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The pelvic floor muscles sit at the base of our body  providing the floor of our pelvis.

They have many important functions including supporting our pelvic organs ( bladder, bowel, uterus and vagina), maintaining continence ,and stabilising the pelvis to allow us to move.

We engage these muscles when we are trying to stop ourselves peeing or breaking wind.

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How to exercise your pelvic floor muscles

It is important to learn to do the exercises in the right way, and to check from time to time that you are still doing them correctly. Your therapist can help you to understand this by using diagrams, drawings and models.

1. In the upright position, sit comfortably with your feet and knees wide apart. If preferred, you can also lie down flat (supine position) with your legs slightly apart. Remember to keep breathing throughout and keep your stomach, leg and buttock muscles relaxed.

2. Imagine that you are trying to stop yourself from passing gas from the bowel and at the same time trying to stop the flow of urine from the bladder. You should feel a lifting and tightening around the vagina and anus.

3. Observing the muscles can be an effective way of checking they are working correctly. Lie propped on the bed; place a small mirror between your legs with your knees bent and apart. As you pull up the pelvic floor you should see your anus and entrance to the vagina lifting and drawing in.

You may not be able to immediately contract and relax adequately at first. Don't be disappointed. Most patients will learn to contract and relax if they are given some time by themselves at home to practice.
How often should I practice?
First determine your 'starting block'. Use your diary.

Tighten your pelvic floor muscles maximally without using your buttocks or thigh muscles as described above. Hold tight for as many seconds as you can (up to a maximum of 10 seconds).
How long can you hold the maximal contraction?
_______ secs

Release the contraction and rest for at least the same time of the contraction. Repeat the 'tighten, hold and release' as many times as you can (up to a maximum of 8-12 repetitions)
How many times can you repeat the contraction?
_______ times

e.g. 2 secs, 4 times

This becomes your 'starting block.' Repeat your starting block 4-6 times during the day. As a result of this muscle training, your pelvic floor will get stronger and your starting block will change.

e.g. 4 secs 6 times

This becomes your new starting block.

This program builds up the endurance of the muscle group. In other words, the muscle will be able to work harder for longer.

Now perform the pelvic floor exercise, but squeeze quickly and then let go. Rest 1-2 seconds before the next one. These are called quick contractions and will help your muscles react quickly when you laugh, cough, exercise or lift.
How many contractions can you do?
Aim to increase this number to 8-12 contractions, 3 times a day for at least 6 months. That's the easy bit! The most difficult part of the program is remembering to do the exercises! Here are some tips to help trigger your memory:

Wear your watch on the wrong wrist.

Put stickers in places that will catch your eye (e.g. bathroom mirror, telephone, fridge, kettle, steering wheel).

Exercise after you have emptied your bladder.

Exercise in any position.

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Pelvic Floor Exercises - Your Pelvic Floor

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How to exercise your pelvic floor muscles It is important to learn to do the exercises in the right way, and to check from time to time that you are still doing them correctly. Your therapist can help you to understand this by using diagrams, drawings and models.

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Pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy 

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Pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy 

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There are many types of incontinence but all involve involuntary leakage of urine, faeces or gas. Can be active (knowing we are leaking) or passive (unaware of leakage).

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This refers to pain felt around the pelvic girdle radiating to lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, symphysis pubis, groin, hips and thighs. It is due to pregnancy related changes but can exist post-delivery as well.

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Prolapse can occur when there is loss of support within the vagina  causing the organs (bladder, bowel, uterus) to slip into the vaginal walls leading to feelings of dragging/heaviness and often other associated bladder/bowel  symptoms.

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https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/what-are-pelvic-floor-exercises/

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Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles around your bladder, bottom, and vagina or penis.

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can help urinary incontinence, treat pelvic organ prolapse, and make sex better too.

Everyone can benefit from doing pelvic floor exercises.

Find your pelvic floor muscles

You can feel your pelvic floor muscles if you try to stop the flow of urine when you go to the toilet.

