Common questions - Sexual Health Dorset

Sexual Health Dorset has a wide range of sexual health and contraception services available across the county in our free clinics, and online.

Use our Service Finder to find an online or physical service convenient for you.

Common questions:

I have some symptoms and am worried I may have a sexually transmitted infection.

If you have symptoms you can access one of our main two hubs in Dorset to get a check-up and treatment, if needed:

Call us on 0300 303 1948 to book an appointment. Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday (closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch).

I don't have any symptoms, but I want to get a check-up and test for STIs to make sure.

You can order a free online postal test sent to an address in Dorset of your choosing. Return the kit, and results are sent to you within 3 days.

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to go to clinic, use our Find a service tool or call us on 0300 303 1948. Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday (closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch).

I've had unprotected sex and am worried I may have been exposed to HIV.

PEP is a medication which can prevent HIV infection, if accessed within 3 days of the risk. The earlier you access PEP the better.

Check out our information page on PEP, use our Find a service tool and search for 'PEP' services, or call us on 0300 303 1948. Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday (closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch).

Common questions:

I've had unprotected sex and need to get emergency contraception.

Use our Find a service tool and search for clinics or pharmacies that offer Emergency Contraception.

Also read our Emergency Sexual Health page for more information on the different options available to you.

I would like to get the contraceptive pill.

You can Order oral contraception online and save a trip to clinic. We offer both the combined and the progesterone only pill.

You can also look at the other options available to you on our Contraception pages, search for Contraception services on our Find a service tool or call us on 0300 303 1948. Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday (closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch).

Common questions:

Do you have any dedicated services for people who are under 21?

Yes we do - please check our Information for under 21s page for more details.

You can also use our Find a service tool and search for under 25s' services, or call us on 0300 303 1948. Phoneline open 08:15-16:45 Monday-Friday (closed 12:30-13:30 for lunch).

Do you have dedicated services for LGBT people?

Dorset has a vibrant LGBT community, and you can access any of our services and be confident you'll get non-judgemental support from our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

We also have a dedicated LGBT service, Over the Rainbow, which offers a wide range of support services, including sexual health, HIV, and information and support.

Do you have any services for people with problems or difficulties around sex?

We provide a caring and confidential service for all adults living in Dorset who are experiencing sexual problems. Psychosexual Counselling has been found to be very effective at helping a wide range of sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction (impotence); premature or delayed ejaculation or painful intercourse.

Check out our pages on Psychosexual Medicine for more information.