Where to
get help
Essex Sexual Health Service are committed to providing you the sexual health services and support you need in the place that makes you feel the most comfortable – whether that’s your home or somewhere else.
Here, you will find all the information you need to know about where you can find help and the different ways you can access our sexual health service.
Where to
get help
Essex Sexual Health Service are committed to providing you the sexual health services and support you need in the place that makes you feel the most comfortable – whether that’s your home or somewhere else.
Here, you will find all the information you need to know about where you can find help and the different ways you can access our sexual health service.
Need to talk?
Call our helpline on
0300 003 1212
Online portal
Our Personal Health Record is an online portal which makes it easy for anyone in Essex to access the sexual health services they need, at any time.
- Appointments
- STI self-testing
- FREE Condoms
STI Self-Testing
Quick | Easy | Discreet
Our Personal Health Record is an online portal which makes it easy for anyone in Essex to access the sexual health services they need, at any time.
- Provide a small sample
- Send the test to us in the envelope provided
- Receive your results in just a few days
- Totally discreet and you can get your test results sent anywhere
Clinic Appointments
Professional | Confidential | Caring
In some situations (not all) you might be asked to attend a face-to-face appointment with a doctor or other sexual health professional.
- Carried out by a trained clinician
- Completely discreet and confidential
- May provide you with prescriptions or reference to another service
Phone Appointments
Confidential | Private | Helpful
After speaking to the helpline – or using a STI self-testing kit – you may be asked to speak to a trained clinician to further discuss your needs.
- A quick and discreet way to get professional advice
- Available wherever you’re most comfortable – in your home or somewhere else
- The clinician will discuss circumstances or test results, offer advice and arrange treatment
Get FREE Condoms with the eC-Card
Free condom and lube for young people aged between 16-24 in Essex
It’s as easy as 1-2-3…
- Download the eC-Card app from your Google Play or Apple App store
- Watch three short videos and fill out a questionnaire
- Visit one of our convenient pickup points across the county, scan your QR code and discreetly collect your free condoms and lube
FAQs
Clear answers to common questions
Contacting a sexual health service for the first time may be a little daunting, especially if you’re not keen on talking to someone. So, here are answers to some of the questions we get asked a lot.
What questions will be asked if I call the helpline?
You’ll be asked a few simple questions to understand your circumstances and the support you may need.
There is no rush, so take your time.
What support will I be offered?
We will support you in whatever way you need.
This may include talking through your situation, giving advice, helping you access thing like protection or contraception, or organising a STI test.
What if I need a test?
We provide a quick and discreet STI self-testing kits for many of the most common infections.
If a different test is needed, we’ll help you with booking a confidential appointment at a local clinic.
Will I need a physical examination?
You may be invited to a confidential physical examination at one of our clinics, where a doctor will undertake any examination that’s needed.
You’ll be asked in advance if you are comfortable with the examination.
Who is told about my appointments or STI tests?
No one. Both your appointment and test result are completely confidential.
Your information is stored in a sexual health services medical record and is only shared with your GP or other professional if you agree.
How are tests taken?
If you do need to take a test, many can be taken from the comfort of your home by ordering one of our self-test kits – others may require a visit to a sexual health clinic.
You may be asked to provide either a urine or swab sample of the infected area or a blood sample may be needed in some cases. This will be explained before the test.
What if my test result is positive?
Firstly, please don’t worry, we deal with STIs all the time and almost all are now treatable.
You’ll be contacted by a professional to discuss your results and given advice on the treatment you may need.
In addition, we will offer any counselling and other forms of support you may need.
Useful Links
Services | Help & Advice
Our Resource Hub
Information | Guides | Advice
The resource hub is a fantastic place to find answers to questions you may have or learn more about a range of sexual health topics.
There is a wide range of downloadable content on contraception, birth control, sexual law, STIs, treatments and much more.
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