Protecting your sexual health

Taking care of your sexual health is just as important whether you’re in a stable long term relationship or are enjoying no strings sexual contact. This is because anyone who has sex can catch a sexually transmitted disease and the latest official statistics show the problem is of growing concern. Many viral and bacterial infections are easy to catch, and can have serious long term consequences in the worst case scenario Chlamydia can lead to infertility and HIV can be fatal. Protecting your sexual health and decreasing your risk of catching an infection is the best course of action and this does not have to involve complete chastity. Having sex should be fun, and taking precautions will not detract from that. Even if you’re not quite ready for sex it is still worth finding out about avoiding infection and where to get tested and treated if necessary.

Any sexual act involving oral, vaginal or anal contact can lead to an infection being passed on. To prevent sexually transmitted infections you must use a barrier method of contraception, this involves using a male or female condom. Barrier protection stops fluids being passed from one person to another and male condoms are 98% effective when used properly, female condoms are about 95% effective. Male condoms are widely available and are free from an NHS sexual health clinic, some GP surgeries, some GUM clinics. Condoms can be made of different materials, shapes, sizes and types so there is no such thing as a tight restrictive condom, and no excuse not to use one.Never re-use a condom.

The chances of catching HIV or Aids are very low, however Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea affect up to 1 in 10 people. At this stage the most important thing is to get tested to check for sexually transmitted infections. You can go to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic if you are too embarrassed to see your doctor. GUM clinics specialise in sexual health, and provide testing, treatment and advice. The good news is most infections can be cleared up using a simple course of antibiotics and there will be no long term health problems associated if dealt with quickly. If you have tested positive, let your partner know so they can get tested as well, and do not have unprotected sex again until you have both been re-rested and cleared of infection.

The simple message is always wear a condom. If you and your partner have been in a monogamous relationship, get tested and cleared of infection before using a non-barrier method.

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