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You can get them free from Options clinics, Connexions advisors, family planning clinics, GUM clinics, Leaving Care Team, Step Forward, some youth clubs, some student unions and some GP practices. You can also pick them up at the gay venues listed on www.freedoms.org.uk

 

If you’re stuck without condoms when none of these services are open or convenient, you can buy them from chemists or vending machines in some bar or club toilets. If you get condoms from a vending machine, make sure they have the Kite mark or the CE mark so you know they’ve been tested and they’ll be strong enough to use.

 

 

 

Emergency contraception (the morning after pill) can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex (sex without a condom, or if the condom has split or slipped off) to prevent pregnancy. You can get it for free from Options, GUM clinics, family planning clinics & walk in clinics or if you’re over 16 you can buy it for £25 from the chemist. To find out more click here (link to emergency contraception info).

 

STI testing will let you know if you’ve got an infection. Some infections will show up on tests within one month but others can take three months. 

 

PEP (1 month of anti-HIV medication) can reduce the chance of catching HIV when a condom breaks or slips off with an HIV positive partner. You need to take it as soon as possible and definitely within 72 hours and you can get it at A&Es or GUM clinics. PEP is not something to be taken lightly – there can be serious side effects like diarrhoea, feeling sick, headaches and vomiting from the medication and it’s not guaranteed to work. Look here for more information