Marie Stopes UK an independent provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services, has begun providing two new NHS vasectomy services in Teesside, expanding the local free contraceptive options for men and their partners.
The new services have been launched in partnership with Virgin Care’s Sexual Health Teesside service, which is free to use and part of the NHS. The services will be offered from two locations: the North Ormesby Health Village, and Sexual Health Teesside in Hartlepool. They can be accessed for free by visiting a GP.
The free service includes an initial consultation, treatment, recovery advice and 24/7 access to a nurse-run aftercare line, as well as access to counselling if men want to further discuss their options or decision.
Vasectomy is a popular method of contraception chosen by millions of men worldwide. It is safe, effective, and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs. The procedure takes 15 minutes to perform, having a vasectomy does not affect a man’s hormones, erection or orgasm, and he can start having sex as soon as it feels comfortable. Last year, Marie Stopes UK performed around 3,000 vasectomy procedures nationally.
Kay Newey, the UK Specialist Services and Implementation Lead at Marie Stopes UK said, “Often contraception is seen as a woman’s responsibility, but vasectomy is a safe, effective way that men can protect their partners from unplanned pregnancy. We’re pleased to be working with Virgin Care to launch these services in Teesside, and would encourage local people interested in finding out more to contact our 24-hour advice line for free, non-judgmental advice.”
Dr Kate Horn, Virgin Care’s lead for Sexual Health, said: “We’re very pleased to increase the number of free contraceptive options available locally through our Sexual Health Teesside service, and by working with Marie Stopes UK. Men can access the service for free by speaking with their GP.
“We’ve also got information on this and other contraceptive choices available for men and women online at www.TheSexualHealthHub.co.uk.”
Marie Stopes UK is now providing free vasectomy services in Teesside from the following locations, patients can speak with their GP to arrange an appointment:
- North Ormesby Health Village, 11A Trinity Mews, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough TS3 6AL
- Sexual Health Teesside, One Life, Park Road, Hartlepool TS24 7PW
For further information please contact Marie Stopes UK’s 24-hour advice line on 0345 300 0212, or visit www.vasectomy.org.uk.