Free & confidential support
Sexual health and contraception
Local, confidential help with contraception, STI testing and treatment, HIV prevention, pregnancy choices and sexual wellbeing.
Contraception at Salford Medical Centre
For routine contraception, contacting us first is often the quickest route. Our clinical team provides contraceptive advice and the following methods here at the practice:
- Coils (IUD and IUS)
- Contraceptive implants
- Contraceptive injections
- Oral contraception (the pill)
Use our secure Accurx form. Tell us which method you are interested in, or ask for advice if you are unsure. We will direct your request to the appropriate clinician.
The Northern Sexual Health
For STI symptoms or testing, HIV prevention, emergency care, or services not available at the practice, The Northern provides free sexual-health and HIV care across Salford, Manchester and Trafford. No GP referral is needed.
- STI testing and treatment
- Pregnancy testing
- Coils and implants
- Emergency contraception
- Free condoms
- HIV testing, PrEP and PEP
Clinic locations and opening arrangements can change, so please check The Northern website before travelling.
Free home STI testing
If you are a Salford resident and have no symptoms, you can order a free and discreet postal STI testing kit through SH:24.
Order a free STI testing kitIf you have symptoms or are under 16, arrange an in-person assessment instead of using a postal test.
Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception may be suitable for up to five days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The sooner you seek help, the better.
Free emergency oral contraception is available from participating community pharmacies, The Northern Sexual Health and GP practices. A copper coil is the most effective emergency method and also provides ongoing contraception.
Emergency contraception advicePossible exposure to HIV
PEP is emergency medication that may prevent HIV infection. It must be started within 72 hours, and the sooner it is started, the better.
Contact The Northern urgently during opening hours. If the clinic is closed and treatment cannot wait, attend an emergency department.
Get urgent adviceHelp after rape or sexual assault
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers medical, practical and emotional support. You can contact the service without reporting the incident to the police.
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
HIV support and prevention
The Northern provides HIV testing, PrEP and PEP. Additional support is available across Greater Manchester.
- George House Trust — support for people living with HIV; 0161 274 4499
- LGBT Foundation — sexual-health and LGBT+ support
- BHA for Equality — culturally appropriate testing, information and support
- PaSH Greater Manchester — local HIV and sexual-health services
Pregnancy choices
You can contact an NHS-funded abortion provider directly without seeing your GP first.
MSI has a community treatment centre in Salford.
Trusted information and advice
National Sexual Health Helpline
Confidential sexual-health information and advice.
More NHS adviceConfidentiality: Sexual-health services are free and confidential. Young people, including those under 16, can ask for advice and support.