It's not recommended that you regularly stop the flow of urine midstream as it can be harmful to your bladder.

Pelvic floor exercises

To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, sit comfortably and squeeze the muscles 10 to 15 times.

Do not hold your breath or tighten your stomach, bottom or thigh muscles at the same time.

When you get used to doing pelvic floor exercises, you can try holding each squeeze for a few seconds.

Every week, you can add more squeezes, but be careful not to overdo it, and always have a rest between sets of squeezes.

After a few months, you should start to notice results. You should keep doing the exercises, even when you notice they're starting to work.

Pregnancy and pelvic floor exercises

If you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you can start doing pelvic floor exercises immediately.

The exercises will lower your chance of experiencing incontinence after having your baby.

Find out more about exercise in pregnancy, including pelvic floor exercises.

How pelvic floor exercises can help with sex

Strong pelvic floor muscles can also mean increased sensitivity during sex and stronger orgasms.

Strengthening and training the pelvic floor muscles can help also reduce the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 14 April 2020
Next review due: 14 April 2023

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Find out about exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which are the muscles around your bladder, bottom, and vagina or penis.

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https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-incontinence/

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Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It's a common problem thought to affect millions of people.
There are several types of urinary incontinence, including:

stress incontinence - when urine leaks out at times when your bladder is under pressure; for example, when you cough or laugh

urge (urgency) incontinence - when urine leaks as you feel a sudden, intense urge to pee, or soon afterwards

overflow incontinence (chronic urinary retention) - when you're unable to fully empty your bladder, which causes frequent leaking

total incontinence - when your bladder cannot store any urine at all, which causes you to pass urine constantly or have frequent leaking

It's also possible to have a mixture of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.

Find out more about the symptoms of urinary incontinence.

When to seek medical advice

See a GP if you have any type of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is a common problem and you should not feel embarrassed talking to them about your symptoms.

This can also be the first step towards finding a way to effectively manage the problem.

Urinary incontinence can usually be diagnosed after a consultation with a GP, who will ask about your symptoms and may do a pelvic or rectal examination, depending on whether you have a vagina or a penis.

The GP may also suggest you keep a diary in which you note how much fluid you drink and how often you have to urinate.

You may also be referred to a specialist for more tests.

Find out about diagnosing urinary incontinence.

Causes of urinary incontinence

Stress incontinence is usually the result of the weakening of or damage to the muscles used to prevent urination, such as the pelvic floor muscles and the urethral sphincter.

Urge incontinence is usually the result of overactivity of the detrusor muscles, which control the bladder.

Overflow incontinence is often caused by an obstruction or blockage in your bladder, which prevents it from emptying fully.

Total incontinence may be caused by a problem with the bladder from birth, a spinal injury, or a small, tunnel like hole that can form between the bladder and a nearby area (fistula).

Certain things can increase the chances of urinary incontinence, including:

pregnancy and vaginal birth

obesity

a family history of incontinence

increasing age - although incontinence is not an inevitable part of ageing

Find out more about the causes of urinary incontinence.

Treating urinary incontinence

Non-surgical treatments

Initially, a GP may suggest some simple measures to see if they help improve your symptoms.

These may include:

lifestyle changes such as losing weight and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol

pelvic floor exercises, where you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by squeezing them

bladder training, where you learn ways to wait longer between needing to urinate and passing urine

You may also benefit from the use of incontinence products, such as absorbent pads and handheld urinals.

Medicine may be recommended if you're still unable to manage your symptoms.

Find out more about non-surgical treatments for urinary incontinence.

Surgical treatments

Surgery may also be considered. The procedures that are suitable for you will depend on the type of incontinence you have.

Surgical treatment for stress incontinence, such as a sling procedure, is used to reduce pressure on the bladder or strengthen the muscles that control urination.

Surgery to treat urge incontinence includes enlarging the bladder or implanting a device that stimulates the nerve that controls the detrusor muscles.

Find out more about surgery and procedures for urinary incontinence.

