STIs
As much fun as sex can be, there is also a serious side to consider. The number of people contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK has been gradually increasing since the mid-nineties, with London being one of the hotspots for this increase.
The highest rates and increases in STIs have occurred among heterosexual 16-24 year olds, and the UK has the highest pregnancy rate in Western Europe. Although most STIs are treatable, some have permanent consequences and not all have immediately visible symptoms.
Sexual health is an issue for everyone, regardless of their sexuality. It’s important for yourself and for others that if you’re sexually active you’re also sexually responsible. There are a number of things you can do to play it safer.
First off, ask yourself if full sexual intercourse is what you really want. If you feel you are being pressured into anything or that things are ‘moving too fast’, it’s probably a good idea to step back and have a rethink. Also, if you’re too embarrassed to talk about using contraception, you may need to consider if you really are ready for sex at all. Similarly, it’s a good idea not to get so drunk that you’re no longer in control of your actions and can’t remember what you did and with whom, otherwise your morning after may end up even less pleasant.
It is always a good idea to use a condom, as it is the only form of contraception that can help protect you against STIs. If used correctly, male condoms are 98% effective and female condoms are 96% effective. They’re available from vending machines in toilets, and are free from the Deputy President (Welfare), the Student Advisor, the Imperial College Health Centre and the Chelsea and Westminster GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) clinic. Whatever you do, don’t feel embarrassed to get them or to suggest using them. After all, you could regret not using one.
If you are sexually active, it’s good for your health and peace of mind to have a regular check at a GUM clinic. If you have caught an STI which doesn’t have any early symptoms, you can be treated before it affects your health and you can take steps to prevent passing it on to anyone but you need to be tested for it to be diagnosed.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most prevalent STI in the UK but because it does not have any symptoms often people have it and do not know about it. This is despite the fact that it could affect their ability to have children.
To get tested you just need to give a urine sample. You can get a free and confidential test from the Imperial College Health Centre or go to National Chlaydia Screening Program website to get details of where to get a test in your area.
Another way to reduce your risk of contracting a STI is to limit the number of partners you sleep with. Remember, your friends are probably lying about the number of people they’ve slept with, and it’s not supposed to be a competition!
HIV and AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that develops into AIDS. It damages the body’s immune system and is transmitted through the exchange of certain bodily fluids (such as seminal and vaginal fluid and blood).
It is important to remember that, whilst there is no cure for AIDS, it is no longer the death sentence that it once was. Much research has gone into developing treatments, and those who are HIV positive can go on to live long and meaningful lives.T he best ways to reduce the risk are to use a condom during sex and to avoid sharing needles if you use injected drugs.
For more information visit the Terence Higgins Trust or National Aids Trust website, or make an appointment at the Imperial College Health Centre or the Advice Centre.
Nigel Cooke
(020) 7594 8067
IC Extension 48067