COVID-19

Q. My implant needs changed, what do I do?

A.  The available evidence suggests that the risk of pregnancy in the 4th year of use of the Contraceptive implant is likely to be very low so we can delay the change of the implant for up to a year after expiry to avoid unnecessary risk of coronavirus transmission. You may wish to use condoms in addition, or to add in a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP). If you are still concerned, please phone us to discuss.

Q. My coil needs changed what should I do?

A. The available evidence suggests that the risk of pregnancy in the 6th year of use of the Mirena or Levosert coil is likely to be very low so we can delay the change of the Mirena or Levosert for up to a year after expiry to avoid unnecessary risk of coronavirus transmission.You may wish to use condoms in addition, or to add in a progestogen-only contraceptive pill (POP). If you are still concerned, please phone us to discuss.

If you have a Jaydess (3 years), Kyleena (5 years) or copper coil (5 or 10 years depending on the type) you will require additional contraception such as condoms or the pill if your coil has expired until we can see you for the coil change. Please phone us to discuss

If you had a copper coil inserted after the age of 40, it does not require to be changed. It will remain effective for contraception till you are age 55.

If you had a Mirena coil inserted after the age of 45, it does not require to be changed. It will remain effective till you are age 55.

Q. I am due to my contraception injection?

A. During this time, if you are unable to get your injection through your GP you will need to use additional contraception  such as condoms or the pill. Please phone us to discuss this if required.

Q. I require emergency contraception?

A. You can obtain the pill form of emergency contraception through your local pharmacy. However, if you require an emergency IUD (copper coil) please phone us to discuss this.

Q. I have ran out of my contraceptive pill?

A. If you are unable to get a repeat prescription from your GP or pharmacy, please phone 01463 888300 to discuss this. Please use condoms in the meantime if there is a delay in getting your pill.

Please remember, you should not be spending time with anyone who doesn't live in your family home.

 Q. I have symptoms of an STI?

A. Please phone us on 01463 888300 if you are experiencing symptoms of an STI and this call will be dealt with.

Q. I’ve been told by my partner that they have an STI?

A. Please phone us on 01463 888300 if you have been informed you may have an STI and this call will be dealt with.

Q. I would like tested for STIs but I have no symptoms?

A. We are unable to provide testing at the moment and would advise you to use condoms until testing becomes available and you have a negative result.

Please remember, all services have limited resources to deal with infections at this time and you should not be spending time with anyone who doesn't live in your family home.

Q. I wanted to attend your Teen Drop in service, what can I do?

A. If you are under 20 and had planned to attend our Teen Drop in service for any reason then please phone us on 01463 888300 and we will be able to help you. The team you will speak to are the same members of staff that are available at the Teen Clinic.

Please also visit Wave Highland who are available as a support for Young People.

Please remember, you should not be spending time with anyone who doesn't live in your family home.

Q. I am HIV positive, am I at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus?

A. There has been no evidence that people living with controlled HIV are at greater risk of catching COVID-19 than anyone else of the same age and general health. It is sensible to assume people who do not have an undetectable viral load on treatment or have a low CD4 count (less than 200) might be at higher risk.

For more information please see BHIVA and HIV Scotland

HIV Scotland also have a Coronavirus helpline which can be accessed on 0131 588 3713

Q. I would like an HIV test during COVID-19?

A. HIV self test is a new testing service in Scotland, giving you a free, quick and easy way of getting an HIV test. If you order a test you will get it through the post, your test will be confidential and posted in discreet packaging. You will also get dedicated support if needed.

This test has a window period of 12 weeks, meaning that if you test sooner than 12 weeks after exposure then you may get a negative test result. Therefore you should only rely on the results of this test if it is used 12 weeks or more after any possible exposure

Please visit HIV Self Test to order your free online HIV test and to access more information about the test itself.

Q. I am on PrEP and have ran out of my medication?

A, Please phone us on 01463 888300 and the relevant clinician will deal with your question.

Please remember, all services have limited resources to deal with infections at this time and you should not be spending time with anyone who doesn't live in your family home. 

Q. I have been raped, what should I do?

A. Please report this to the Police by phoning 111 as soon as possible. If you do not wish to report this to the Police you can phone us on 01463 888300 for advice and support or contact RASASH on 03330 066909

Q. I feel unsafe at home with my partner, where can I get help?

A. Try and keep a mobile phone with you at all times. If you are in immediate danger, phone 999

Q. What do I do if I need urgent Police help but cannot speak?

A. Silent Solution System - this is designed for when you need to speak urgently with the police but are unable to speak.

For further resources, please visit Coronavirus Safety Advice for Survivors or the Support Services section of our website

Q. What do I do if I need more information on terminating a pregnancy during COVID-19?

A. Please read this Patient Information Leaflet from Social Gynaecology for more information regarding termination of a pregnancy during COVID-19