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With document ranges of gonorrhoea and syphilis instances reported by the UK Health Security Agency, it’s essential to take sexual well being significantly – and never only for younger individuals.
In reality, the variety of widespread sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst over-65s elevated by 20 per cent from 2017 to 2019, in keeping with the Local Government Association.
This is why in case you are sexually lively, common testing is important no matter your age – even in the event you don’t have any signs.
“Sexual health check-ups are important because STIs can be silent but can also have significant health implications,” says Dr Priyanka Patel, marketing consultant ambulatory gynaecologist at London Gynaecology.
“STIs such as chlamydia can affect female fertility, and STIs such as HIV weaken the immune system.”
To mark Sexual Health Week (September 11-17), Dr Patel talks by way of some key factors about STI screening…
How usually ought to you’ve an STI examine?
“You need to have an STI check whenever you have a new partner, especially if you’re not using condoms, or think you were exposed to an STI,” says Patel.
“Everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, every year if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.”
Testing can also be suggested for anybody who develops doable signs. These could embody uncommon discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; ache when peeing; blisters, sores, lumps or pores and skin growths on the genitals or anus; itching or a rash.
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What will you be requested at a check-up?
You can discover your nearest sexual well being clinic by way of the NHS to ebook an appointment. Many sexual well being providers now supply free self-sampling kits to order on-line for individuals who don’t have any signs and wish to do a check-up at house.
“Men may have to hold their urine before testing, but women do not need to do anything in particular to prepare,” Patel says.
“You will be asked about your sexual history, partners, contraceptive use and general health. You will be asked for details about your recent sexual partners and types of sex you have.”
These questions could really feel private or intrusive however are essential to make sure the proper assessments are performed. Remember, caring for your sexual well being is about being protected and empowered and healthcare professionals are there to assist.
What assessments are performed?
“The testing will depend on the answers you give about the types of sex you have,” says Patel. “Vaginal, throat and anal swabs may be done – these will be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.”
To do that, the clinician rubs a cotton bud inside the realm for a number of seconds. A blood pattern might be taken to check for syphilis and HIV.
Patel continues: “If you have symptoms, then the clinician will usually carry out a speculum examination to look at the health of the vagina and cervix.”
How do you get STI check outcomes?
The method your outcomes are delivered varies between clinics, and they’ll advise when it’s best to count on to listen to again.
“Most will send results via a text message or give you a number to call for results,” says Patel, whereas some have a ‘no news is good news’ coverage, which means in the event you don’t hear something you then’ve bought the all-clear.
For house testing kits, you’ll get a notification to say your samples had been acquired and outcomes are often despatched by way of textual content message.
“If you test positive for an STI, they will arrange for treatment and offer support,” Patel explains – which works for each clinic and self-sampling.
She provides: “It’s important to notify partners of any positive results and the sexual health clinic can also assist in anonymous partner notification.”
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