Sexual health

We provide a full range of sexual and reproductive health services from the Camberwell Sexual Health Centre.

Mpox update – 18 October 2024

A recent outbreak of the mpox virus (previously known as monkeypox) in west, central and east Africa has led to the World Health Organisation declaring a public health emergency of international concern.

Mpox vaccine

We are able to offer the mpox vaccine to both gay/bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men.

Vaccines are by appointment only. We currently offer them on Monday and Friday afternoons, at the Camberwell Sexual Health Centre. If you would like a vaccine, please contact us to book an appointment.

We will offer you two doses of the vaccine. The second dose is offered from two months after the first dose.

What do I do if I think I have mpox or have been exposed?

Call a sexual health clinic or NHS 111 if you have a rash with blisters, anal pain or bleeding from your bottom and have either:

• been in close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has or might have mpox (even if they’ve not been tested yet) in the past 3 weeks
• had one or more new sexual partners who have been to west, central or east Africa in the past three weeks
• been to west, central or east central Africa in the past three weeks

Stay at home and avoid close contact with other people, including sharing towels or bedding, until you’ve been told what to do.

Call the clinic before visiting

Tell the person you speak to if you’ve had close contact with someone who has or might have mpox, or if you’ve recently travelled to an affected area of Africa.

Locations

Camberwell Sexual Health Centre

Ground floor, Camberwell Sexual Health Centre
Camberwell Building
100 Denmark Hill
London, SE5 9RS

Tel: 020 3299 5091

Our walk-in service and some follow-up appointments are held here.

Caldecot Centre

Ground floor, Caldecot Centre
15 to 22 Caldecot Road
London, SE5 9RS

Tel: 020 3299 5000

Some of our specialist clinics are held here.

Walk-in service

We offer a walk-in service at the Camberwell Sexual Health Centre on a first come, first served basis.

The clinic can be very busy, and we are not always able to see everyone on the day they attend. We recommend that, if possible, you access services online through Sexual Health London before you come to the clinic. Online services include testing for STIs, supply of the contraceptive pill and patch and emergency contraception (the ‘morning after pill’).

When you attend the clinic, you will be assessed (‘triaged’) according to your reason for attending, and offered either an emergency (same day) slot or a routine appointment. We will try and see you on the same day but, if all routine appointments are booked, we will discuss alternative options with you.

Priority is given to:

• young people (13 to 18 years old)
• those who need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
• those who need emergency contraception
• those with severe or urgent symptoms

Our walk-in service provides:

• assessment of sexual health symptoms
• treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• contraception – including emergency contraception, the pill, patch, and injection. For coil and implant insertions, a same-day appointment may be possible, but in most cases we will book you an appointment for a later date.
• post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – emergency HIV prevention medicine taken up to 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV
• pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – HIV prevention medicine taken before sex to reduce the risk of getting HIV
• care and support if you have problems with chemsex (using drugs as part of your sex life)
• referrals for complex contraception needs, recurring sexual health conditions, and psychosexual therapy

Opening hours

• Monday: 8am to 3.30pm
• Tuesday: 8am to 3.30pm
• Wednesday: 12pm to 6.30pm
• Thursday: 10am to 5.30pm
• Friday: 8am to 3.30pm

We are closed on weekends and bank (public) holidays.

Young people (13 to 18 year olds)

We offer a young person-friendly service. You can talk to a friendly and non-judgemental member of our team about your concerns to do with:

• your sexual health
• contraception
• symptoms you’re worried about
• STI testing.

We can also refer you to other teams who may be able to help in other areas of your life. For example, troubles at home, school, or support for your physical and mental health.

You can see us without your parents, friends, and partner.

Our sexual health records are confidential and cannot be seen by your GP. We do not share information from your visit unless we are worried about your safety, or the safety of someone else. If we think we do need to share your information, we will discuss this with you so you can tell us how you feel. We will listen to any worries you have and take them seriously.

People with a physical or learning disability

We aim to meet your needs. If there’s something we can do to support you please:

• tell our staff on the reception desk
• or phone 0203 299 5091

Contraception

Emergency contraception

If you need emergency contraception, you can:

• attend our walk-in service
• visit a local pharmacy
• or order emergency contraception online.

Emergency contraception is most effective when used as soon as possible. There are two types of emergency contraception:

• the emergency contraception pill (Levonelle or ellaOne)
• the intrauterine device (IUD or coil) – this is the most effective type of emergency contraception.

You need to take the emergency contraceptive pill within either 3 days (Levonelle) or 5 days (ellaOne) after unprotected sex.

An IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If you have had unprotected sex more than once since your last period, then an emergency IUD can be fitted up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have released an egg (ovulated).

For more information on emergency contraception see the NHS website.

If you are having an implant fitted

Do not have unprotected sex after your last normal period. This is to reduce the chance you could be pregnant when you have your implant fitted.

If you are having a coil (IUD or IUS) fitted

Do not have unprotected sex after your last normal period and ideally not in the three weeks before your appointment. If there is a chance you could be pregnant, you cannot have a coil fitted, as it will not be safe. This means correctly and consistently using a condom or another highly reliable type of contraception. The cap, diaphragm, and the withdrawal method are not highly reliable.

To help you prepare for your appointment, watch this coil video on the Contraception Choices website

Having a coil removed or replaced

If you want to have a coil (IUD or IUS) removed or replaced and you are not planning a pregnancy, it is important that you use condoms or do not have sex for seven days before your appointment.

The Jaydess coil lasts for 3 years. The Kyleena coil lasts for 5 years. The Mirena coil lasts for 8 years, unless you are using it for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If you are using it for HRT, it needs to be replaced at 5 years.

Other services

CliniQ (for trans and non-binary people)

This clinic is only for trans and non-binary people who need sexual and reproductive healthcare (STI testing or contraception), PrEP, hormone injections, hormone blood level tests, or a smear test.

Appointments are on Tuesdays between 4pm and 7pm at the Caldecot Centre, King’s College Hospital. We do not have a walk-in service.

Appointments can be booked at the clinic or by emailing [email protected]

For more information visit the CliniQ website

Cervical screening (smear tests)

We run a cervical screening clinic on Friday mornings. If you need a routine smear test, you can walk in to the clinic and book an appointment.

Smear tests can only be carried out if you are eligible. The NHS website has more information about cervical screening, including eligibility criteria.

Termination of pregnancy support

You can get confidential advice about abortion, and choose to terminate a pregnancy, with:

• British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)
• Marie Stopes International (MSI)
• National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service (NUPAS)

If you are thinking about terminating a pregnancy you are also welcome to come to our walk-in clinic to talk with a member of our team. You do not need a referral from us to have a termination.

Abortions are simpler and safer the earlier they are carried out. For more information go to the NHS website.

Sexual assault

If you have been sexually assaulted, please first contact The Havens.

We can offer follow-up support, vaccinations, and testing for STIs following a sexual assault.

Your sexual health records

The way we store sexual health information is changing, find out more information.

What if I am not happy with the service I received

If you have concerns about any aspect of our service, please approach a member of staff in the clinic and they will try to put things right as soon as they can. If you require further help and support you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Preparing for your appointment

Male patients

Do not pass urine for at least one hour before you are seen in the clinic, as this can affect the accuracy of your test results.

Chaperones

If you need to be examined, you can ask to have a second member of staff (chaperone) present. Please note, due to staff shortages, if no chaperone is available on the day of your appointment, you may need to reschedule your appointment.