Sexual Health
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are very common – so it’s wise to be well-informed and proactive about sexual health.
- Many STIs can be silent- in women, Chlamydia may present with abnormal vaginal discharge, unscheduled vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Unfortunately, even silent Chlamydia infection can cause problems- such as scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to fertility issues in the future.
- Genital Herpes (HSV2) is thought to be carried by 1 in 8 adults, though the majority of these carriers are unaware they have it. However, they can still transmit it to others.
People who are sexually active should consider regular STI screening- obviously the more partners one has, the more often check ups are required. STI screening will usually involve a urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, and a blood test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis. Swabs may also be recommended for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma genitalium and genital herpes (HSV2).