Preventing urinary incontinence

It's not always possible to prevent urinary incontinence, but there are some steps you can take that may help reduce the chance of it happening.

These include:

Healthy weight

Being obese can increase your risk of urinary incontinence. You may be able to lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and healthy eating.

Use the healthy weight calculator to see if you are a healthy weight for your height.

Get more information and advice about managing your weight.

Drinking habits

Depending on your particular bladder problem, a GP can advise you about the amount of fluids you should drink.

If you have urinary incontinence, cut down on alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola. These can cause your kidneys to produce more urine and irritate your bladder.

The recommended weekly limit for alcohol consumption is 14 units.

A unit of alcohol is roughly half a pint of normal strength lager or a single measure (25ml) of spirits.

Find out more about alcohol units.

If you have to urinate frequently during the night (nocturia), try drinking less in the hours before you go to bed. However, make sure you still drink enough fluids during the day.

Pelvic floor exercises

Being pregnant and giving birth can weaken the muscles that control the flow of urine from your bladder. If you're pregnant, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles may help prevent urinary incontinence.

Find out more about pelvic floor muscle exercises during pregnancy.

Everyone may benefit from strengthening their pelvic floor muscles with pelvic floor exercises.

Find out more about pelvic floor exercises.

Social care and support guide

If you:

need help with day to day living because of illness or disability

care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled (including family members)

Our guide to social care and support explains your options and where you can get support.

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Read about urinary incontinence, which is the unintentional passing of urine. It's a common problem that's thought to affect millions of people worldwide.

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https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-incontinence/

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Read about bowel incontinence, including the symptoms, what causes it and the treatments available.

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https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/pelvic-pain/

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Some women develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is sometimes called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

PGP is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by a stiffness of your pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at either the back or front of your pelvis.

Symptoms of PGP

PGP is not harmful to your baby, but it can be painful and make it hard to get around.

Women with PGP may feel pain:

over the pubic bone at the front in the centre, roughly level with your hips

across 1 or both sides of your lower back

in the area between your vagina and anus (perineum)

spreading to your thighs

Some women feel or hear a clicking or grinding in the pelvic area.

The pain can be worse when you're:

walking

going up or down stairs

standing on 1 leg (for example, when you're getting dressed)

turning over in bed

moving your legs apart (for example, when you get out of a car)

Most women with PGP can have a vaginal birth.

Call your midwife or GP if you have pelvic pain and:

it's hard for you to move around

it hurts to get out of a car or turn over in bed

it's painful going up or down stairs

These can be signs of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

Coronavirus update

If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby.

Hospitals and clinics are making sure it's safe for pregnant women to go to appointments.

If you get symptoms of coronavirus, or you're unwell with something other than coronavirus, speak to your midwife or maternity team. They will advise you what to do.
Find out more about pregnancy and coronavirus

Treatments for PGP

Getting diagnosed as early as possible can help keep pain to a minimum and avoid long-term discomfort.

You can ask your midwife for a referral to a physiotherapist who specialises in obstetric pelvic joint problems.

Physiotherapy aims to relieve or ease pain, improve muscle function, and improve your pelvic joint position and stability.

This may include:

manual therapy to make sure the joints of your pelvis, hip and spine move normally

exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, stomach, back and hip muscles

exercises in water

advice and suggestions, including positions for labour and birth, looking after your baby and positions for sex

pain relief, such as TENS

equipment, if necessary, such as crutches or pelvic support belts

These problems tend not to get completely better until the baby is born, but treatment from an experienced practitioner can improve the symptoms during pregnancy.

You can contact the Pelvic Partnership for information and support.

Coping with pelvic pain in pregnancy

Your physiotherapist may recommend a pelvic support belt to help ease your pain, or crutches to help you get around.

It can help to plan your day so you avoid activities that cause you pain. For example, do not go up or down stairs more often than you have to.

The Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) network also offers this advice:

be as active as possible within your pain limits, and avoid activities that make the pain worse

rest when you can

get help with household chores from your partner, family and friends

wear flat, supportive shoes

sit down to get dressed - for example, do not stand on 1 leg when putting on jeans

keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car - a plastic bag on the seat can help you swivel

sleep in a comfortable position - for example, on your side with a pillow between your legs

try different ways of turning over in bed - for example, turning over with your knees together and squeezing your buttocks

take the stairs 1 at a time, or go upstairs backwards or on your bottom

if you're using crutches, have a small backpack to carry things in

if you want to have sex, consider different positions, such as kneeling on all fours

POGP suggests that you avoid:

standing on 1 leg

bending and twisting to lift, or carrying a baby on 1 hip

crossing your legs

sitting on the floor, or sitting twisted

sitting or standing for long periods

lifting heavy weights, such as shopping bags, wet washing or a toddler

vacuuming

pushing heavy objects, such as a supermarket trolley

carrying anything in only 1 hand (try using a small backpack)

The physiotherapist should be able to provide advice on coping with the emotional impact of living with chronic pain, such as using relaxation techniques. If your pain is causing you considerable distress, then you should let your GP or midwife know. You may require additional treatment.

Download the POGP leaflet Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain for mothers-to-be and new mothers.

You can get more information on managing everyday activities with PGP from the Pelvic Partnership.

Labour and birth with pelvic pain

Many women with pelvic pain in pregnancy can have a normal vaginal birth.

Plan ahead and talk about your birth plan with your birth partner and midwife.

Write in your birth plan that you have PGP, so the people supporting you during labour and birth will be aware of your condition.

Think about birth positions that are the most comfortable for you, and write them in your birth plan.

Being in water can take the weight off your joints and allow you to move more easily, so you might want to think about having a water birth. You can discuss this with your midwife.

Your 'pain-free range of movement'

If you have pain when you open your legs, find out your pain-free range of movement.

To do this, lie on your back or sit on the edge of a chair and open your legs as far as you can without pain.

Your partner or midwife can measure the distance between your knees with a tape measure. This is your pain-free range.

To protect your joints, try not to open your legs wider than this during labour and birth.

This is particularly important if you have an epidural for pain relief in labour, as you won't be feeling the pain that warns you that you're separating your legs too far.

If you have an epidural, make sure your midwife and birth partner are aware of your pain-free range of movement of your legs.

When pushing in the second stage of labour, you may find it beneficial to lie on one side.

This prevents your legs from being separated too much. You can stay in this position for the birth of your baby, if you wish.

Sometimes it might be necessary to open your legs wider than your pain-free range to deliver your baby safely, particularly if you have an assisted delivery (for example, with the vacuum or ventouse).

Even in this case, it's possible to limit the separation of your legs. Make sure your midwife and doctor are aware that you have PGP.

If you go beyond your pain-free range, your physiotherapist should assess you after the birth.

Take extra care until they have assessed and advised you.

Who gets pelvic pain in pregnancy?

It's estimated that PGP affects up to 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree.

It's not known exactly why pelvic pain affects some women, but it's thought to be linked to a number of issues, including previous damage to the pelvis, pelvic joints moving unevenly, and the weight or position of the baby.

Factors that may make a woman more likely to develop PGP include:

a history of lower back or pelvic girdle pain

previous injury to the pelvis (for example, from a fall or accident)

having PGP in a previous pregnancy

a physically demanding job

being overweight

having a multiple birth pregnancy

healthtalk.org has interviews with women talking about their experiences of pelvic pain in pregnancy.

Read more about coping with common pregnancy problems, including nausea, heartburn, tiredness and constipation.

Find maternity services or physiotherapy services near you.

Community content from HealthUnlocked

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Some women develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is sometimes called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). PGP is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by a stiffness of your pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at either the back or front of your pelvis.

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https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/

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Pelvic organ prolapse is when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina.
It can be the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina.

A prolapse is not life threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort.

Symptoms can usually be improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes, but sometimes medical treatment is needed.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms include:

a feeling of heaviness around your lower tummy and genitals

a dragging discomfort inside your vagina

feeling like there's something coming down into your vagina - it may feel like sitting on a small ball

feeling or seeing a bulge or lump in or coming out of your vagina

discomfort or numbness during sex

problems peeing - such as feeling like your bladder is not emptying fully, needing to go to the toilet more often, or leaking a small amount of pee when you cough, sneeze or exercise (stress incontinence)

Sometimes pelvic organ prolapse has no symptoms and is found during an internal examination carried out for another reason, such as cervical screening.

When to see a GP

See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of a prolapse, or if you notice a lump in or around your vagina.

What happens at your appointment

Your doctor will ask if they can do an internal pelvic examination.

For this you'll need to undress from the waist down and lie back on the examination bed.

Your doctor will then feel for any lumps in your pelvic area and inside your vagina.

They may gently put an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to hold the walls of it open so they can see if there's a prolapse.

Sometimes they'll ask you to lie on your left-hand side and examine you in that position to get a better view of the prolapse.

You can ask for this examination to be done by a female doctor and, if you like, bring someone you trust along with you for support.

Further tests

If you have problems with your bladder, a GP may refer you to hospital for further tests.

These may include:

a urine test to look for an infection

inserting a small tube into your bladder to look for any problems

Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

If you do not have any symptoms, or the prolapse is mild and not bothering you, you may not need medical treatment.

But making some lifestyle changes will probably still help.

These include:

losing weight if you're overweight

avoiding heavy lifting

preventing or treating constipation

If the prolapse is more severe or your symptoms are affecting your daily life, there are several further treatment options to consider.

These include:

pelvic floor exercises

hormone treatment

vaginal pessaries

surgery

The recommended treatment will depend on the type and severity of the prolapse, your symptoms and your overall health.

You and your doctor will decide together what's the best option for you.

Causes of pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the group of muscles and tissues that normally support the pelvic organs, called the pelvic floor, becomes weakened and cannot hold the organs in place firmly.

A number of things can weaken your pelvic floor and increase your chance of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

These include:

pregnancy and childbirth - especially if you had a long, difficult birth, or if you gave birth to a large baby or multiple babies

getting older and going through the menopause

being overweight

having long-term constipation or a long-term health condition that causes you to cough and strain

having a hysterectomy

a job that requires a lot of heavy lifting

Some health conditions can also make a prolapse more likely, including:

Types of prolapse

The 4 main types of prolapse are:

the bladder bulging into the front wall of the vagina (anterior prolapse)

the womb bulging or hanging down into the vagina (uterine prolapse)

the top of the vagina sagging down - this happens to some women after they have had surgery to remove their womb

the bowel bulging forward into the back wall of the vagina (posterior wall prolapse)

It's possible to have more than 1 of these at the same time.

Pelvic organ prolapse will usually be classified on a scale of 1 to 4 to show how severe it is, with 4 being a severe prolapse.
Community content from HealthUnlocked

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Pelvic organ prolapse is when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. It can be the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina. A prolapse is not life threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort.

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https://www.bladderandbowel.org/

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Supporting Your Bladder & Bowel Health | Bladder & Bowel Community

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At Bladder and Bowel Community, we aim to break the taboo of living with a bladder or bowel condition and offer support for those who do. Check us out today.

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Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynecological Physiotherapy 

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Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynecological Physiotherapy 

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https://thepogp.co.uk/

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https://www.continence-foundation.org.uk/

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Treatment of Incontinence

Treatment of incontinence depends on its type, severity and the underlying cause. It can be successfully treated in most cases but if the underlying cause cannot be cured, there are ways to ease the symptoms and make this embarrassing problem less unpleasant.

Typically, the doctors start with the simplest and the least invasive treatments, of course, if the cause of incontinence does not require prompt medical treatment or surgery. Urinary incontinence which is not caused by an underlying medical condition is often managed with the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes. Urinary incontinence which is caused by excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption typically improves or goes away completely when the patient eliminates or reduces consumption of alcoholic or/and caffeinated beverages. Other lifestyle changes which may eliminate incontinence completely include weigh loss, avoidance of lifting heavy objects and regular exercise such as walking.

