It doesn’t matter how old you are, your gender, your background, or who you’re into – you can always get help.
You can get advice, support, and check-ups to help you look after your sexual health. These are
usually called sexual health clinics or GUM clinics (that’s short for genitourinary medicine).
Find sexual health clinics near you on our sexual health and contraception page or visit the NHS website.
First step: take a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
You can get a free and confidential pregnancy test, even if you’re under 16. No one will judge you, and you won’t get into trouble.
Places you can go for help:
- Sexual health/GUM clinicsContraception or family planning clinics
- Young people’s services – call 0300 123 7123 (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm; weekends 11am–4pm)
- Brook centres (for under-25s)
- Some GP surgeries
You can also buy a pregnancy test from a pharmacy or supermarket and do it at home.
Getting tested early means you’ll get the right advice and support, whatever the result.
If your pregnancy wasn’t planned, you’ve got choices. You’ll need to decide whether to continue with the pregnancy or not.
This can feel overwhelming, so take time to think. If you choose an abortion, it’s safest and easiest to do it early — but it’s OK to take some time to decide.
You don’t have to tell anyone you’re pregnant until you’re ready. If you’d prefer, you can ask to see a female doctor or nurse.
If you continue with the pregnancy, it’s important to start antenatal care (pregnancy care) early. Your GP can help you get started.
There are also local services across Greater Manchester to support you with unplanned pregnancy — whether that’s making your decision, getting care, or just talking things through.
Visit our maternity and pregnancy hub for everything you need to know
If a condom split, slipped, or wasn’t used, there’s a risk of pregnancy and STIs. The most important thing? Act fast. The sooner you act, the better your options.
Worried about pregnancy?
You can:
- Take the emergency pill (morning-after pill) within 3–5 days after sex (depends on the type).
- Get a coil (IUD) fitted within 5 days.
Find out more about emergency contraception
If your next period is late, take a pregnancy test to be sure.
Remember: emergency contraception is there for emergencies, not something to rely on all the time. There are loads of other types of contraception you can use regularly. You can talk to a nurse or doctor at your GP about contraceptive options.
Think you might have an STI?
If you’ve had unprotected sex, there’s also a chance you could have caught an STI.
You can get free, confidential tests and support at:
- Sexual health/GUM clinics
- Some contraception/family planning clinics
- Some GPs
Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s a good idea to get checked.
Find sexual health information and support
Chlamydia: quick facts
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK — but it’s easy to test and treat.
You can:
- Get tested at a clinic or GP
- Order a free home test kit online if you’re 15–24
It’s private, and no one needs to know unless you want them to.
Get your free chlamydia home test kit (under-25s)
If you’ve had sex without a condom, there’s a chance you could have picked up a sexually transmitted infection (STI) — even if you feel fine.
You should get tested if:
- You don’t have symptoms but you’re worried
- You do have symptoms (like unusual discharge or pain)
- Something just doesn’t feel right
Until you know for sure, use a condom or avoid sex. If you do have an STI, condoms help stop you from passing it on. Your partner (or partners) should get tested too.
Where to get free and confidential help:
- Your GP (doctor)
- Sexual health/GUM clinics
- Services made especially for young people
Even if you’re under 16, you can still get tested. It’s free, confidential, and they won’t tell your parents unless they think you’re at serious risk of harm.
If you’ve forgotten to take your pill, you might not be fully protected — but don’t panic. What you do next depends on:
- The type of pill (combined or progestogen-only)
- How many you missed
- Where you are in your pack
Check what to do if you missed a combined pill
Check what to do if you missed a progestogen-only pill
If you find it hard to take a pill every day, you could try:
- The implant
- The injection
- The coil (IUD)
These last for ages and are really effective. You might still need condoms for STI protection.
If you take your pill correctly, it’s about 99% effective. But:
- If you’re sick (vomiting/diarrhoea), it might not work properly
- Some medicines can make it less effective.
Always read the leaflet in your pack and check with a doctor or pharmacist if you’re on other meds.
Find out more about taking the pill when you’re sick or have diarrhoea
What sexual health services can do for you…
More places that can help:
- Some GP surgeries
- Some pharmacies (private consultation available)
- Young people’s services (call 0300 123 7123 for info)
Need help or info?
Here are some great places you can turn to:
- BPAS – contraception and abortion advice (03457 30 40 30, weekdays 8am–5pm)
- Brook – support for under-25s and clinics
- FPA – contraception, STIs, pregnancy, and more
- Switchboard – LGBT+ helpline (0300 330 0630, 10am–10pm)
- Terrence Higgins Trust – HIV and sexual health support (0808 802 1221, weekdays 10am–6pm)
- Health for Teens – info just for teens
You’re not alone. Whatever’s going on, there’s support for you — and it’s always confidential.
Talking to your child about sexual health can be a little bit tricky and sometimes embarrassing but there is lot’s of information out there to help you along with these types of conversations.
Pages you may find useful are:
