Sexual health
What we know
There is a priority to improve access and take up of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) across Stockton-on-Tees, reflected in the new service model design which will provide this service in the community across our area. There are various options of LARC to suit women's needs and choices and can last up to 10 years. LARC also removes the need of daily management and is highly effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy. LARC does not prevent against sexually transmitted infections.
Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) is provided free of charge from the sexual health clinic and subcontracted pharmacies in Stockton-on-Tees. The vast majority of EHC in Teesside is issued from pharmacies.
STI diagnosis rates in Stockton-on-Tees have been similar to the north east average in recent years. Syphilis diagnoses before 2019 were highest in the men who have sex with men (MSM) group. This has changed with much higher numbers of syphilis diagnoses in women and heterosexual males since 2019. A syphilis outbreak was declared across Teesside in September 2021.
In Stockton-on-Tees, like all other areas across the UK we are working towards the national and regional HIV Action Plan (2022 to 2025) targets of no new transmissions of HIV and ending AIDS related deaths by 2030. Nationally, new HIV infections in England have decreased steadily since 2014. Testing and treatments for HIV are free regardless of economic or immigration status and people living with HIV on effective treatment (usually for 6 months) cannot pass the HIV virus on to others.
