According to Public Health England, 318,000 STI diagnoses were made in England in 2020. Additionally, compared to 2019, there was a 10% drop in men’s sexual health consultations last year. The significance of routine sexual health exams, however, is now more important than ever.
According to data from Public Health England, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 continue to experience the greatest effects of STIs. However, anyone who engages in sexual activity should schedule routine checkups on their calendar.
Even if you feel fine and aren’t exhibiting any symptoms of a STI, routine check-ups at the sexual health care services are necessary to protect you and any sexual partners, even though they may not be everyone’s favorite activity.
In fact, some people can have infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia without experiencing any symptoms at all. Therefore, skipping those checkups could lead to your condition getting worse and negatively affect your health in the long run.
When should I visit a sexual health facility?
Examining your sexual health could save your life or the life of another person. Regular inspections can also aid in easing your worries if you have any. The easier it is to treat and the lower the risk of long-term complications are, the earlier something is identified and addressed.
Some justifications for going to a sexual health clinic
You have never taken a test.
You’ve got a fresh partner.
You want to have children.
Recently, something strange or unsettling occurred during sexual activity.
You’ve been informed that a former partner has a STI.
Unguarded sex was had by you.
You want to change your method of birth control.
You exhibit signs of infection.
Potential signs of infection
bleeding during or following sex.
suffering while having sex.
discomfort when ejaculating or urinating.
genital blisters or sores.
Itching/rash.
abnormal discharge from the cervix.
What are the dangers of delaying checkups?
Transmission of STIs and infections could occur if regular sexual health exams are skipped. Additionally, it hinders the early detection and treatment of STIs, whereas routine checkups enable you to maintain sexual health.
Some justifications for going to a sexual health clinic
You have never taken a test.
You’ve got a new partner.
You want to have children.
Recently, something strange or unsettling occurred during sexual activity.
You’ve been informed that a former partner has a STI.
Unguarded sex was had by you.
You want to change your method of birth control.
You exhibit signs of infection.
Potential signs of infection
bleeding during or following sex.
Pain while having sex.
discomfort when ejaculating or urinating.
genital blisters or sores.
Itching/rash.
abnormal discharge from the cervix.
What are the dangers of delaying checkups?
Transmission of STIs and infections could occur if regular sexual health exams are skipped. Additionally, it hinders the early detection and treatment of STIs, whereas routine checkups enable you to maintain sexual health.
What to anticipate at the sexual health check-up
Before going, you’ll probably need to make an appointment at a clinic. After that, you will have to wait until you are called into a room to talk with a professional about why you are visiting the clinic. They may also take your blood pressure and weigh you in addition to questioning you about your medical background.
What could be the questions?
Be ready to respond to inquiries about your sexual history, such as:
when you last had sex.
Whether you engaged in unprotected sex.
why an infection might make you nervous.
Do I have to provide samples?
You may need to be examined, which will be discussed with you depending on the reason for your appointment.
You might be asked for samples of the following if you are receiving a sexual health screening for potential infections:
Urine.
Blood.
Vaginal (can often be done yourself) (can often be done yourself).
Oral.
Anal.
Depending on the type of sex you have, a different type of swab is needed. We will only collect samples that you agree to provide.
The clinic will determine how and when you will receive your results. However, most businesses strive to respond quickly, and text messages are frequently an option.
Can I get condoms at a sexual health clinic?
You can also get supplies of contraception like condoms and pills at your check-ups, and you will be given advice on how to use them effectively. If you want a long-term method of contraception, like a coil, an implant or an injection, check-ups are also a place to discuss the available options.
Are check-ups confidential?
Check-ups at sexual health clinics are carried out by clinic staff who are health advisors, but not doctors. However, they are highly trained and still prioritise confidentiality. They should be friendly and non-judgemental, as well as open to questions and queries regarding other aspects of sex and relationships.
The legal age of sexual consent in the UK is 16. If you’re aged 13-15, you are still able to visit a sexual health clinic to access support and treatment. However, professionals must be certain you understand the information they give you in order to maintain confidentiality.
Clinic staff will encourage anyone under 16 wanting to access contraception, STI tests or abortions to consider telling a parent or carer. They can’t force you to do this, as you still have the same confidentiality rights as an adult.
If you are below the age of 13, where the law states that you can never fully agree to sexual activity, the situation is different. The clinic staff will want to ask about the person you have had sex with and details about your sexual history in order to keep you safe. They might feel it’s necessary to involve other adults, such as a social worker. This is to make sure you aren’t being pressured into having sex.
Ultimately, professionals will keep details about your consultation private, unless they believe you’re in danger or at risk of harm from sexual abuse. This will be discussed with you first before any steps are taken.
The other times when information you share at a check-up may not be kept strictly confidential are if:
You are under 18 and mention being abused.
You are 12 or under and share that someone has had sex with you.
Your life is at serious risk.
You mention another person under 18 who is being abused.
Another person’s life is at risk.