Sexual Health

In addition to the absence of disease and dysfunction, sexual health involves knowing your body, appreciating sexual behaviour and attitudes, understanding how to keep yourself and others safe, and knowing when to seek advice / help when things do not go according to plan. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.

A sexual health check-up is an opportunity to discuss any sexual health concerns such as those listed below with a Holdsworth House doctor.

Confidentiality

Sometimes people shy away from discussing sexual health issues because they are concerned about their confidentiality. Holdsworth House Medical Practice respects and protects the patient's right to privacy and confidentiality. In addition, the law requires that consultations with our doctor's, or any health professional, are treated as confidential. Exceptions to this include if someone is at risk of seriously harming themselves or others, or if the doctor suspects a young person is being subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Why Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing is Important

Common STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, may not produce symptoms, regardless of the site of infection. If an individual is sexually active, having a regular sexual health check-up is always a good idea. Physical symptoms don't always need to be present to undergo a sexual health check-up with a Holdsworth House doctor. A standard sexual health check-up involves questions about sexual history, examinations and tests, as well as follow up consultation to check your progress. The decision to get tested for STIs is a personal decision. The doctor can provide information on what tests to have based on the patient's sexual history and potential risk for STI's, but the decision of what tests to have remains with the patient.

You should consider having a sexual health check-up if:

• You have genital symptoms such as pain, discharge, itching, burning etc
• You have started a new relationship, particularly if you don't plan to use condoms
• You have recently ended a relationship
• You have had unsafe sex or believe there was some risk to your health during a sexual encounter
• You think you might have an STI
• You or your partner have recently had an STI
• You want information on preventing pregnancy
• You are concerned about some aspect of your sexual health

Regular sexual health checks are recommended if:

• You get paid for sex work
• You have frequent changes in sexual partners
• You have sex with people outside your relationship
• You are sexually active and part of a population group in which there is a high frequency rate of STI's

Be Open and Honest

Open discussions with a Holdsworth House doctor are important for sexual health promotion. No topic is taboo and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Not only will it provide peace of mind knowing with certainty the status of your sexual health, but it will empower you to make informed choices about your lifestyle, sexual practices and future plans.

There are no disadvantages to having a sexual health check, only advantages. Don't be shy — get checked!

Your Decision

The decision to get tested for STIs is a personal one. Our doctor's can discuss what tests to have based on sexual history and potential risk for STI's, but the decision of what tests to have remains yours to make.

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