Sexual Health
Taking care of your sexual health is an important part of looking after your overall wellbeing, and we’re here to help you do that with confidence and ease.
Whether you’ve got a question, need some advice, or are looking for local support, having the right information and care can make a real difference.
On this page you’ll find information about things like contraception, emergency contraception and STI testing, as well as details of the Sandwell Sexual Health Service.
How to get free sexual health support
Sandwell’s sexual health clinic in West Bromwich offers advice and information in person and over the phone. All conversations with the staff are confidential.
To book a face-to-face appointment, you can call the clinic on 0121 612 2323 between 9am and 8pm from Monday to Friday, or between 9am and 12:30pm on Saturday. Alternatively, you can email swbh.ishus@nhs.net to book an appointment and the staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Over the phone, the clinic staff can help you with any questions about symptoms, contraception and much more.
You can ring the team on 0121 612 2323 between 9am and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Please do not attend the clinic without booking an appointment, as the clinic doesn’t offer a drop-in service.
Free Home STI Testing Kits
STI testing kits are used to check if you have an infection that you could have caught through having sex.
Checking your sexual health is quick, private, and easy. You can order a free home STI testing kit and test yourself at home whenever it suits you. It’s a simple and discreet way to make sure everything is okay.
To self‑test at home, order your free kit from: https://www.sh.uk/
If your results come back positive, try not to worry. Many STIs can be treated or managed, including HIV. Contact the clinic, and the team will be able to explain what happens next and support you through every step.
It’s also important to let your current or recent partners know. The clinic can help you with how to do this and make the conversation easier.
Free Condoms
A condom is a type of protection used during sex to help prevent pregnancy and protect against infections.
If you live in Sandwell, you can order free condoms from the clinic by calling the clinic on 0121 612 2323 between 9am and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday. One of the team will assist you in processing your order and a discreet supply of condoms will be sent to your chosen address, or be made available for you to collect from the clinic.
The Pill
There are two main types of contraceptive pills – the combined pill and the mini pill. The combined pill contains two hormones (oestrogen and progesterone), while the mini pill only contains one hormone (progesterone).
Both types of pill are used to prevent pregnancy and can also help with other health issues. If you take the pill correctly every day, it is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you miss pills or don’t take it properly, it won’t work as well.
The pill can also help with acne, heavy or painful periods, PMS (premenstrual symptoms) and endometriosis.
You can access the contraceptive pill by contacting the clinic.
The pill can also be accessed through your GP and through pharmacies anywhere in England. Find your nearest pharmacy to access the contraceptive pill.
Free Emergency Hormonal Contraception
Emergency Hormonal Contraception (also called the ‘morning after pill’) is a single tablet available for free for women of all ages, to take after sex to help prevent pregnancy. The pill contains a man-made version of a natural hormone which works by helping stop pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your usual contraception didn’t work (for example, if a condom split or you missed a pill). It is a safe and effective option when used in time.
You can access free Emergency Hormonal Contraception by contacting the clinic.
You can alternatively access free Emergency Hormonal Contraception through pharmacies anywhere in Sandwell, and across England. Find your nearest pharmacy to access Emergency Hormonal Contraception.
Young People
The team run a Young People’s Clinic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 4.30pm until 7pm. This clinic gives young people a dedicated time to visit the clinic and seek advice from staff about sexual health.
To book an appointment at the young people’s clinic, you can call the clinic on 0121 612 2323 between 9am and 8pm from Monday to Friday, or between 9am and 12:30pm on Saturday. Alternatively, you can email swbh.ishus@nhs.net to book an appointment and the staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please do not attend the clinic without booking an appointment, as the clinic doesn’t offer a drop-in service.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is a medication taken by individuals at risk of HIV to prevent infection. It is more effective when combined with condom use and regular testing for STIs.
You should consider PrEP if:
- You are a HIV-negative man who has sex with men and has engaged in anal sex without a condom in the last six months
- You are a trans woman who has had anal sex without a condom in the last six months and expects to continue this
- You are HIV negative and have been engaging in sex with HIV positive partners without using a condom
If you believe you are at risk of contracting HIV and are considering taking PrEP, contact the sexual health clinic and they will be able to support you with accessing this.
PrEP is also available at any sexual health clinic in England.
For more information on PrEP, visit the ‘I want PrEP now’ website.
Worried About a Rash or Bump? We Can Help
Are you experiencing genital rashes, red areas, unusual bumps, or other blemishes? Concerned about the possibility of genital warts? Our clinic experts are here to help with any worries you may have if things aren’t looking too good down there.
Call the clinic to book an appointment with a member of staff who will be able help.
Sexual Violence and Abuse
Men and women of any age, race, ability, or sexuality may become victims of sexual violence and abuse. Perpetrators can be strangers or individuals known to the victim.
Sexual assault is any sexual act carried out without the victim’s active consent.
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by sexual violence and abuse, contact the following services for help and support:
Horizon – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
Horizon offer free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to adults (18 years and older) and young people aged 16 and 17 (if clinically appropriate) who have experienced sexual assault, including rape.
You can contact them 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0330 223 0099.
Their support includes immediate phone support, in‑person medical care, forensic examinations, and safe storage of samples if needed. People are also offered risk assessments, referrals to counselling and specialist support, help from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), and follow‑up calls after appointments.
One-to-one practical and emotional support for women, children and men who have experienced rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Support is available whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, and whether or not you choose to report what happened to the police.
Call 0121 553 0090 to ask for advice or access any of our support services.
If you need advice or are seeking a refuge place outside of office hours, call 0121 552 6448.
Support clinic for pregnant and non-pregnant women (18 years +) who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM).
Women can self-refer into the clinic by emailing swbh.summerfieldfgm@nhs.net.
The West Midlands Regional Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service
The West Midlands CYPSAS cares for children from birth to 17 years old and 18 to 25-year-olds who present with complex needs. Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 0330 233 0099 for referrals, making appointments, advice and support.
Call 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency) to report rape or abuse.
West Midlands Police also offer online reporting for rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences. Visit their website for more information.
In emergencies, always call 999.