Sexual health
You may not know if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), as many are symptom free. If you have unprotected sex (sex without a condom) you are at increased risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Using condoms reduces the risk of passing on an STI to your partner(s) or from your partner(s) to you.
If you have had unprotected sex, it is important to get a check-up.
Most STIs can be treated but if left untreated can lead to serious health problems, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can lead to infertility in the future. It’s a good idea to have a sexual health check-up before you have a new sexual partner(s) or have regular six monthly sexual health checks if you change partners frequently.
The nearest sexual health clinics for Bexley are:
- Trafalgar clinic at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich – 020 8836 6969
- Renton clinic at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford – 01322 428740
If you are under 25, there are a number of contraceptive and sexual health (CASH) clinics for young people.
Chlamydia
About one in ten sexually active young people in the UK have Chlamydia, an STI caused by bacteria. Sometimes there are no symptoms but if you are worried, it's important to get tested. If Chlamydia is left untreated it can spread to other parts of your body, causing pain and inflammation of the joints. Women are at risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can lead to infertility in the future.
Free screening kits are available to all young people aged 16-24 through pharmacies and at all contraceptive and sexual health (CASH) clinics for young people and GP surgeries across Bexley. You can also have this kit sent to your home. To find out more visit the Checkurself website via the right hand link.
If you need treatment, it is available through some pharmacies and all CASH clinics. Chlamydia can be cleared-up with antibiotic tablets. Remember you can catch it again if condoms are not used.
Emergency contraception
If you need the emergency contraception pill, it is available at doctor’s surgeries, some pharmacies and the Urgent Care Centre at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup.
It must be taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected sex but it is more effective the sooner it is taken. Avoid the worry of an unplanned pregnancy in the future – talk to a health worker (doctor, practice nurse, school nurse, pharmacist or CASH clinic advisor) to discuss your contraception needs.
Emergency contraception is also provided free under a special scheme from participating outlets for those aged between 14 and 25. Over 16s can also buy emergency contraception from some pharmacies in Bexley.
View the pharmacies services guide via the right hand link to find a local pharmacy offering emergency contraception.
If you think your usual method of contraception may not have worked please speak to your GP, pharmacist, the CASH clinic or call NHS Direct 0845 46 47 for advice. Remember, Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC) must be taken within three days (72 hours) of unprotected sex but it is more effective the sooner it is taken.
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV is a virus that is most commonly passed from one person to another during unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without using a condom). Using condoms for penetrative sex (anal or vaginal) prevents HIV being passed from one partner to another.
People who may have been at risk are encouraged to be tested, as there are drug treatments available that help people with HIV to stay well. There is still no cure for HIV but the treatment available means that if people are diagnosed early and there are no complications with their treatment, they can lead a healthy life.
There is also a drug treatment called PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) which may protect HIV-negative people from being infected with HIV following an unprotected sexual encounter. The treatment must be started as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours (three days) after exposure (i.e. the unprotected sexual encounter). The PEP website, in the right hand link, has more information about PEP and offers an online self-assessment test. PEP is available from all accident and emergency hospital departments and from all sexual health clinics.
The nearest sexual health clinics in Bexley are:
- Trafalgar clinic at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich on 020 8836 6969
- Renton clinic at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford on 01322 428740
