Sexual health

There are different kinds of contraception to choose from. 

Condoms are the only type of contraception that can help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

Only buy condoms that carry the BSI kite mark and the European CE mark. This means they meet the required safety standards. 

Getting contraception

You can get contraception in a variety of ways.

If you live in Norfolk you can order free condoms from iCaSH Norfolk.

iCaSH Norfolk also run the C-Card scheme. The scheme is aimed at young people between 13 to 24 years old. They can register to get a range of free condoms, information and advice.

The NHS has information about where you can get contraception.

Women can get free emergency contraception (the morning after pill) from community pharmacies at any age. Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant after unprotected sex (sex without contraception or when contraception might have failed). You need to use emergency contraception within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected sex. Find out more about emergency contraception on the NHS website.

If you have unprotected sex, there is a risk you could get a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Visit NHS Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for information about:

• Symptoms
• What happens at a sexual health clinic
• Treatment
• Common types of STI

STI testing

You can get STI tests from:

• iCaSH Express Test postal service
• iCaSH pickup points near you

Visit NHS Find sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment for more places you can get testing and treatment.

Unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

There are over 800 people living with HIV in Norfolk. Around 20 to 30 people are newly diagnosed with HIV every year in Norfolk.

HIV prevention

PrEP is a medication taken by people who are HIV-negative to prevent HIV infection.

When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective and reduces the risk of getting HIV through sex by around 99%. Find out more about PrEP and how to access it.

HIV testing

iCaSH Norfolk provides free and confidential HIV testing.

You can also get a confidential HIV testing kit delivered by post from Free Testing HIV. Free Testing HIV is a targeted service in Norfolk. It is aimed at HIV key populations, including:

• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM)
• Women and men from Black African ethnic groups living in the UK
• Trans women
• Sex workers

The testing kits are delivered direct to your preferred postal address in Norfolk in discreet packaging. Order one at Free Testing HIV.

HIV treatment  

People living with HIV can have a life expectancy similar to the general population, especially if diagnosed early and on effective treatment.

Visit the NHS for  information on treatment for HIV.

• iCaSH Norfolk provides face-to-face and online contraception and sexual health training for professionals and Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Norfolk. Alternatively, if you have at least eight people and a suitable training venue, iCaSH can come to you and deliver free face-to-face training. Email [email protected] or call 01603 226666 for more information.
• Norfolk schools and learning providers can access a range of high-quality and fully funded CPD and resources that support an effective RSHE curriculum at Relationships and Sex Education and Health Education (RSHE).