Kegel exercises. This method helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and is one of the most effective treatments for stress incontinence and urine leaking problems after childbirth. To do these pelvic floor exercises, imagine that you are trying to stop the urine flow and can easily be done at home.

Bladder training. This method involves delaying urination for five to ten minutes to literally force the bladder to hold urine that you avoid those little accidents. Bladder training sometimes includes scheduled voiding to empty the bladder which eases the so-called urge incontinence. If access to toilet facilities is difficult due to stairs then think about installing a stairlift from a reputable company and perhaps a refit of your bathroom or .

Electrical stimulation. This therapy involves the use of electric current to strengthen the pelvic muscles or stimulate the bladder nerves. It is usually used in women not responding to other treatments. Electrical stimulation requires multiple repetitions to show results.

Medications. Several types of medications can be used treat or ease the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Which ones are prescribed depends on the type of incontinence and its severity.

Medical devices. Women with stress incontinence due to prolapsed (dropped) uterus or bladder are usually prescribed a pessary to hold up the bladder and prevent incontinence.

Injections. They are used to bulk up the tissue surrounding the urethra and prevent urine leakage by keeping the urethra sealed. Just like electrical stimulation, treatment of incontinence with injections requires multiple repetitions.

Surgery. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for patients with severe incontinence who do not respond to other treatments. Surgery can fix the problem which is responsible for urine leakage but it may not eliminate incontinence completely.

Incontinence Insurance - Some products that can be used to treat or manage incontinence can be very costly this has lead to the advent of specialised medical insurance such as BUPA which works in a similar manner to your common plan.

Absorbent pads and catheter. When urinary incontinence cannot be cured, patients are prescribed absorbent pads or catheter depending on the severity of urine leakage.

Treatment of faecal incontinence usually starts with lifestyle and dietary changes such as increased fluid intake and eating a diet high in fibre content which usually eliminates the problem with faecal leakage due to constipation or/and haemorrhoids. Patients with chronic constipation may also be prescribed laxatives or stool softeners. People who have too loose stools, on the other hand, may be given medications to make the stools firmer.

Patients with faecal incontinence related to weakened muscles or loss of sensation to have a bowel movement may also benefit from bowel training involving exercises to strengthen the weakened rectal muscles. These exercises may be combined with scheduled trips to the toilet to help the patient establish a routine which in turn may help prevent faecal leakage. Surgery is the last treatment option for faecal incontinence, however, it is reserved for the severest cases not responding to other treatments.

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Treatment of incontinence depends on its type, severity and the underlying cause. It can be successfully treated in most cases but if the underlying cause cannot be cured, there are ways to ease the symptoms and make this embarrassing problem less unpleasant.

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Pelvic Girdle Pain and other common conditions in pregnancy

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Pelvic Girdle Pain and other common conditions in pregnancy

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse:- a guide for women

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Pelvic Organ Prolapse:- a guide for women

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Cheshire & Merseyside Women's Health & Maternity; Single Point of Access (padlet.com)

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Physical activity information for pregnant people

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Physical activity information for pregnant people

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Fit for the Future- essential advice and exercises following childbirth

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Fit for the Future- essential advice and exercises following childbirth

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Physical activity for woman after childbirth (birth to 12 months) 

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Physical activity for woman after childbirth (birth to 12 months) 

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For Sexual Health Clinics in Cheshire East:

Axess Sexual Health Macclesfield
New Alderley House, Macclesfield, Hospital, Macclesfield, SK10 3BL
0300 323 1300 Option 1

Axess Sexual Health Crewe
Eagle Bridge Health and Wellbeing centre, Dunwoody Way, Crewe, CW1 3AW
0300 323 1300 Option 1

Axess Sexual Health Congleton
Congleton War Memorial Hospital, Canal Road, Congleton, CW12 3AR
0300 323 1300

