Sexual Health Checks

 

 

Description

A sexual health check is a check-up by a doctor, nurse or other health worker with a focus on sexual health. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to have a check-up. There are a number of sexually transmitted infection (STIs) which often cause no symptoms (eg. Chlamydia).

 

Do's

How often and when you need to have a check-up depends on your lifestyle and sexual activity.

A sexual health check is advisable in the following circumstances:

·         you think you may have an STI

·         you have had unsafe sex - unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex

·         you have had a condom break or fall off during sex

·         you or your partner has other sexual partners

·         you have shared injecting equipment

·         you are starting a new sexual relationship

·         to talk about safe sex, even if you are not sexually active 

·         to talk about preventing pregnancy

·         you have been sexually assaulted.

 

Tips

A sexual health check may include:

·         talking about your sex life

·         talking about safe sex and using condoms

·         talking about birth control

·         checking for STIs

·         women having a Pap smear

·         asking questions about sexuality and sexual health

·         getting safer sex supplies and written information. 

 

Helpful Hints

During a sexual health check, the doctor, nurse or other health worker will begin by asking you about your sexual history such as:

·         you have any symptoms  

·         number of sexual partners both now and in the past  

·         sexual practices 

·         your sexual orientation (e.g. heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual)

·         you have injected drugs 

·         you have had tattoos or body piercing, or have had acupuncture. 

 

Some of these questions are very personal, but everything you say remains confidential.  It is between you and the person you talk to. It is a good time for you to ask any questions about your sexual health that may have been worrying you. The doctor, nurse or health worker will usually examine your genital area and other parts of your body. This is to check you are healthy and to look for any signs of an STI.

 

A range of tests may be done. Swabs can be taken from inside the vagina, from the cervix, from the tip of the penis, and if necessary, from the throat or the rectum (back passage). Blood tests and urine tests are useful to look for several STIs.

 

Practical Advice

Sexual health checks may include testing for a number of STIs. There are many different STIs. Some STIs can be cured. Some cannot be cured but can be controlled with medication. Using condoms every time you have sex reduces the risk of getting an STI or passing an STI on to others.

 

http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth/

 

Where can I get a sexual health check-up? 

 

Sunshine Coast - Wide Bay Sexual Health and HIV Service

 

80 - 82 Blackall Terrace (from 5th July 2010)
Nambour Q 4560
(07) 5470 5244

 

Opening hours

Nambour:
Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 4.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

 

Outreach clinics

 

Caloundra clinic: Every Monday
Specialist Outpatient Department
Caloundra Hospital
West Terrace
Caloundra


Maroochydore clinic: Wednesday
Suite 4, Argyle on the Park Building
31 Cotton Tree Parade
Cotton Tree

 

Noosa clinic: Thursday
Noosa Community Centre
Bottlebrush Avenue
Noosa

 

Charges/costs
Nil

 

Clinics are held at various times and locations across the Sunshine Coast. Appointments are recommended for all clinics and can be made through phoning the Nambour Office (07) 5470 5244.

Your Guide to Condoms & Lube (click image below)

 

 

 

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