Roses are red and violets are blue,

No one in the bar was as gorgeous as you.

I brought you home; I was over the moon,

In the morning I was singing a different tune…

 

Alcohol can contribute to risk-taking behaviour that can lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections

A survey of 16 – 24-year-olds found that after drinking alcohol-

•             One in seven have had unsafe sex (i.e. not using a condom)

•             One in five had sex and later wished they hadn’t

•             One in 10 were unable to remember whether they had sex the night before

•             Many (40%) agreed that they would be more likely to have casual sex

 

Saint Valentine’s Day has long been associated with love, romance and gifts.

 

Will you receive a gift from your loved one……or is the relationship ‘complicated’?

And what if the gift you are given is an unwanted one that can cause ‘complications’…such as Chlamydia?

Most people with Chlamydia have no symptoms. It‘s the commonest Sexually Transmited Infection (STI) in the under 25’s with 1 in 20 people affected.

We are encouraging everyone under the age of 25 to take a combined Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test if they have ever been sexually active.

This test should be repeated yearly and with any change in sexual partner. It’s a simple self-taken test on either a vaginal swab or urine specimen. The result can even be sent by text or email. Pop into the surgery to pick up a test kit from the office, or book in for a test.

 

You may also want to consider screening for blood borne infections (BBV) such as HIV, Hepatitis or Syphilis if you have had higher risk sexual partners.

This would include anyone who has injected drugs, paid for sex, men who have sex with men and their partners, and any partners from regions with a higher incidence of HIV (above 1%) such Sub-Saharan Africa.

You can call the office (0117 3302720 Option 2) and leave your details to arrange an asymptomatic sexual health appointment for BBV testing, and or book in for a Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test.

So, wishing you a Happy and Healthy Valentine’s Day with no unwelcome gifts….