Southern comfort
Winter is cold and flu season and, with a chance that you will visit the doctor, why not get your sexual health check done at the same time?
Regular sexual health check-ups are an essential part of managing your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, if you are having sex, sexual health checks are important to ensure that you’re protecting yourself, as well as your partner or partners.
While some people feel anxiety about sexual health check-ups, in reality they can be quick, easy, generally non-invasive, and they’re free at sexual health clinics. If nothing else, they are worth it for the peace of mind. Even if you do get told you have picked up a sexually transmitted infection, most STIs can be easily treated.
Remember, however, that getting the all clear is not the end of it. Practise safe sex, keep yourself informed about any risks you might take and make check-ups a part of your regular routine.
In your relationships, whether long-term or casual, make safe sex and testing part of your discussions and approach testing as good health practice, rather than something to do when you have symptoms. Lots of STIs will not show any symptoms and the only way to be sure you’re clear is to get to the clinic.
If you are having a fair bit of sex and with a few partners, you’re only as clear as your last check-up. Make a time, and make it regular.
On the social front, the next UNITY dance party has rolled around again, with the fabulous theme of White Hot Disco. The dance will be held on Saturday 5 July from 8pm till late at the Beaton Park Tennis Club. Entry is $10 at the door, $5 for UNITY members.
Rainbow ConneXions will be changing dates for the month of July. The next meetings will be on Friday 11 and 25 July from 7pm at the Illawarra Branch Community Space before reverting to their normal meeting weeks from 1 August onwards.
If you require any additional information about groups, services and organisations in the Illawarra you can contact ACON on 4226 1163 or email [email protected].
Trevor Slattery is the Education and Community Development Officer for ACON’s Illawarra Branch.
