Suffolk Sexual Health Service are the specialist sexual health service in Suffolk. They offer free and confidential sexual health advice, contraceptive services, such as the coil or implant, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment and HIV care. Suffolk Sexual Health Service have their main clinics in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft.
You can book an appointment at your local sexual health clinic by calling the Suffolk Sexual Health Service helpline on 0300 303 9982. The confidential helpline is delivered by friendly individuals who are trained to listen and offer the appropriate advice and help to meet your needs.
Please note that iCaSH Suffolk (the previous sexual health service) has transitioned to Suffolk Sexual Health Service and existing iCaSH service users have been automatically transferred.
All GPs in Suffolk provide contraceptive services, availability will depend on the type of contraception you want to access. GPs also screen for chlamydia for those under 25 years old.
Most pharmacies in Suffolk provide free Emergency Hormone Contraception (EHC) e.g. ‘the morning after pill’, as well as screening for chlamydia.
Home testing
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is a common sexually transmitted disease for those aged under 25. Not everyone with chlamydia has symptoms. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. Order a home testing kit for chlamydia via the Suffolk Sexual Health Service website.
HIV and Syphilis
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus which damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and diseased. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Syphilis symptoms are not always obvious, and some people will have no symptoms at all.
If you are aged 16+, you can order a home testing kit for HIV and syphilis. There is a simple form to fill in with some qualifying questions (location, symptoms, date of birth and background) before test kits are posted out in discreet packaging. Order your free at home testing kit for HIV and Syphilis.
Young People
If you are aged between 16-24 you can access free condoms and lube via the eC-Card App. More information about the eC-Card App and service can be found on the Suffolk Sexual Health Service website.
If you are aged under 16, please call Suffolk Sexual Health Service on 0300 303 9982 for confidential (private) contraceptive advice and support.
‘Is This Ok?’ is a safe, anonymous and confidential chat support service for 13-18
year olds in Suffolk. This service allows young people to find advice about topics affecting them, like sex, relationships, gangs, or running away. It offers a 24/7 Chatbot or you can speak to their specialist advisers who are available everyday between 4pm - 11pm to get specialist, non-judgemental support. Find out more at: www.isthisok.org.uk
Other useful services and information
- NHS – Sexual Health information
- NHS – Contraception information
- Brook – Free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing experts
- Terrence Higgins Trust – National HIV Charity