Sexual Health - Put your mind at ease

05th, Jun 2013

Sexual health can be an embarrassing topic for some people; even more so for younger adults under the age of 25.

Figures released this week by Public Health England show that there has been a 5% rise in diagnoses of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) from 2011. These figures show that many people are putting themselves at risk through unsafe sex.

Young heterosexual adults under the age of 25 made up 64% of all chlamydia and 54% of genital warts diagnoses in 2012. Gonorrhoea cases rose 21% which is a concern due to the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance.

Increases in STI diagnoses in homosexual men were also noted to have increased, including a 37% increase in gonorrhoea.

In Northern Ireland figures are also higher than ever for STIs being transmitted between sexually active adults.

The Public Health Agency released figures in December 2012 showing growing concern given the rate of STI diagnoses had rose by 28% from 2000-2011. In their survey, 32% of the respondents said that drinking alcohol had contributed to them having sex without using a form of protection such as condoms.

The dramatic rise in STIs has resulted in STI prevention becoming one of the key objectives in the Department of Health’s Sexual Health Promotion Strategy.

Earlier this year, Health Minister Edwin Poots said, “There are serious consequences of poor sexual health. STIs can have long- term effects on people’s lives, with possible complications such as infertility; ectopic pregnancy; cervical cancer and other genital cancers. It can also affect a person’s mental health and well-being, resulting in, for example, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties.”

At 3fivetwo we offer a wide range of sexual health services that are available as a same day service if you have any concerns about your sexual health. All of our consultations and appointments are completely confidential so you have no need to worry.

We know waiting for an appointment can be stressful so we offer a same day Private GP service that runs from 1-8pm Monday-Friday and a Saturday service from 1-5pm. We also offer dedicated GUM consultations and results from many of our tests are available on the same day so you can have peace of mind.

Ring us on 0845 60 06 352 to book an appointment or find out more about our services by following these links:

Our top tips for preventing STIs:

Always using a condom when having sex with new partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding overlapping sexual relationships
Getting tested regularly if in one of the highest risk groups
Sexually active under-25-year-olds should be screened for chlamydia every year, and on change of sexual partner
Men having unprotected sex with new male partners should have an HIV/STI screen at least annually, and every three months if changing partners regularly

We have lots of updates on current health affairs on the 3fivetwo Healthstyle facebook page. Follow this link for regular updates.