Sexual health

Regardless of our age, sexual orientation and sexual history, we all need to take care of our reproductive anatomy, ensuring good health and working order. To prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is essential to use barrier contraception (condoms) whenever engaging in sexual intercourse.  
There are many STIs that need immediate treatment. Being embarrassed, shy or unwilling to admit poor sexual hygiene, such as forgetting to use a condom, adds to the possibility of STIs being spread into the community.
If you are considering embarking on any sexual activity, it is a good idea to get advice about avoiding and checking for STIs. Advice is available from many sources and is often free and always confidential. All health professionals are required to keep confidential any personal health information.
For many, a pharmacy is an accessible first point of call for unbiased health advice. Other places include school nurses, public health nurses, family planning clinics, sexual health clinics, as well as the family doctor.
The most common STIs include the following:
Chlamydia:
​This is a bacterial STI infecting the urethra (tube inside the penis) in men and the urethra and cervix (neck of the womb) in women. It can also infect the rectum and sometimes the eyes and throat. It is often symptom free, which means chlamydia can spread after a change of sexual partners, and it can cause fertility problems if left untreated.
Genital warts: These are found on the skin around the genital area, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, urethra or anus. They may not cause any physical signs of infection and some may be implicated in cervical cancer, or cancers in males.

Read More