Hull in print

What would you like to receive from the new man or woman in your life on Valentine's Day? How about a card, a bunch of flowers, a box of chocolates, theatre tickets, a meal in a nice restaurant, or perhaps a weekend away? That all sounds well and good, but unless you consider your sexual health, and take precautions by using condoms, you could receive something nasty from your new sexual partner on what should be the most romantic day of the year.
"It's a passion killer, especially at a time like Valentine's Day, but people should be aware that all types of sexually transmitted infections are on the increase in Hull and East Yorkshire," says Kate Guthrie, pictured below, a medical director and consultant gynaecologist with the Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust.

Use a condom

Above: Chlamydia nurse Joanne Heil is urging young people to take more care of their sexual health. Below: Joanne and colleagues from CASPHER, the Chlamydia Awareness Screening Programme for Hull and the East Riding

"When people meet and form new relationships, they can be so caught up in their attraction and feelings for one another they never stop to consider how their new partner may have had several, if not many, sexual partners in the past and could be carrying an infection such as Chlamydia.
"These days, people should always take precautions.
Unprotected sex with a new partner, especially if it is someone who has not visited a sexual health clinic for a check up and who does not have the all clear regarding infection, is simply not worth the risk.
"Using a condom could save a whole lot of discomfort, trouble and heartache later on." Men and women in their 40s and 50s, who may have been single for a while after coming out of long term relationships and who may now be ready for new sexual partners, need to take extra care.
"The sexual health of the general population has worsened over the last 15 years.
It's the same for cities, towns and rural areas throughout the UK," adds Dr Guthrie.
"The landscape has changed, the risk of infection is greater now than ever before, and mature adults who may once have had unprotected sex with a carefree attitude in their youth, certainly cannot do so now without endangering their health." A common question mature people may ask is how can I be sure a new sexual partner is free from infection even if they say they are? The answer, adds Dr Guthrie, is to go for a check up together, as a couple, and ask the clinic or your GP for a copy of the results.

Teenage risks

Meanwhile, Hull and the East Riding have above average rates of Chlamydia amongst sexually active young people aged 13 to 24.
The national average is 10 per cent, but locally the figure is 12 per cent and rising.
"There are young people in the Hull area who have Chlamydia and have absolutely no idea they are infected," says Joanne Heil, a Chlamydia nurse for both the Hull and East Riding Primary Care Trusts.
"This is a major concern as they are in danger of passing on the infection each time they have unprotected sex, and developing serious health problems themselves if their Chlamydia goes undetected for five years after infection." Jo visits schools, colleges, youth centres, and other organisations across Hull and the East Riding where young people gather to give out condoms and provide a free Chlamydia screening and advice service.
This is done with the help of a Chlamydia testing kit, which Jo gives out free.
Young people simply have to give a urine sample in pots that Jo provides (females can also give vaginal swabs) and fill out a form giving their mobile phone number and other contact details of their choice.
The samples are taken away for testing and if they show infection, Jo contacts the patient in confidence – usually around seven to ten days later – to arrange treatment and further advice.
"The testing is quick and easy and brings peace of mind.
I urge young people, if they have any doubts at all, to have a test." Chlamydia testing kits are also available free from most pharmacies and from Hull College and The Warren young people's resource project.

Know the facts ...

Rashes, sores, itchiness, blisters, and pains in the genital area, unusual discharges from the penis and vagina, and burning sensations when you pass water or have sex may indicate you have an STI.
There are a number of other infections to be aware of such as genital warts, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B and syphilis.
And don't forget HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) an infection of the blood which can be acquired from sexual contact.
It kills the cells that help the body fight off infection and disease.
Without treatment HIV develops into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) which can prove fatal by weakening the body's defences against illness.
If you have concerns for you or your partner's sexual health, please contact your GP.
Alternatively you can visit Conifer House in Prospect Street for a sexual health check up, where many services run by the Hull and East Riding Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Partnership are based.
The centre provides a friendly, confidential, professional and non-judgemental service.
Appointments are not always necessary and people can either call in or ring 336336 if they would initially prefer to speak to an advisor over the phone.
Information on STIs and treatment services in Hull can also be found on-line at www.luvhull.co.uk

Working in partnership
Hull City Council

Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust tel. (01482) 344700


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