An expert explains why STI testing is so important for everyone.
With record levels of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency, it’s important to take sexual health seriously – and not just for young people.
"Sexual health check-ups are important because STIs can be silent but can also have significant health implications," says Dr Priyanka Patel, consultant ambulatory gynaecologist at London Gynaecology.How often should you have an STI check? "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.
What will you be asked at a check-up? You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS to book an appointment. Many sexual health services now offer free self-sampling kits to order online for people who don’t have any symptoms and want to do a check-up at home. These questions may feel personal or intrusive but are important to ensure the correct tests are done. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is about being safe and empowered and healthcare professionals are there to help.
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." For home testing kits, you’ll get a notification to say your samples were received and results are usually sent via text message.
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