Sexual health
Sex is an important part of peoples lives. From time to time people may have questions or problems regarding their sexual health they may want to know where they can get a check-up or find out more. It is important to have access to information and services to avoid the risk of unintended pregnancy or infections.
Need help now
If you are worried about infections that may be passed on through sexual contact, think you may be at risk of HIV infection or have other problems affecting the genital area, then the local clinic in Reading is The Department of Sexual Health at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Hospital. This department combines the former Florey Unit (genito-urinary medicine or GUM) and Family Planning. For more information or clinic times please ring 0118 322 7202.
In Berkshire East the sexual health clinic is the Garden Clinic. You can visit the Garden Clinic for information, advice or both about sexual health issues including:
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tests to find out if you have a sexually transmitted infection
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contraception - including emergency contraception
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HIV testing
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Hepatitis B vaccination
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pre-pregnancy advice and pregnancy testing
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termination of pregnancy counseling
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anxiety about having sex
The Garden Clinic runs services in Maidenhead, Bracknell and Slough. For more information about call: 01753 635302 or visit the Garden Clinic website
If you need to discuss issues around contraception or need emergency contraception then you can also contact your GP or the The Department of Sexual Health, (for which appointments are not needed) - tel: 0118 322 7202.
Juice - health advice for young people
This is a dedicated health service for young people in the Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire area.
Juice Points, commissioned by the NHS Berkshire West Public Health Team, bring together current good practice already in place and new provision, offering health services and advice for 11 to 19 years olds. Provided by specialist nurses who work regularly with young people, together with Local Authority youth service teams, twelve, drop-in Juice Points will offer advice and treatments.
A major consultation exercise with young people found that they wanted a health service especially for them. They identified the range of health support they needed, with top priorities including healthy eating, dealing with stress, as well as relationships and sexual health advice. Referral pathways are also in place to more specialist services if needed. Visit the website www.getjuicy.co.uk for more information.
