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An IUD used to be called 'coil'. It is a small plastic and copper device that is put into the womb. It has one or two thin threads on the end, which hang through the entrance of the womb (cervix) into the top of your vagina.

Cancer can develop throughout the female reproductive system, as it can elsewhere in the body of both women and men. Any diagnosis of cancer is always frightening but there is support available if you find yourself in this situation. Remember...

Diaphragms and caps are referred to as barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina, are covered with spermicide and cover your cervix. This will stop sperm from advancing from the vagina into your womb. There is a variety...

As they grow up, young people need to be able to talk and learn about these things: Their developing body. They will do some learning about puberty at school but you need to talk about this at home too. Respect for themselves. Your child...

information on rape and sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, safety

Child Protection   Sandyford is committed to delivering services to young people and supporting staff delivery services. Sandyford child protection policies and procedures set out what practitioners need to know and how they can protect...

Chlamydia (technically known as Chlamydia trachomatis) is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK (1 in 10 people aged between 16 and 25).   It is infectious and can be passed on to sexual partners. Many...

What sort of things should you consider before having a sexual relationship? It's a good idea to ask: Am I sure about this? Do they want the same as me? Do I feel safe? Am I doing this because of other people's expectations? And...

The Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) promotes evidence based practice through clinical guideline development

The following section contains the clinical protocols that are followed within Sandyford services. In cases/conditions where a West of Scotland Managed Clinical Network (MCN) protocol exists, the Sandyford protocol follows this guidance....

Sandyford Central   For address and further information click here Most patients attend our 'all-day walk-in' clinic. Registration Times 08:30 am to 3.00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and  Friday 08:30...

Colposcopy is simply a more detailed look at the cervix. Instead of looking at the cervix with the naked eye (like when your practice nurse or GP do). Don't worry about the sound of this! The microscope stays outside you. All that goes inside...

How to register Before you can get your free condoms, you need to register. You can only register at some of our venues - you'll see which ones in our where to get them section. Once you've registered, you can use your c card to pick up free...

All condoms are made from clear, transparent latex lubricated with a non spermicidal lubricant unless stated otherwise. Trim: A snug fitting condom. Naturelle: Shaped condoms for a more comfortable fit. Large: A large fitting condom. Extra:...

click here to find information on where to get free condoms

page under development click here to look at free condoms

The content of this section is to be taken as a guide. It is not qualified legal advice. If you need more detailed information or legal advice use the links. In this section you will find information on the following areas: Age...

The age of consent is the term used to refer to the age at which you can legally have sex. The age at which sex becomes legal in majority of cases is 16. Men and boys It is a serious criminal offence for a boy or a man to have sexual...

Contraception & Reproductive Health  This section of the website offers information and links to services on all aspects of Contraception and Reproductive health.  This includes: The varied methods of contraception...

An implant is a small bendy tube which is placed just under the skin in your upper arm. It releases a progestogen hormone for up to three years. The main way the implant works is to stop your ovaries releasing an egg (ovulation), thickening of the cervical mucus to prevent sperm reaching an egg and thinning of the lining of the womb to prevent a fertilised egg implanting. Only a specially trained doctor or nurse can give you an implant. If your GP does not offer this method of contraception you can come to a Sandyford clinic. If you are thinking about getting an implant the doctor or nurse will consider your medical history to make sure you can have an implant. They should also tell you about any possible side effects before you have an implant. Ask the doctor or nurse any questions you have.

The IUS is a small plastic device, shaped like a 'T, that is put into the womb. It slowly releases a progestogen hormone. The IUS in the UK is called Mirena. It works for up to five years and should to be fitted by a trained doctor or nurse.   The...

Combined oral contraception pill (COC) -You can get the pill free of charge from contraception or sexual health clinics or general practice. -There are different pills to choose from -Not everyone can use the pill so your...

The contraceptive vaginal ring is one of the newest birth control methods on the market. It is a flexible plastic ring about 2 inches (5.4 cm) in diameter and about 1/8" thick (4 mm). You can easily insert the ring into the vagina where it stays...

The progestogen-only pill contains one hormone called 'progestogen', this is similar to the natural hormone women produce in their ovaries. There are lots of different types of progestogen-only pills you can choose from. You can get the pill...

A vasectomy is a sterilisation operation performed on men

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception, which works either by blocking the woman's fallopian tubes

  Contraception If you are thinking of having sex with someone of the opposite sex, you need to think about contraception before you have sex to prevent an unintended pregnancy. There are lots of different kinds of contraception...

Contraception can also be called 'birth control'. Contraception means preventing pregnancy. Contraception is only effective if used correctly, this is why there are a range of options to best suit different people's needs. You...

Emergency contraception is a way of preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex. Unprotected sex is sex without using contraception or when contraception has failed. If you act quickly, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy...

The contraceptive injection contains a progestogen hormone. This is injected into a muscle and is released very slowly into your body. It will protect you from pregnancy for 12 weeks. The main way the injection works is to stop your ovaries...

The contraceptive patch is a small, thin, beige coloured patch, nearly 5cm x 5cm in size. You stick it on your skin and it releases two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen. You can get the patch free of charge from: your GP if they provide...

What can Counselling at Sandyford help with? Counselling can help with a range of issues - in fact whatever someone brings and wants to discuss in order to make sense of something which has happened or to focus on what changes might be possible....

The Sappho Service Provides sexual health and counselling services to Lesbians, Bisexual women, and women who have sex with women. Clients are of course welcome at any Sandyford service but those who would like an appointment should contact...

Sandyford services provide a full range of sexual, reproductive and emotional health services, including testing and treatment for all Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV contraception including same-day Implanon and coil fitting gynaecology counselling, including alcohol counselling for young people specialist clinics for men who have sex with men, gender dysphoria and young people specialised under 18 years clinics called The Place although young people are also welcome at other clinics

Relationship Counselling Good relationships rely on good communication. When communication breaks down or is missing problems in a relationship can become overwhelming. Sometimes we can get into a rut of not really listening to each other...

For everyone, having good mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health. Counselling is an important way of helping when emotional difficulties and life circumstances are affecting the ability to remain mentally healthy. Counselling...

Cystitis literally means inflammation of the bladder. However, it is often used to describe a variety of symptoms, including pain and burning when passing urine, needing to pass urine frequently and urine infections. These symptoms are usually...