Raising awareness about sexual health
Sexual Health Week (February 10 -16) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual health.
This year’s theme is the importance of having open conversations #LetsTalkAboutSex
Dr Sharon Porter is the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s clinical lead for sexual and reproductive health care.
We’ve spoken to her to find out more about the campaign and sexual health services.
Can you tell us why open conversations are so important with respect to sexual health?
Sexual health is fundamental to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals and wider society.
Open conversations create a safe, positive and respectful culture where the stigma and shame that has historically surrounded sexual and reproductive health within society in Northern Ireland can be replaced with an environment where people feel empowered with the information they need to make decisions that are best for their lives.
Where can I access sexual health services in the Northern Trust?
Confidential contraception and sexual health services are provided across four locations in the Northern Trust, at Causeway Hospital, Braid Valley Hospital, Mid Ulster Hospital and Glengormley Community Clinics.
Health care professionals such as GPs can refer to this service but most people prefer to self-refer using the central booking numbers on 028 2826 6163 (contraception) or 028 7034 6028 (sexual health). Calls can be made Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
STI testing is also available free of charge online from SH:24 and Common Youth if under 25.
Contraception is available free of charge from pharmacists, GPs, online from SH:24 and Common Youth if under 25.
Can young people access your service?
Our services are available for all those requiring contraception and sexual health, irrespective of age. Common Youth also provide contraception for those under 25 years.
Can you tell us a bit about abortion services?
Abortion services are provided by the five Health and Social Care Trusts.
Within the Northern Trust surgical/procedural and medication based abortions are available up to 12 weeks gestation for anyone requiring one.
Surgical/procedural abortion are currently available up to 22 weeks gestation within a regional service in the South Eastern Trust and work is ongoing to extend that service to 24 weeks gestation.
For abortion services that are not yet available in Northern Ireland, you can access free abortion care in Great Britain.
How does a woman access this service?
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is the only access point to abortion in Northern Ireland.
The service can be contacted by completing an online booking form or by calling 0345 730 4030
14th February 2025
