Sexual Health Sheffield encourages STI testing this Valentines Week
Sexual Health Sheffield is encouraging people to look after themselves and their sexual partners this Valentine’s day by making sure they use condoms effectively and think about regularly accessing testing services.
It’s not always easy to tell if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and you might not have any symptoms at all. If left untreated, STIs can have long term effects on your health and well-being.
In 2016, there were approximately 420,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections made in England, with over 128,000 young people aged 15-24 being diagnosed with Chlamydia, which remains the most common STI in England. Gonorrhoea remains a significant problem, and syphilis is increasing in males and females nationally and locally. HIV continues to be transmitted and in the Sheffield area many are unaware they are infected.
Dr Karen Rogstad, Clinical Lead,said “ I would recommend testing for those who may have been exposed in the past, as well as regular testing for those with ongoing risks. Most people with a STI don’t have any symptoms, and tests are now very simple to do and include self-taken swabs. Get tested to stay well.”
Sexual Health Sheffield provides free and confidential sexual health services for people of all ages across the city including: STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, contraception choices including emergency contraception, vasectomies, dedicated youth clinics for people aged 19 and under, and a dedicated clinic for gay and bisexual men. If you are aged 16-24 and living in Sheffield the service also offers a postal scheme where you can order free and confidential chlamydia & gonorrhoea self-screening kits.
For more information about Sexual Health Services in Sheffield visit www.sheffieldsexualhealth.nhs.uk
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