» The S-word
Let’s talk about sex – safe sex – a topic that’s barely even whispered, writes Zara Baker
I t’s the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, but there’s still an air of mystery surrounding Chlamydia. Recent NHS ad campaigns on television are working to raise awareness of this otherwise ‘silent’ infection, so called because there are often no visible symptoms. But with Chlamydia affecting one in 10 people under the age of 25, both men and women, this is one topic we should not be keeping silent.
So how does Chlamydia affect individuals? This common STI can go undetected and passes between sexual partners. It’s reported that 75 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men have no symptoms, and unless you get tested, you are unlikely to know if you have it. Chlamydia can cause pains in the abdomen and a stinging sensation when passing urine. In the long term, it can make you infertile.
But as with many sexual health topics, it’s something that can be difficult to talk about, especially among youngsters, who are most at risk. Many women believe Chlamydia testing is carried out at the same time as a smear test, but unless it’s requested, this is not the case. The NHS National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), however, is available. It’s a free and confidential test for under 25s that’s recommended if you’ve yet to be tested or have a new partner.
What a lot of people don’t realise – and this is something the NHS are working to put across strongly in their ad campaign – is that Chlamydia testing is simple and pain free. A urine sample is taken (or a swab from females, which is done by herself) and tested. The testing is accurate and a course of antibiotics is prescribed if the test is positive. It’s a small price to pay for sexual health and peace of mind.
Contraception remains a focus of NHS promotions. Advertising campaigns – specifically aimed at young adults – urge youngsters to carry condoms if they are thinking about sex. Condoms – for both men and women – are the only form of contraception to protect against pregnancy and STIs. Other common (and less common) forms of contraception prevent pregnancy only.
With a number of contraceptive methods available, it can be daunting to know where to start. Many young women will go on the combined pill as using a condom isn’t 100 per cent effective. The hormones in the pill stop you ovulating (releasing an egg) and it is more than 99 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy. It also protects against cancers of the ovary, womb and colon.
There are different pills available to suit different individuals and lifestyles. One pill gives you a 12-hour window in which to take it, which is ideal if you find it hard to remember to take it at the same time every day. It’s less effective, though, if you have an an upset tummy or sickness bug, so use extra protection for a week. For many women, a contraceptive implant is an easier option. It’s effective for three years and you can more or less forget about it. A 40mm tube is placed under the skin of the upper arm. It contains progestogen, which stops eggs being released. Similarly, an injection of progestogen gives eight to 12 weeks’ protection.
Last month saw the new morning after pill, ulipristal acetate (UA), receive a lot of media attention. While the current morning after pill on the market gives women a 72-hour window in which to take it following unprotected sex, this new pill has been developed to prevent pregnancy for up to a week after. It presently costs three times as much as the alternative and is not yet available over the counter.
www.nhs.uk/livewell/sexualhealth, www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
