If you’re guilty of letting your sexual health take a back seat, keep reading. In this blog, we take a look at why it’s so crucial that you take charge of this aspect of your wellbeing and how you can keep your sexual health on track.
Get tested
The truth is, if you have unprotected sex, you could be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If left untreated, these infections can cause damage to your health and even harm your fertility. However, STIs are not always easy to spot. For example, in the UK, chlamydia is the most common STI, and while some of the symptoms can include a burning or painful sensation while urinating, many people with this infection may not know they have it. In fact, according to Online Doctor LloydsPharmacy, around 50 per cent of men and 30 per cent of women with this infection don’t experience any symptoms at all.
So, regardless of whether you suspect you have an STI or not, it’s a good idea to get yourself tested and keep yourself safe. You can do this at a range of different places, including your local GP surgery or a sexual health or GUM clinic, or you could purchase a home testing kit from a reputable online pharmacy.
Practise safe sex
Practising safe sex is an essential part of looking after your sexual health, and in doing so, you could avoid the worry of developing an STI in the first place. However, when it comes to getting intimate with your partner, it’s important that you think carefully about the method of contraception you’re going to use.
It’s worth noting that condoms are the only form of contraception that can protect you against both pregnancy and STIs, so this might be the best option with a new partner. If you have a long-term partner and you’re confident that neither of you have any infections, you might want to choose an alternative method of birth control. From the combined pill to the contraceptive implant, there are over 10 different options for you to pick from. To find out which one is best for you and your other half, you should speak to your doctor.
Taking responsibility for your sexual health and wellbeing is crucial, especially if you want to enjoy being intimate with your partner without having to worry about the potential implications. So, if you’ve been letting this issue slip lately, now is the perfect time to take control.