Axess Sexual Health Knutsford
Knutsford District and Community Hospital, Bexton Road,Knutsford, WA16 0ED
0300 323 1300

Axess Sexual Health Handforth
Handforth Clinic, Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3HL 0300 323 1300

Axess Sexual Health Waters Green (under 25s)
Waters Green Medical Centre, Sunderland Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6JL
01625 264125

For Sexual Health Clinics in Cheshire West and Chester:

Connect sexual health clinics for young people - for under 24
Fountains Health Centre, Delamere Street, Chester, CH1 4DS
0300 247 0020

Dene Drive
Dene Drive Primary Care Centre, Winsford, CW7 1AT
0300 247 0020

Stanney Lane Clinic
Stanney Lane Ellesmere Port, CH65 9AE
0301 247 0020

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https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Public-Health/Health-Clinics/Sexual-Health-Clinics

Axess Sexual Health Runcorn
Halton General Hospital, Block 8, Hospital Way, Runcorn, WA7 2DA
0300 323 1300 Option 3

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Important note:

Sexual health clinics are open with limited capacity as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Walk-in hours are not offered at this time.

Services are prioritized for people who have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), people who have had sex with someone with an STI, and people most affected by STIs. Please consider going to your primary care provider or local walk-in clinic, if able to.

All sexual health clinics are confidential and do not require a health card. To book an appointment, please call 311.

Harm Reduction Services are also available at clinic locations.

All sexual health clinics are wheelchair accessible and have free parking available. If you plan to attend a Halton Region sexual health clinic and need accommodation due to a disability, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 311 or email sexualhealth@halton.ca. Communication supports through the Language Line Service are also available on request.

For general sexual health information, please visit sexualhealthontario.ca (external link) or contact Sexual Health Infoline Ontario by phone: 1-800-668-2437 or by e-chat (external link) . It's anonymous and free.

Locations

Services

Doctors, nurse practitioners and public health nurses provide the following confidential sexual health services at Halton Region's sexual health clinics:
Birth control and pregnancy services for individuals 29 years old and younger

Birth control (options include low-cost, free to those in financial need and prescriptions to be filled at pharmacies under the Provincial OHIP+ program or individual drug plans)

Birth control counselling (including referrals for IUD)

Urine pregnancy test

Pap test

Emergency contraception

Pregnancy options (counselling and support)

Sexually transmitted and blood borne infection services for all ages

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis testing

HIV testing (anonymous and confidential)

HIV rapid testing (if eligible)

Hepatitis B and C testing

Free treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis

Information on sexually transmitted and blood borne infections

Free HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines for those who qualify (paid HPV vaccine also available)

Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of active genital herpes

Assessment and diagnosis of genital warts

Free condoms

Free needle exchange supplies, harm reduction supplies and naloxone overdose prevention kits

Please see your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic for the following:

Testing and treatment for urinary tract infections

Assessment of cold sores

Assessment of scabies, crabs or lice

Assessment of sexual dysfunction (erection and arousal difficulties), dyspareunia (painful sex) and sex addiction

Treatment of genital warts

Testing and treatment of infertility, miscarriage or menopause

Testing and treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge (such as yeast, bacterial vaginosis) when an STI has been ruled out

IUD follow-up/concerns

Testing and treatment of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)

Hepatitis A or B immunity testing

Herpes blood testing

In case of an emergency, please go directly to the nearest hospital.

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Sexual health clinics are open with limited capacity as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Walk-in hours are not offered at this time. Services are prioritized for people who have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), people who have had sex with someone with an STI, and people most affected by STIs.

