Clinics & Services
Contraception
The University of Lincoln Health Service offer the full range of contraceptive services. Make an appointment with a nurse to discuss your options.
Advice Leaflets
Emergency Contraception
If you've had sex without contraception or your contraception has failed, you can still prevent an unwanted pregnancy if you act quickly.
Visit the Family Planning Association (FPA) website for more detailed information on emergency contraception
Where can I get emergency contraception
Boots Pharmacy offer FREE emergency contraception (Levonelle pill only) to under 25s, without the need for an appointment
Emergency contraceptive pills (Levonelle) can be bought at pharmacies for approximately £27 (a trained pharamacist must be on duty)
Pregnancy
If you were planning a baby and are happy with your news please book an appointment with a GP who will arrange your maternity care.
If you are unsure about your news, please book an appointment with your GP to discuss your options as soon as possible. Finding out that you are pregnant when it wasn't planned can come as a big shock. Everyone's circumstances, feelings and reactions are different.
Useful websites
Brook is a charity offering free and confidential sexual health services and advice to under 25s. The Brook website offers further information on unplanned pregnancy.
Cervical Screening
A cervical smear is a test to check the health of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the neck of the womb. For most women the test shows that the cells of the cervix are normal and healthy. For a few women it shows changes in the cells, which if left untreated might develop into cancer, and for others it might show signs of infection.
As with other medical tests, cervical screening is not 100 per cent perfect. If you have unusual symptoms between smear tests, such as bleeding after sex, you should consult your doctor.
Remember most smears are normal.
All women aged 25 to 64 are now offered a cervical smear test by the NHS. The test is for all women, although cervical cancer is much less common in women who have never had sex.
You will automatically receive a letter to attend from the age of 25, and then every 3 years. When you get a letter please call University of Lincoln health service on 01522 870010 to arrange an appointment or discuss. If you are unsure please arrange an appointment with a practice nurse to discuss further.
A smear is best taken in the middle of your menstrual cycle.
Useful websites
To download a pdf of the information leaflet, Cervical screening: the facts
The NHS Choices webpages include a video explaining more about the test.
Further information is also available on the BBC Health website.
Drug Issues
Drugs are substances taken into the body which change the way we feel or act. They affect the central nervous system and may alter perception, mood, consciousness, personality or behaviour.
If things are getting too much, don't keep it a secret
See your GP who will be able to look at referral to specialist services if appropriate .
The University of Nottingham Counselling Service produced a leaflet, Alcohol and Drugs:stay in control
FRANK is an independent website giving friendly, confidential drugs advice, with a comprehensive drugs A-Z, personal stories, videos and a freephone, text and email service
Exam Stress
If you get really bad in the run up to exams or assessments make an appointment with your GP who will be able look at treatment options and referral to specialist services if appropriate.
Watch this video for an unusual way of beating exam stress on YouTube
Useful websites
MIND's website includes a series of questions and answers on how to deal with exam stress.
Self Harm
Self harm is a term used to describe the deliberate harm or damage someone may do to their own body as a way of dealing with their emotions. Self harm comes in different forms, including cutting, burning, hair pulling and taking overdoses of drugs. Afterwards it is common to feel frightened, upset or ashamed. Self harm is not necessarily about attempted suicide and no one can measure the inner distress felt. Any form of self harm indicates emotional distress or trauma and should be taken seriously.
Getting help
Make an appointment with your GP who will make an assessment and be able look at treatment options or referral to specialist services if appropriate.
Useful websites
Harmless is a user led Nottingham based voluntary organisation. They offer a range of services including local self help groups, email and postal support. Visit the Harmless website for more details.
First Signs is a voluntary organisation run by people with experience of self harm. The First Signs website includes information and support on coming out, alternatives and using make-up to hide scars.