CONTRACEPTION

There are many different forms of contraception - making the right choice can be complicated. You will need to think about how reliable the method is, how easy it is to use, how it will affect your body and if it will protect you from sexually transmitted infections as well. Most forms of contraception need to be prescribed, and are usually free. 

Condoms don't need a prescription, and you can pick them up for free from many of the places mentioned in this section. Castlegate and the health drop-in at York College both run C-Card schemes. Once you have registered with a worker you'll be given a credit-card sized C-card. You'll then be able to get free condoms regularly and without fuss.

Castlegate also offer pregnancy testing and chlamydia screening.

York College students can go to the health drop-in at York College for free and confidential sexual health advice and services.

The Young People's Sexual Health Outreach Team at Monkgate Health Centre can offer information and advice, or you can talk in confidence about anything to do with sexual health. Contact the team at Monkgate Health Centre for an appointment.

Family Planning Clinics are available at:

Monkgate Health Centre

Drop-in for under 25's:
Mon-Fri: 4.00-6.30pm & Sat 12.30-3.00pm

Appointments (all ages):
Tues-Fri: 8.00 - 11.00am, 12.00-3.00pm
Saturdays: 8.30 - 11.30am

Emergency Drop-in times (all ages):
Mon: 9.30-6.30pm, Tues-Fri: 5.30-6.30pm

Acomb Health Centre

Drop-in for under-25s: Fri: 4.00-4.30pm
Appointments: Tuesdays: 6.00-8.00pm; Fridays: 2.00-3.50pm

Under 16?

You are still entitled to a confidential consultation with a doctor. You can also get 'treatment' in confidence (e.g. a prescription for contraception, or condoms) if they are satisfied that you understand the information given, your choices and the possible consequences. They are legally obliged to encourage you to discuss the issue with your parents, but they cannot inform them without your consent, even if they refuse to 'treat' you without your parent's permission. Call the sexwise helpline to talk to a worker in confidence.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

If you need contraception in an emergency - either because you have had unprotected sex or because something went wrong (e.g. you were using a condom which broke) - contact your doctor or Family Planning Clinic at Acomb or Monkgate for an urgent appointment, as soon as possible. There are two options:

Both may have side-effects, but so does an unwanted pregnancy!

You can also go to York NHS Walk-in Centre for the 'morning after' pill. You can also buy it over the counter at pharmacies (chemists), though they may ask for proof of age if they think you are under 16. It is, however, expensive (currently approx £24). There are also many pharmacies who will give it out for free. Look out for the pink poster.

It is also available to York College students at the health drop-in at York College.