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Newton community Hospital
Lutpatient department, 1st floor, Newton Community Hospital, Bradlegh Road, Newton-le-willows, WA11 0NA

Axess sexual health THE ARCH
2 Ellison Grove, Huyton, Liverpool, L36 9GA
0300 323 1300 Option 5

The St Chad's Centre Clinic
St Chad's Drive, Kirkby, L32 8RE

The Halewood Centre Clinic
Roseheath Drive, Leathers Lane, Halewood, L26 9UH

North Huyton Primary Care Resource Centre Clinic Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton, L36 3TN

Axess Sexual Health Warrington
Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre, Legh St, Warrington WA1 1UG
0300 323 1300 Option 2

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Axess sexual health
University hospital, The Royal Prescot St, Liverpool L7 8XP 0300 323 1300

Liverpool Moorfields Clinic
5 St Pauls Square, Liverpool L3 9SJ
020 37974092

Liverpool Rodney Street Clinic
Ghosh Medical Group, Rodney Street, Liverpool, L1 PED 020 3797 4092

Private sexual health clinic
Penny lane, Liverpool, L18 1DG
020 7099 0955

Better2Know Liverpool
88 Rodney St, Liverpool, L1 9AR
0151 347 0299

Liverpool Orrell Park Clinic
Trinity Church Orrell Lane/ Rice Lane, Liverpool, L9 8BU
020 3797 4092

Abacus Clinic Family Planning
6 David Lewis St, Liverpool, L1 4AP
0151 247 6500

Dunstan Village Group Practice
Dunstan Village, Grp Pract Earle Rd, Liverpool, L7 6HD
0151 559 6111

Bridgewater Family Planning Service
University Hospital Aintree, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL
0151 203 4495

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Sefton Sexual Health at St Hugh's Bootle
St. Hugh's Building, Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3QQ
01695 656550

Sefton Sexual Health Service
01695 656550
Home - (seftonsexualhealth.nhs.uk)

Sefton Sexual Health Service – St Hugh's, Bootle
St. Hugh’s (5th floor), Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3QQ

Sefton Sexual Health Service - Netherton Health Centre

Magdalen Square, Netherton, Liverpool, Merseyside, L30 5SP

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If you are aged 16 and over you can now get free condoms sent to your home. Click on this link for more information.

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St.Helens Thatto Heath Centre
Elephant Lane, Thatto Health, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 5PR
020 3883 7104

Lowe House Health Centre
103 Crab St, Saint Helens WA10 2DJ
01744 624999

Family Planning; Rainbow Medical Centre
Rainbow Medical Centre, 99 Elephant Ln, Thatto Heath, Saint Helens WA 5QL

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Axess Sexual Health Warrington
Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre, Legh St, Warrington WA1 1UG
0300 323 1300 Option 2

Connect sexual health clinics for young people - for under19’s
The Gateway, Winmarleigh Street, Warrington, WA1 1SR

Youth Café clinic at Warrington Youth Café for under 19’s
Youth Café, Newtown House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NH

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Sexual health Birkenhead
St, Catherine's Health Centre Derby Rd, Birkenhead, CH42 0LQ
0151 514 6464

Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust
0300 123 5474

Arrowe Park Hospital
Arrowe Park Hospital, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49, UK
0151 6785111

Bridgewater Family Planning Services
Victoria Central Health Centre, Mill Lane, Wallasey, CH44 5UF
01928 243006

Wirral Brook Advisory Centre
14 Whetstone Lane Charing Cross, Birkenhead, CH41 2QR 0151 670 0177

Connah's Quay Sexual Health Clinic
Quay Health Centre Fron Rd, Connah's Quay, Deeside, CH5
01244 834157

CHAT Confidential Health Advice for Teenagers
79 High St, Holywell, CH8 7TF
01352 717818

Great Sutton Clinic
Great Sutton Medical Centre, Old Chester Rd, Ellesmere Port, CH66 3SP
0151 339 2208

Blacon Contraception & Sexual Health Clinic
Church Way, Blacon, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 5HS
01244 372677

BROOK Wirral
14 Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead CH41 2QR
0151 670 0177

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Posture and positioning during pregnancy and following birth

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Posture and positioning during pregnancy and following birth

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Bladder and vaginal problems during and after pregnancy

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Bladder and vaginal problems during and after pregnancy

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After birth week 1 – your stomach muscles

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After birth week 1 – your stomach muscles