Sexual Health

Our team provides advice, care, and support for teenagers as they maneuver the changes of adolescence and begin to require sexual health support.


Sexual Health services are free for patients under 17 years of age who are enrolled with a GP in Canterbury. All of our clinical team are involved in the delivery of the sexual health service.

We Offer Free Sexual Health for people aged 14 to 17 years.

To be eligible for free sexual health services, you must be a New Zealand resident aged between 14 and 17 years, and enrolled with a GP in Canterbury. If you are not currently enrolled in Canterbury , then it’s free and easy to enrol with us, just ask at reception or download an enrolment form.

Enrolment Form

Our Services include...

  • contraception Advice and Treatment including Emergency Contraception ('Morning After Pill')
  • testing and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  • sexual health advice
  • pregnancy testing and advice
  • cervical smear tests
  • HPV vaccination to protect against cervical, penile, anal and throat cancers
  • sexual injuries or assault advice
  • management of erectile dysfunction
  • gynaecological health
  • sexuality and gender identity support and more. 

  • Need help now?

    If you have a sexual health issue which needs to be addressed straight away, ask at reception for a nurse or doctor appointment, on arrival, say you are here for the free Youth Sexual Health check and you will not be asked to pay. It is only for sexual health consultations though, so if you need other health services, there will be an appointment fee. 

  • How can we support your sexual health?

    Your sexual health and wellbeing is vital, our team is passionate about ensuring you get the best advice so you can feel confident around decisions about your body.

How we can support your sexual health

Your sexual health and wellbeing are vital, our team is passionate about ensuring you get the best advice so you can feel confident around decisions about your body.

  • Contraception

    Contraception, know your options Our nurses can offer advice and services to help you with your sexual and reproductive health. Our GPs can provide different options of contraception and protection. We can help you decide what form of contraception may be best for you. 

    • Condoms 
    • Oral contraception 
    • Depo Provera 
    • Long-acting reversible contraceptives 
    • Emergency 
    • Contraceptive Pill (aka Morning after pill)

  • Long-acting contraception

    Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is a contraceptive that lasts for a long time. LARCs are the most effective types of contraception. They are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. 


    Some available LARCs are:

    • IUCDs 
    • Mirenas 
    • Jadelle implants 
    • Depo Provera (3-monthly injections) 
    • Funding is now available for long acting reversible contraception. Please discuss whether you are eligible for this funding with your GP or Nurse. 

    Your choice of contraception will depend on your age, health and the status of your relationship. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are unsure which method is best for you. They will ask about your health so they can recommend the safest contraception for you.


    Sexual Health consultations are FREE for all enrolled patients between 14 and 17 years of age. If you are 17 or over, please don't let cost be a barrier. Discuss funding options with a nurse.

  • Emergency contraception

    The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) is a form of contraception that can be used after unprotected sex. The ECP is approved to be taken up to 72 hours after sex (three days). However for most people it is still effective up to four days after sex. 


    The Copper IUD is a permanent intrauterine device and can also be used as a form of emergency contraception. It is inserted by a doctor or trained nurse up to five days after the egg is released, and it’s almost 100% effective.

  • STI tests

    Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that you can get if you have unprotected sex with someone. 


    There are many reasons why you might want to have an STI test, such as: 

    if you and a new partner are beginning a sexual relationship 

    if you have had unprotected sex 

    if you think you may have an STI 

    if you just want a routine sexual health check 

    if a condom broke 

    if you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant 

    if you have symptoms or just feel something is not right

    Be prepared

    Contraception is very effective at preventing pregnancy but whichever method you choose, everyone should use condoms to prevent contracting an STI that could have further health and fertility issues for you in the future.


    Sexually Transmitted Infections

    STIs are on the rise. Chlamydia has increased by 20% in the last 5 years, Gonorrhoea by 50%. That means if there are more people in the community with an STI – there is more chance that you could catch one. You may not know you have one, as many do not have sysmptoms, which is why they spread so easily.


    Chlamydia is New Zealand’s most common STI and often causes no symptoms. Untreated it can go on to cause severe pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The good news is that Chlamydia can be easily treated with prescription medication from your doctor. Other STIs like Genital Herpes can’t be cured, but can be controlled with medication. Herpes is a very painful condition to have – once you have it, you have it for life. 

    You can also catch illnesses like Hepatits C and HIV, which are both incurable but easily preventable by using condoms. 

  • Condom work

    Condoms are an effective way of preventing many STIs. If you are like most people, you will not find out about your partner’s sexual past until your relationship is underway. That might be too late to stop an STI.


    Stay safe. Always use a condom, no matter who you are having sex with. You don't want to be that person who passes something on to someone else.


    For further Information about Sexual Health check out Just The Facts website: www.justthefacts.co.nz    

  • Terminations

    LMC's (Lead Maternity Carers) team can support you if you are in need of a termination. 

    Our GPs can refer you to termination services and our team can help support your general wellness during what can be a difficult time.

  • Sexual orientation + gender identity

    Your sexual orientation is who you are attracted to, emotionally and physically. You don’t choose your sexual orientation – it is part of who you are. 

    Our gender identity is about our sense of being a man or a woman or someone else. It may not be the same as the sex we were assigned at birth. We can provide support to individuals who are wanting to discuss any issues around orientation or identity, including medication options.

  • Gender support

    These are topics that may come up during your life and sometimes it helps to talk with others who feel similar to you. At Kaiapoi Family Doctors we offer the Te Tumu Waiora program which can offer gender identity support. 


    There are FREE 30 minute appointments available. You can be referred by your GP or nurse. We can also link you to counselling and support services through the Brief Intervention Counselling (BIC) program should you need them.