14 January 2020
Today marks National Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Day, so this month we are encouraging people to think about their sexual health.
The date 14 January was chosen for this annual awareness day because many common STIs, such as Chlamydia, can take around a fortnight to be detectable. So if you had unprotected sexual contact during the festive season then we would encourage you to get a sexual health test around now.
No-one likes to think that they may have caught a sexually transmitted infection but without a test you simply can’t be sure.
Regardless of how old you are, what your sexual orientation may be, or how many partners you have had – just one unprotected sexual encounter can put you at risk of catching an STI.
Even if you feel perfectly healthy you could still have an STI. For example around 1 in 10 young people under the age of 25 test positive for Chlamydia but most people do not experience any obvious symptoms so, if you don’t get tested, the infection can go undetected for a long time and may sometimes result in infertility.
Dr Cliff Sharp, Medical Director, said: "Sex is a normal and healthy part of adult life, so sexual health checks should be too. Getting a sexual health check is easy and shouldn't be embarrassing or shameful. It's a quick, simple process that not only puts your mind at rest but can also protect your health and fertility – it could even save your life or that of your partner. So if you have had unprotected sexual contact then please consider getting tested."
For confidential appointments or advice on your sexual health please call the Borders Sexual Health team on 01896 663700. Lines are open Monday – Friday between 9am and 1pm. If you call outwith these times please leave a voicemail and someone will get back to you.
Alternatively you can contact your own GP who will also treat your enquiry with discretion.
More information on common STIs can be found online via: www.borderssexualhealth.org.uk