Sexual Health Clinics
Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic
Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 0SZ
Overview
Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic is a specialist sexual health service located within Cardiff Royal Infirmary on Newport Road in the city centre. The clinic provides confidential testing, diagnosis, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as sexual health advice and support for patients across Cardiff and the surrounding areas. The service is part of NHS Wales and operates on a walk-in and appointment basis, offering services to people of all ages and backgrounds.
The clinic provides a range of services including STI screening and testing, contraceptive advice, sexual health consultations, and treatment for various sexual health conditions. Staff members are experienced healthcare professionals trained in sexual health matters who maintain strict confidentiality. The clinic aims to provide non-judgmental, patient-centred care to anyone seeking sexual health support. Being located within a major hospital setting ensures access to additional medical resources when needed. The service is free to all patients through the NHS and typically offers convenient opening hours to accommodate working patients and students throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic in Cardiff provides confidential sexual health services including STI testing and treatment (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, genital warts), free condoms and contraception, HIV testing and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), cervical screening, pregnancy testing and advice, and sexual health advice and support. All services are free, confidential, and available regardless of age or immigration status.
Some services at Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic are available on a walk-in basis, while others require an appointment. STI testing and emergency contraception are often available as walk-ins. Contraception fitting (coils, implants) and specialist consultations usually need booking. Contact 029 2183 5208 or check the website to see which services require an appointment and current walk-in availability.
Yes, all services at Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic are strictly confidential. Your visit will not appear on your NHS GP record unless you give consent, or there is a safeguarding concern involving someone under 16. Staff will not contact you without your permission. You can use a pseudonym if you prefer. Under the NHS confidentiality code of practice, your information is only shared with those directly involved in your care.
Yes, all STI testing at Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic is free on the NHS. Tests are available for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes, and other infections. Testing usually involves a urine sample, blood test, and/or swab depending on the infection being tested for. Results are typically available within 1-2 weeks. You can also order free home STI test kits online in most areas.
Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic offers a full range of contraceptive methods including combined and progesterone-only oral pills, contraceptive injections, contraceptive implants (fitting and removal), intrauterine devices (IUD/coil) and intrauterine systems (IUS), contraceptive patches and vaginal rings, and emergency contraception (morning-after pill and emergency IUD). A clinician will discuss the options and help you choose the most suitable method. All NHS contraception is free.
Yes, Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic provides free condoms and lubricant. Many sexual health clinics operate a C-card scheme where young people (usually under 25) can register for a card that entitles them to free condoms from participating pharmacies and clinics across the area. Ask at reception for free condoms or about the C-card scheme.
An STI check-up at Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic is quick and straightforward. A clinician will ask about your sexual history, symptoms, and what tests you would like. Testing may involve providing a urine sample, having blood taken, and/or self-taken swabs (throat, genital, rectal depending on your sexual practices). Most tests are painless. Results are usually available within 1-2 weeks by phone, text, or online. Treatment is provided free if any infection is found.
Yes, Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic provides emergency contraception free of charge. The emergency contraceptive pill is most effective the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex (up to 72 or 120 hours depending on the type). The emergency IUD (copper coil) is the most effective form of emergency contraception and can be fitted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Walk-in access is usually available for emergency contraception.
Some sexual health clinics including Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic offer cervical screening (smear tests) for women and people with a cervix aged 25-64. This may be particularly useful if you are not registered with a GP or prefer to have screening at a sexual health clinic. Contact 029 2183 5208 to check availability.
Yes, partners are welcome to attend Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic for STI testing. If you have been diagnosed with an STI, your partner(s) should be tested and treated. Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic can help with partner notification — letting partners know they may have been exposed to an infection — either through you or anonymously through the clinic. This is an important step in preventing reinfection and onward transmission.
Yes, Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic provides confidential services for young people of all ages. Under-16s can access contraception, STI testing, and advice in line with Fraser guidelines (formerly Gillick competence). The service is confidential — your parents or school will not be informed unless there is a safeguarding concern. Young people-friendly clinics may be available at specific times.
Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic can provide support following sexual assault, including emergency contraception, STI testing and preventive treatment, PEP (HIV prevention), and signposting to specialist support services such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs). You do not have to report to the police to access healthcare support. Staff are trained to be sensitive and supportive.
Yes, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is available free on the NHS for people at higher risk of HIV. PrEP is a daily tablet that is over 99% effective at preventing HIV when taken consistently. Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic can assess your eligibility, prescribe PrEP, and provide regular monitoring (HIV tests, kidney function tests, STI screening). You do not need a GP referral to access PrEP — contact 029 2183 5208 directly.
Yes, HIV testing is available free at Cardiff Sexual Health Clinic. A rapid HIV test (finger-prick blood test) gives results in 15-20 minutes. Standard blood tests are also available with results in a few days. You can be tested anonymously. If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, attend urgently for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which can prevent infection. Regular HIV testing is recommended if you are sexually active.