Sexual health

Sexual health is a vital component of our well-being, whoever we are. The Health of the Nation document acknowledges the importance of sexual health as one of the five key ways of improving the health of the population. It recognises that teenage pregnancy rates and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of which HIV is but one, are reflections of unmet community need. It encourages simple messages such as practising safer sex, meaning choosing sexual practises that carry less risk of STDs or unwanted pregnancy.

Public education has tended to focus on HIV and AIDS and the issues that can affect the risk of infection with HIV such as partner selection, number of partners, type of sexual practice and the use of condoms. HIV is not the only sexually-transmitted disease, however. There are many others which are much more common. We all catch infections of some kind, but what is special about sexually-transmitted ones is that they can cause serious and permanent damage to health if left untreated. In women, these may include pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy and men may develop joint or eye problems. Infections such as genital warts or genital herpes may lead to changes in the cervix, which could years later develop into cervical cancer. Women with these conditions should be encouraged to have regular smears in order that changes in cells can be detected before a serious problem arises.

Almost anyone who is having unprotected sex can get an infection. The more partners you have the greater the risk of getting infected. Even if partners have been together for a long time, it is possible that an infection can suddently occur because it may have lain dormant in the body for several months or more and does not imply that either partner has been unfaithful. Symptoms may include a discharge, irritation, blisters or rashes in the genital area. It may be a simple yeast infection such as thrush, or a bacterial infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas or vaginosis, which can be treated with antibiotics.

Some people, however, can have an infection without noticing any symptoms at all and an infection may be spotted on a cervical smear or during pelvic examination. Some people without symptoms may worry that they may have contracted an infection, for instance if their partner has one, in which case a check-up by a doctor is strongly advised. Your family doctor or family planning clinic may be able to help or the nearest clinic for genito-urinary medicine.

Reduce the risk

• Limit your partners
• Think before having sex
• Use a condom (obtainable free of charge from your GP or family planning clinic). Remember to use a new condom every time)
• Wash after making love
• Tell your partner if you know you have an infection.

Condoms are the only products that offer protection against both pregnancy and infections, yet not many people use them. Those who first have intercourse early, or who have several partners are most at risk.

Condoms are rarely used properly. It is IMPORTANT to follow instructions precisely.

Further information on sexual health can be obtained from GPs and practice nurses, the Family Planning Clinic, Berwick Youth Project and school health personnel at Tweedmouth Clinic.

DR P WILLIAMS

Brad Cheek 1998