Sexual health south east Essex services provide free, confidential testing, contraception and support. You can access advice and treatment regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation, and you do not need a GP referral.
Services are available through specialist clinics, online testing and community schemes. In addition, many options are designed to be discreet and easy to access.
Sexual health clinics in south east Essex
Local sexual health clinics provide a wide range of services, including:
- STI testing and treatment
- Contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception
- Emergency contraception
- Pregnancy testing
- HIV testing and prevention (including PrEP advice)
- Sexual health advice and support
Appointments are available in most clinics. However, some locations may also offer walk-in sessions depending on availability.
Home STI testing in south east essex
Residents aged 16 and over can order a free home STI testing kit. Home testing is confidential and convenient, allowing you to access care without visiting a clinic.
Home testing may include checks for:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- HIV
- Syphilis
Results are usually available within 14 days. If further treatment is needed, the service will contact you with clear next steps.
Free condoms and safer sex supplies
Free condoms and lubricant are available to help protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy. The scheme you use depends on where you live.
Castle Point and Rochford: eC-Card app (ages 16 to 24)
If you live in Castle Point or Rochford, you can use the eC-Card app to access free condoms and lubricant. The app allows young people aged 16 to 24 to register confidentially, find local collection points and access sexual health information.
Young people aged 13 to 15 may also be able to access the scheme with support from a trained eC-Card assessor, depending on local availability.
Download the eC-Card app or find out morePeople aged 25 and over can access free condoms and safer sex supplies through their local sexual health clinic.
Southend-on-Sea: C-Card scheme (ages 13 and over)
If you live in Southend-on-Sea, you can register for the Southend C-Card scheme. This provides free condoms and lubricant for people aged 13 and over.
Once registered, you can collect supplies confidentially from participating venues such as pharmacies, clinics and community services.
Visit Brook Southend to registerAdults aged 25 and over
If you are aged 25 or over, you can access free condoms and safer sex supplies through your local sexual health clinic. Clinics can also provide contraception and sexual health advice.
Mpox (monkeypox)
Mpox is a rare infection that can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact. If you have a rash, sores, or flu-like symptoms and think you may have been exposed, contact a sexual health clinic or NHS 111 for advice.
Contacting sexual health services
Sexual health services in south east Essex are commissioned by local authorities and delivered by specialist providers. Which service you use depends on where you live.
Essex Sexual Health Service
For residents living in Castle Point and Rochford.
Commissioned by Essex County Council Public Health and delivered by Provide Community.
- Phone number:
- 0300 003 1212
Brook Southend
For residents living in Southend-on-Sea.
Commissioned by Southend City Council Public Health and delivered by Brook.
- Phone number:
- 01702 411701
When to seek urgent help
Some sexual health concerns need urgent medical attention. If you experience any of the symptoms below, seek help as soon as possible.
Seek urgent medical advice if you:
- Have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours
- Have severe pain, swelling or unusual bleeding
- Have symptoms of a serious infection
You should contact:
- A sexual health clinic
- NHS 111
- A&E in an emergency
Prompt treatment can reduce complications and protect your health.