Sex, Love & Relationship

Remember to keep safe, and have fun!

Examples of different kinds of STIs include Syphilis, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B, HIV, Urethritis, Trichomoniasis and HIV. Although there is a lot of hype about HIV and AIDS, the commonest STI is Chlamydia. In the Wandsworth area, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates are high and, unfortunately, on the increase.

A lot of the symptoms that people suffer from resulting from an STI are similar. You should be concerned if you notice any of the following:

• Pain urinating
• Vaginal or urethral discharge (usually a strange smell or colour)
• Abnormal bleeding/ periods (girls only obviously)
• Ulcers or warts in the genital area
• Rash & itchiness in the genital area
• Swollen groin glands

Having said this, up to 40% of people suffering from an STI may be asymptomatic (meaning that they do not suffer from any of the above). You must remember that it is not possible to tell just by looking at someone if they are free from an STI. It is also possible to have more than one STI at once.

Most STI’s are easily curable with antibiotics and creams, often with full recovery, which is made easier if they are detected early. It is therefore very important to be screened if you even have the slightest feeling you may be at risk. This can either be done at a family planning clinic, GUM clinic or by your GP.
 

CERVICAL SMEARS

These are screening tests that allow doctors to predict women who are at risk of developing cancer of the cervix. The ones most at risk are those women who are sexually active. If you are between the ages of 25 and 60-65 you are usually offered the opportunity of a cervical smear at regular 3 yearly intervals. These are performed at GUM clinics and by some GPs.
 

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION

In the case where unprotected sex has taken place, emergency contraception is available. It is important to note that it can be taken up to 72 hours after sex, and consists of 1 or 2 (to be taken at the same time) pills. The sooner after sex they are taken, the more effective they are. They can be bought over the counter at chemists for about twenty five pounds, but are also available free from family planning clinics, NHS walk-in clinics and your GP.
 

CONTRACEPTION

This is used to protect against unwanted pregnancies. Contraceptive methods can be grouped under two main categories: barrier, and hormonal methods. Only some of the barrier methods offer protection against STIs. Below, the male and female condoms and diaphragm are barrier methods, the rest are hormonal methods. None of the contraceptive methods are 100% effective. The only method of preventing pregnancy completely is to not have sex. However, the different methods explained below can make sex a lot safer

Male Condoms Protects both partners from most STIs and pregnancy 98% effective if used according to instructions Can be used for oral, vaginal or anal sex) if the stronger variety are purchased) Can be bought, but are also free from family planning clinics

When using condoms it is very important to check/note that:

• the condom is still in date
• it has the kitemark/ CE mark on the packet
• it is not stored in direct heat or sunlight
• you only use water based lubricants with a condom as oil based ones damage them
• you are not allergic to latex, although this allergy can be prevented by asking for polyurethane ones from the family planning clinic (also free)
• you do not use 2 condoms at the same time as this can cause friction making them much more likely to break
• finally, if you put the condom on the wrong way round at first, do not turn it around and use it again! You must use a new one to prevent pre-ejaculatory fluid from entering the vagina and potentially causing pregnancy or STI transmission

Female Condoms/ Femidoms

• More expensive and less widely-available than male condoms
• Less effective than male condoms
• Even less aesthetically-pleasing than the male equivalent, as they vaguely resemble puppets made from Sainsbury’s bags...

Diaphragm/Cap

• Flexible, rubber/silicone device used with sperimicide that is put into the vagina to cover the cervix and stop sperm from reaching the ova
• 92-96% effective if used correctly
• Can only be removed 6-8 hours after sex
• Need to be specially measured to ensure effective cervical coverage by (usually) a family planning nurse

The Pill

• There are two types: combined and progesterone-only pill
• This requires the taker to remember the pill every day at the same time which can be troublesome (I’d recommend setting a phone alarm!)
• With the combined pill there is a period of 7 days every month where you temporarily stop taking the pill)
• The combined pill prevents ovulation; the progesterone-only pill prevents implantation
• You must go to your GP or family planning clinic to be prescribed this, and they can advise you on the best one for you

Intra-Uterine System

• This is a small plastic device fitted in the womb for up to 3-5yrs
• It slowly releases progestogen from a capsule on the stem
• Helps to sop sperm meeting an egg or any implantation to occur
• Does not affect fertility when removed

 
 
The list above is not exhaustive. There are many more methods of pregnancy prevention available. For example: implants; the copper coil; the depot injection; hysterectomy; and natural methods (rhythm method). Any method is entirely individual-dependent. Above are just a few of the most relevant and widely used methods for young people today.

If you are unsure or worried about which method may be best suited for you, it is advisable to either make an appointment with your GP or go to the nearest GUM or family planning clinic for advice. There is also information available on other websites.

For more friendly confidential information and advice, please visit www.brook.org.uk