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It’s that time again

By on January 25, 2012

Now that Christmas, New Year’s and Midsumma Carnival are over and done with, what else do we have to look forward to in 2012? That’s right folks — it’s time for your first new-year sexual health check!

Getting a sexual health check is important for several reasons.

Firstly, during the festive season we can all be a bit more active and as such getting a check-up will let you know that everything downstairs is in working order.

Secondly, sexually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic which means you could potentially have an STI and not show any symptoms. Therefore getting a check-up would help assure you that the festive fun hasn’t left any unfriendly reminders of encounters.

Having an STI increases your risk of contracting HIV. A recent study estimated that up to 20 percent of men with HIV do not know they are positive. Knowing if you are HIV positive or negative can help protect both yourself and your future sexual partners.

Getting a sexual health test is painless and very easy to do. It can involve having a swab taken, providing a urine sample and having a blood test.

Yes, the last aspect may be a bit prickly for some, however, having a check-up will give you the peace of mind to be out and about having fun without giving someone something they really don’t want.

The test results usually come back within a week. If you do have an STI, the treatments are relatively easy, depending upon the type of STI you have. It can include taking antibiotics or other forms of medication or using a cream or lotion.

Furthermore there are some preventative measures you can take as well. For hepatitis A and B, there is a vaccination and for HIV and the other STIs the best prevention is using condoms and water-based lube.

When was the last time you had a check-up? If it was more than three months ago, I suggest you get your little booty down to the local GP and get yourself checked out.

How many sexual partners have you had over the past six months? If you tick a box above six, and I’m sure many of you will, I also suggest that you should get your little booty down to the GP’s clinic.

Sexual health checks are an essential, easy and painless way to have a fun, free and fabulous sex life!

By ADAM HYNES

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