Sexual and reproductive health
There are lots of free sexual and reproductive health services available for people that live, study or work in City of London’s Square Mile, which you can find in this interactive map. This includes contraception, testing for a sexually transmitted infection, or where to go as a young person.
It can be difficult to know where to find the right information, or to make decisions about sex and relationships. If you are a young person under 25, you can visit Health Spot on Forest Road in Hackney on Tuesdays from 3-7pm, or the Clifden Centre on weekdays, also in Hackney.
For adults over the age of 25 wanting advice about sexual health, you can start visit the NHS information page.
You can make an appointment with your GP, or visit a sexual health clinic where you can access tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, contraception and vaccinations. You can also talk to someone about mental health concerns you may have about your sex life at a clinic.
Condoms
Condoms are still the best way to protect yourself against most STIs. They also prevent pregnancy.
Under 25 year olds, can sign up to the free condoms scheme. Once signed up, you can collect free condoms at the Barbican pharmacy.
Emergency contraception
If you need emergency contraception such as the morning after pill, you can go to your local community pharmacy. You can also order it at shl.uk or you can go to your local sexual health clinic.
Contraception options to choose from
There are many different ways to plan or prevent pregnancy. It can be hard to know which type of contraception is right for you. You can start with contraception choices, speaking to your GP or going to a sexual health clinic to get personalised advice. Here is an overview of all local contraception services
If you’re trying to get pregnant, being healthy is the best starting point.
No smoking or drinking, maintaining a healthy weight and exercise can all help. Fertility support, is available at the Homerton Fertility Centre or you can find out more on the North East London website.
Project Community, is a service provided in partnership with Positive East, offering support for Black African and Black Caribbean people, to help improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
If you use drugs before or during sex to enhance the experience or to enable you to have sex, this can become problematic, both physically and mentally.
There is support available for this this at the Clifden Centre , and organisations like London Friend and The Love Tank.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs. There is no medical reason for this to be done and it is illegal.
If you are worried someone may be at risk of FGM, please contact City of London Child Protection. For clinical support, check this NHS website.
For any gynaecological issues (including endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome), see your GP in the first instance. If they cannot help you, you can be referred to a Women’s Health Hub, which is a community gynaecology clinic. Find out more about Women's Health Hubs.
Being HIV positive is having a long term health condition. There are excellent treatment options available and very good life expectancy. Early diagnosis helps with this. Treatment and care are free.
HIV testing is quick, confidential and free. Order a test from shl.uk. If you would rather test with someone, you can make an appointment with Positive East.
PrEP, or Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, is medication that can prevent HIV infection. It is highly effective and available online and at sexual health clinics.
People living with HIV can get holistic treatment and care at the Jonathan Mann clinic at the Homerton Hospital.
Support is available for people living with HIV, or affected, in the City of London. Including counselling, group activities and therapeutic sessions for adults with Positive East, and family and young people support with Body & Soul.
All sexual health services are open to anyone, and anyone should feel welcome and respected.
There is a sexual health clinic for gay and bisexual men every Thursday at the Clifden Centre.
If you want to find connection and support, there is Project Indigo. They offer a social support group every Thursday from 6pm – 8pm for young and LGBTQ+ people
Queer community organisations that offer community and support include The Love Tank and London Friend.
There is a lot more openness around menopause and peri-menopause, its symptoms, how it can affect you and what kind of support is available.
The North East London women's health website has more information. If you want to explore Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), speak to your GP.
Periods are not the same for everyone. If your periods are very heavy and painful, there is support for you. The North East London women's health website has more information, or speak to your GP.
If you want advice during your pregnancy or support on other aspects of maternal health, you can access these resources and services for City of London residents.
Open Doors is a free and confidential service for people working in the sex industry in the City of London.
You can access abortion care at the Homerton clinic. It is free and confidential. Mental health support is also available.
The shl.uk online service can send a test kit to your home or a pick up location. It is quick and discreet.
There are certain vaccinations available for sexual health. Check with your GP or at a sexual health clinic to see if you are eligible.
Doxycycline is now available to those at higher risk of acquiring syphilis, such as men who have sex with men or transgender women. To access this, please visit a sexual health clinic.