Sexual health

Sexual health clinics

Sexual health clinics run throughout the Highland Health and Social Care Partnership area and provide a free, confidential, one-stop service for Highland residents. Our clinic nurses and doctors are specially trained in sexual health and contraception. Their aim is to help everyone in a friendly, non-judgemental and sensitive way.

• see the list of sexual health clinics in the Highland area
• find your nearest sexual health clinic at NHS 24

See more information at NHS inform about sexual health.

The Highland Sexual Health website has further resources, including:

• information about STI, HIV, contraception, menopause and more
• contact information
• online appointment booking
• online self sampling kit ordering
• free condoms by post order form
• young persons' live chat

Sexual health services at GP practices

GP practices are able to provide routine free condoms.

For general information and advice in the Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership area regarding sexual health, sexuality, contraception and healthy relationships, speak to your GP or Practice Nurse. If you are a young person, you could speak to a school nurse or youth worker.

Some GP practices are able to provide:

• routine contraception
• tests and treatment for common sexually transmitted infections
• cervical screening (smear) tests
• menopause support
• referral for vasectomy

Many practices offer coil and implant insertions, and some may be able to offer those for patients who are not registered with them. Condoms may be available on request.

More complex sexual health issues and contraception

In Argyll and Bute, there are three GP practices (available to anyone living in the area) that provide more specialised sexual health services with an enhanced level of care and expertise. They may be able to offer more choice in contraceptive options. They are:

• Campbeltown Medical Practice sexual health clinic 
• Lochgilphead Medical Centre sexual health clinic
• Lorn Medical Centre, Oban sexual health clinic 

You do not need to be registered with any of these practices to get an appointment to speak to a practitioner about your sexual and reproductive health. Practitioners at these services will have a special interest and training in this area of work.

In order to access sexual health services at these practices please phone ahead to make an appointment - they do not have open or drop-in clinics. You will need to state when calling that you wish to make an appointment to discuss your sexual and reproductive health.

Occasionally people may need to be referred to a specialist sexual health centre and your doctor will arrange this.

Whether you see your own GP practice or a specialist service, this is a confidential service.