Sexual Health

PUBLIC health chiefs in Hartlepool are urging people to be mindful that age is no barrier to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

They say that all sexually active people, irrespective of how young or old they are, run the risk of contracting a range of infections - including genital warts, syphilis, HIV, herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia - unless they take steps to protect themselves.

The warning has been issued as part of an on-going campaign to raise awareness of sexual health issues amongst Hartlepool residents.

Louise Wallace, Hartlepool’s Director of Public Health, said: “If you are a man or a woman who has just started a new relationship, you are beginning to date again or you are having sex outside of your current relationship, perhaps with multiple partners, then you should always consider carrying condoms.

“People often think of contraception as only being a way of preventing pregnancy. Wearing a condom is also the best form of protection against all STIs so even if the risk of pregnancy is not there all men – irrespective of how old they are - should wear a condom if they are having sex with someone of the opposite sex or another man.”

Health chiefs also say it is a good idea for sexually active people, whether they are straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual, to get into the habit of having a regular sexual health check.

Ideally, people should undergo a check every time they change partners or have unprotected sex but at least annually as many sexually transmitted infections do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages, and people may not know they have one.

However, some STIs do have symptoms and anyone suffering from, for example, genital discharge, sores, blisters rashes, irritation and pain or a burning sensation when passing water should seek advice. If left untreated, they can have serious consequences.

STI testing, treatment, emergency contraception, free condoms and advice on a wide range of sexual health issues are all available via the free and confidential Teesside Sexual Health Service which is based in Hartlepool at the One Life Centre on Park Road. Patients using the service don’t need to see a GP first. Others may prefer to talk to their GP or practice nurse who can arrange for them to be seen.

The service also operates in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar and is commissioned by Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland Councils, the South Tees and Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and NHS England. An appointment can be booked online 24/7 or by calling 0300 3301122. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day Monday-Friday. For more information go to www.thesexualhealthhub.co.uk