Sexual Health Fife
Sexual Health Fife provides free, confidential care for all aspects of your sexual health and wellbeing. This includes information, advice, testing and treatment.
We are a completely confidential service, where you will be listened to without judgement.
If you have experienced rape or sexual assault
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can attend Sexual Health Fife for:
- Routine testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Testing for Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs)
- Treatment and follow?up care, if needed
You do not have to share details of what happened unless you want to.
We will support you at your own pace.
If any test results are positive, we will explain what this means and provide the right treatment, advice and ongoing care.
Emergency Contraception (EC)
Emergency contraception is available from:
- Local pharmacies (7 days a week)
- Oral emergency contraception (pill) only
- Sexual Health Fife (Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm)
- Oral emergency contraception (pill)
- Copper coil (IUD)
If you think you may need EC, please attend a local pharmacy or contact our service as soon as possible.
Oral Emergency Contraception (EC) Pills
There are two types of oral EC pills.
A pharmacist or nurse will help you decide which one is most suitable for you.
The EC pill work best when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, however it may still work up to 5 days (120 hours) after sex, depending on the type.
If contacting the sexual health clinic, you will be added to a phone?call list, where a nurse will assess your needs and discuss the best option for you.
You must have an appointment - please do not attend without one!
Depending on the type of EC pill you take, you may need to wait before starting or restarting regular hormonal contraception. The EC pill can also reduce how well any hormonal contraception you were already using works for a short time.
Because of this, you may need to use condoms for a period afterwards.
Staff will explain this fully and help you plan your next steps.
The Copper Coil (IUD)
- The copper coil is the most effective form of emergency contraception
- It provides ongoing contraception once fitted
- It may still be an option more than 5 days after unprotected sex
It’s usually recommended to take the EC pill first - you can then have a copper coil fitted afterwards if you decide to go ahead and it’s appropriate for you.
Thinking you might be pregnant?
Pregnancy tests are only reliable from 3 weeks after unprotected sex.
If you test earlier than this, the result may be negative even if you are pregnant.
If your home pregnancy test is positive:
Wish to continue the pregnancy?
You can register directly with maternity services.
- Click the link below
- Choose “I am ready to register my pregnancy”
You’re pregnant, what happens now? | NHS Fife
Do not wish to continue the pregnancy?
You can self-refer for a termination of pregnancy.
Call: 01592 643355 and ask for extension number 25445
· Lines are open Monday to Friday, 12:00pm–4:00pm
Alternatively email: fife.womenschoices@nhs.scot
You can also click this link: You’re pregnant, what happens now? | NHS Fife
and choose: “I am unsure about continuing with my pregnancy”
You can take time to decide what is right for you. Support is available whichever choice you make.
AcORN Priority Access
When making an appointment with Sexual Health Fife you do not have to disclose that you have been raped or sexually assaulted.
You can ask for an AcORN appointment. This means:
- You do not need to explain the reason for your visit
- You will be offered priority access, usually within 48 hours of calling
However if you feel able to tell staff they can increase your appointment time to ensure you have enough time to ask any questions you may have or to enable you to take a break should you need to.
To book an appointment
To make an appointment with Sexual Health please call the appointment line on 01592 647979 at the times listed below and ask for an AcORN appointment:
Monday to Friday 8:30am – 11am and 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday lines are also open from 5.00pm – 7.00pm
What happens at your Sexual Health appointment?
· You will be seen by a nurse
· The nurse may not know why you are attending, so may start with general questions
· These questions are recorded on NASH, a secure sexual health record only accessible to sexual health services
Your appointment will be:
· At your own pace
· Led by you
· Focused on your comfort and safety
You can:
- Ask at any time why a question is being asked
- Choose not to answer a question
- Ask to pause or take a break at any point
Some questions may include dates, as this helps make sure any testing is done at the right time. We understand that this can feel personal or difficult, and it will always be handled with care and respect.
Clinic locations
Sexual Health staff will make you an appointment at your nearest Sexual Health clinic at a time that is convenient to you.
Queen Margaret Hospital - Dunfermline
The Sexual Health Clinic in Dunfermline at the Queen Margaret Hospital is located on Level 1, in Phase 2 past The Fife Suite.
If this feels upsetting or worrying, you can:
· Book an appointment at a different clinic, or
· Ask for a member of staff to meet you at the main reception area in the hospital and walk you in.
· Support is available and staff will help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Whytemans Brae Hospital – Kirkcaldy
The Sexual Health Clinic in Kirkcaldy at Whytemans Brae Hospital is located in Outpatients 4 on Level 2. It is signposted once you enter the building
If you need any further information about other clinic locations or how to find us please access the Sexual Health Webpage by clicking the following link:
