PEP is a combination of HIV medications that may significantly reduce your risk of being infected with HIV if taken within 72 hours of an activity with a high risk of HIV exposure.
PrEP is the use of anti-HIV medication (Truvada) to keep HIV negative people from becoming infected with HIV.
Chems are taken to get high, chill out, to be part of the crowd, feel comfortable and to loose inhibitions. They can enhance feelings of pleasure, friendship and intimacy but when the user sobers up then there are often periods of regret, depression and realisation of the risks taken.
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It is a bacterial infection that is usually passed on from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults.
There are a number of places to find sexual and reproductive (family planning) health services in Berkshire, different services run at different times, some clinics require appointments while others are “walk in”.
You can order free Chlamydia home testing kits here. Please note that free test kits may only be available in some areas and for certain age groups.
What does the chlamydia test involve? The recommended tests for chlamydia are simple, painless and generally very reliable. They involve sending a sample of cells to a laboratory for analysis. You don't necessarily have to be examined by a doctor or nurse first and can often collect the sample yourself.
Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if a contraceptive method fails e.g a condom splits or pills are missed. Please call into clinic or phone us on 0118 322 7202 (Reading) or 01753 635302. (Slough) if you think you might need emergency contraception.
STI's (sexually transmitted infections)
STIs are infections that can be passed from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom). It is quick and simple to test for an STI, many STIs can be treated with antibiotics. It is a good idea to have an STI test after unprotected sex or when you change partners.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted we are often one of the first places people think of coming to for help, both men and women can be sexually assaulted or raped.
The Florey clinic provides a free confidential integrated sexual health service in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire. We won't share any information you give us with anyone outside the clinic without your permission unless we are worried about your safety.
The Garden Clinic provides a free, confidential, non judgemental, integrated Sexual Health Service in Slough, Bracknell and Maidenhead. We have over twenty years experience of providing a one stop shop for your sexual health and contraception needs.
A woman can get pregnant if a man's sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova). Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart, or by stopping egg production, or by stopping the combined sperm and egg (fertilised egg) attaching to the lining of the womb. Contraception is free for most people in the UK.
FREE HIV testing is available for adults living in Berkshire at your local Sexual Health Service. See the clinic finder to locate your nearest service.
If you live in Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Wokingham or West Berkshire you can order a free HIV self sampling kit.
If you think you could be pregnant you should do a pregnancy test as soon as possible. You can buy a pregnancy testing kit from any pharmacy e.g. Clearblue.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is child abuse. It's dangerous and a criminal offence. Find out more & get support.
If you're worried about someone under 18 being exploited, this page can help you understand what child sexual exploitation is & what you can do to help them.
Please see MHRA advice on the 'Other ways to get an HIV test' page