Sexual health
What this means and what we are doing about it
In Stockton-on-Tees, commissioners believe that all residents have the right and opportunity to live a healthy sexual and reproductive life, free from discrimination, regret, coercion, and violence. Collectively with Tees neighbours, Stockton-on-Tees seeks to improve the sexual and reproductive health of our residents through a sexual health system which supports people to make informed choices and when necessary, enables access to appropriate, timely and effective high-quality services that meet their needs.
New sexual health service model
A new sexual health service model in partnership with other Tees authorities, NHS England (NHSE) and North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB), has been implemented on 1 August 2025 including access to sexual health support within local communities and a sexual health hub in each city or town centre.
Condom use
Across Stockton-on-Tees, we have low condom use across all ages and communities, reflected in high Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) rates, high reliance on Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), unplanned pregnancies including teenage conceptions and abortion, including repeat abortion. Teenage conceptions in Stockton-on-Tees remain an area of concern, and a Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and Working Group is being established. Stockton-on-Tees is working with stakeholders across the area to explore ways of promoting condom use and providing easier access to free condoms for the population, including young people.
Syphilis
There have been a higher number of syphilis diagnoses in women and heterosexual males since 2019. A syphilis outbreak was declared across Teesside in September 2021. In response to this, Stockton-on-Tees is part of a Tees Syphilis Action Plan; improving access to testing in the community and at home through a range of options and communications raising awareness of STI and use of condoms. Partner collaboration is important for effective and timely sexual health measures, this includes working with other Teesside authorities, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and sexual health services.
