Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. 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. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled. - World Health Organization (WHO)
A sexual health check-up is an opportunity for you to discuss any sexual health concerns you may have, including concerns about STI's and HIV.
Sexual Health Issues
HIV / AIDS
Women's health
Counselling
STI
Herpes
Hepatitis
Chlamydia
Genital warts
Syphilis
Testosterone levels
Hair loss treatment
Prostate cancer
Impotence / erectile dysfunction
Contraceptive
Infertility
Family planning
Testicular cancer
If you are sexually active, having a regular sexual health check-up is always a good idea. You don't need to have physical symptoms to undergo a sexual health check-up with your Holdsworth House doctor. A standard sexual health check-up involves questions about sexual history, examinations and tests, as well as follow up.
You need to consider having a sexual health check-up:
If you have genital symptoms such as pain, discharge, itching, etc.
At the beginning of a new relationship, particularly if you don't plan to use condoms.
If you have recently ended a relationship.
If you have had unsafe sex or believe there was some risk to your health during a sexual encounter.
If you think you might have an STI.
If your partner has recently had an STI.
If you want information on preventing pregnancy.
Regularly, if you get paid for sex work.
Regularly, if you have frequent changes in sexual partners.
Regularly, if you have sex with people outside your relationship.
If you are concerned about some aspect of your sexual health.
Regularly, if you are sexually active and part of a population group in which there is a high frequency rate of STI's.
Advantages
Effective treatment of the STI and / or ongoing monitoring and management.
Able to make better informed choices about your lifestyle and future plans.
Ease of mind - comfort in knowing with certainty what illness you may or may not have.
If you have HIV, you can treat many STI's and therefore minimise the impact it has on your immune system.
Better able to make decisions about your sexual practice and safe sex strategies. If you have an STI, you can act to protect your sexual partners and tell former partners so they can act.
Disadvantages
You may become anxious and concerned while waiting for the results.
Some STI's may have implications for your insurance coverage.
Concern about others finding out about your health.
Impact it may have on your partner, friends and family.
You may become stressed or upset when you're informed about your STI testing results.
Confidentiality
Some people don't like to get tested because they are concerned about their confidentiality. Holdsworth House sexual health clinic does its best to maintain and protect your privacy and confidentiality. A range of measures are used to protect your confidentiality and the law requires that consultations with your doctor or any health professional are confidential, unless someone is at risk of seriously harming themselves or somebody else, or if they suspect a young person is being subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Your Decision
The decision to get tested for STI's is a personal decision. Your doctor can discuss with you what tests to have based on your sexual history and potential risk for STI's, but the decision of what tests to have remains yours to make.
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