parent’s Guides to Support:
Abuse | Parents Guide to Support
YoungMinds

Rape Crisis:
https://rctn.org.uk/

Healthy Relationships:
What’s needed for a healthy relationship? – Brook

Postnatal Contraception

You can get pregnant again from 3 weeks after giving birth, even before your periods return. So it’s important to start contraception early. You can use the following methods any time after birth, if you have no medical risks:

Implant – over 99% effective
Injection – over 99% effective
Progestogen-only pill – 99% effective if taken correctly
Male condoms – 98% effective
Female condoms – 95% effective
Coils (IUD/IUS) – can be fitted within 48 hours of birth, but if not fitted then, you must wait until 4 weeks after birth. Both types are over 99% effective.

Does Breastfeeding Prevent Pregnancy?

Breastfeeding can act as contraception for up to 6 months, but only if all of these apply:

You fully breastfeed (no other liquids, feed every 4–6 hours, including at night)
Your baby is under 6 months old
You’ve had no periods since birth

Even then, it’s not guaranteed, so it’s best to use another form of contraception as well.

Where to Learn more?

Video Links

Please tap the Play button below to find more videos on:

‘Where to get Emergency Contraception’ ‘Fitting the Contraceptive Implant’ ‘Fitting the Coil IUD/IUS’ ‘Removing the Contraceptive Implant’

More Information

For more information, visit this link:

Accessing Services

We're Here to Support

You

These weekly workshops offer friendly advice and support on common parenting challenges such as sleep, weaning, toileting, behaviour and speech. Each session is a chance to ask questions and gain practical tips to help you and your child feel more confident.

Ways to Get in Touch

Same-day telephone triage - (8:45am–12:15pm)

Call 0191 283 1577 if you:

Pre-bookable appointments - (8:45am–7:00pm)

Call reception to book:

GP & Pharmacy Services

Online

(for over 16s)