Teenage Health Hub

Contraception

There are many different types of contraception, and if you are thinking of starting a sexual relationship it is always a good idea to come and talk to us early to discuss your options. We will discuss the various possibilities to you and give you information to read and will try to find a method that you would be happy with. Don’t forget that you are most fertile in your teenage years, and it is possible to get pregnant on the first go! Remember to also use a condom to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

More information:

Contraception - NHS

Contraception (Types, Benefit, and Side-Effects)

Pregnancy

Have you missed a period? Are you worried you might be pregnant? Just make an appointment with one of our doctors or nurses and if possible bring in a sample of urine (our receptionist will give you a bottle).

We can do a pregnancy test immediately and let you know the result. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you understand what to expect if the result if positive. We will then refer you to the midwife, or if your pregnancy is unplanned and you do not wish to have the baby we will discuss other options with you.

More information:

Pregnancy - NHS

Pregnancy info

Morning After Pill

If you have had unprotected sex, there is a chance that you might be pregnant. Please phone us as soon as you can and tell our staff that you need the morning after pill or wish to discuss emergency contraception. The earlier you take the pill the more likely it is to work – it is less likely to be effective getting towards the third day or 72 hours.

If you have had unprotected sex on a weekend you can contact the Out of Hours Doctor by calling 111.

If you are unable to come into see us within 72 hours, you can request the morning after pill at any pharmacy.

More information:

Morning After Pill

We are here to support you with any concerns you may have, whether physical, emotional, or related to situations such as housing or relationships with family and friends.

Some common topics we can help with include skin issues like acne, questions about puberty and development, concerns about weight, diet, and overall health, as well as matters related to STIs and contraception.

Please don’t hesitate to talk to us about anything that’s on your mind – we are here to assist you with any issue you may face!

Help for teenagers, young adults and students - NHS

Sexual Health in Plymouth

STIs are most common in those under the age of 25 years, and often do not cause any symptoms.

They are passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, sharing sex toys, or genital-to-genital contact. Condoms are the only method of contraception that protect against both pregnancy and STIs. Even if you’re using another method of contraception, like the pill, to protect against pregnancy, you should still use a condom as well every time you have sex.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK. 1 in 10 young people who are sexually active are thought to have chlamydia. Left untreated, this can affect fertility in men and women. It usually causes no symptoms.
It is important to get tested ideally prior to starting a new relationship and if you have unprotected sex. It is also important to consider emergency contraception such as the morning after pill.

Chlamydia Testing

In boys, this involves a urine test, and in girls, this involves a vaginal swab that you can take yourself.

These free testing kits can be collected from the surgery (if you are 15-24 years).

If you are outside this age range, please book an appointment to discus testing with the nurse or doctor.

Other STIs

If you have any symptoms such as discharge, or have had unprotected sex with a partner known to have an STI, it is recommended you have a full STI screen. Any of the below centres will be able to assist you.

Sexual Health in Plymouth

The Zone

Brook

Youth Enquiry Service

Drugs

Drugs come in many forms and you may be feeling the pressure to experiment/take drugs. Learn to say no. The reality is that most people your age don’t take drugs and you’re in the majority. If you are concerned that you have a problem or are having difficulty giving up, we can point you in the right direction for support and help. Better to give up now than become more dependent or develop some of the serious side effects.

For friendly and confidential advice, talk to FRANK on 0300 123 6600 at any time of the day or night.

Alcohol

If you think you are drinking too much and are having difficulty with getting this under control, please discuss this with one of us at the surgery. We will be able to talk to you.

If you are worried about a friend or family member who may be drinking too much please feel free to talk to us about it as we may be able to offer some support. Living with an alcoholic is not easy.

More information:

Drink Aware

National Association for Children of Alcoholics

Smoking

We would strongly encourage you to stop before you start.

Smoking is bad for you in so many ways and can cause:

• Lung disease
• Heart disease
• Many different types of cancer
• Wrinkles; did you know that smokers get much more wrinkles than non-smokers
• Finances; think of the money you would have/save if you didn’t smoke
• Passive smoking; it affects those around you.

We hold stop smoking clinics where you can chat about giving up smoking, using Nicotine replacement patches or similar options. Call your local surgery on the above numbers to enquire about these clinics.

More information:

Stop Smoking Information

Are you feeling tired, stressed, anxious, sad, angry, or maybe a mix of all these emotions? It’s normal to experience these feelings occasionally, but if they’re affecting you regularly, it’s a good idea to book an appointment for support and guidance.

Depression and anxiety can affect people of all ages, including young children, and are more common than you might think. In fact, 1 in 10 children aged 5-16 are diagnosed with a mental health condition. If you're concerned about your mood, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to listen and help.

More information can be found on the following links:

The Zone

Young Devon

Kooth

Discovering your sexuality can be difficult and sometimes confusing. We will be happy to listen and offer support.

More information and support:

Pride in Plymouth

Proud2be

Eating disorders cover a wide range of problems, the most common of which are anorexia nervosa or bulimia. If you think that you or a family member has a problem with eating in some way please tell one of our doctors or nurses. We are happy to help and try to point you in the right direction for some specialist support.

More information and support:

Eating Disorder Service Plymouth

Weight Advice

Are you concerned that you are over or under weight?

Being overweight can have serious implications for your future health, particularly with regards to your heart and the risk of developing diabetes.

We would recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle by taking regular exercise on a daily basis, and by eating healthy, balanced diet.

Alternatively, you may be struggling to gain weight, and this can affect your mood, and also affect your development and periods.

If you are concerned about your weight, please make an appointment with us for advice on how to deal with this.

Are there difficulties in your family? Do you feel scared or frightened or upset by things that may be happening in your home? Perhaps you are trying to care for a family member, perhaps your parents are fighting, and perhaps your parent or sibling is distressed? Maybe you feel misunderstood and that no one is listening to you?

Our Clinical Staff are happy to listen and offer any support and help available.

More information and support:

For Children & Young People Living with Domestic Violence.

Young Carers – Young carers for parents or siblings with illness or disability

Bereavement- Jeremiah’s journey: Support for children or young people when they have experienced or are anticipating the death of someone close to them.

Are you being bullied, do you feel you are being targeted? Please share this with us if you are suffering. We can support you and help you if you are feeling down and losing confidence.

More information and support:

National society for the prevention of cruelty to children.

Kidscape 

Bullying Online

Cyberbullying

Abuse can take many forms; physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect. Please do not suffer in silence. We are here to help and support you and to signpost you to expert help if necessary.

Our Clinical Staff are happy to listen and offer any support and help available.

More information and support:

There 4 Me

Childline – call 0800 1111- confidential support and advice for children and young people