A sexual health check is a check-up by a health professional, for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and other sexual health problems. It also gives you a chance to ask questions relating to sexuality and sexual and reproductive health.
Who should have a sexual health check?
If you are having sex, then you need to think about when to have a sexual health check. How often and when you need to have a check depends on your lifestyle and sexual activity.
If you have any symptoms or worries about your sexual health, then arrange a check-up straight away with your doctor, family planning or sexual health clinic.
If you are unsure whether you need a sexual health check then speak to your School Based Youth Health Nurse or ring your local family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
Have a sexual health check if:
you think you might have an STI
you have had unsafe sex - including vaginal, oral and anal sex
you have had a condom break or if it falls off during sex
your partner has another sexual partner
you have shared injecting equipment
you are starting a new sexual relationship.
What happens during a sexual health check?
You will be seen by a health professional, who will begin by asking you about your sexual history. Some of these questions may seem quite personal, such as:
your sexual orientation (eg. straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender)
number of sexual partners
sexual practices
whether you have any symptoms
whether you have injected drugs
whether you have tattoos or body piercing.
This information is confidential and it is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions about your sexual health that might have been worrying you.
After taking a history of your sexual activity the doctor or nursewill perform an examination. This means that the health professional will look at your external genital area and maybe inside your mouth, vagina or anus for any signs of STIs. The following tests might be done:
taking swabs (eg. taking a sample of fluid or discharge on a cotton bud for examination under a microscope)
taking a urine sample
taking a blood test (eg. sample of blood taken from the arm).
For girls, the vagina and cervix may also be examined for any signs of an STI and a Pap smear (swab of the cervix inside the vagina looking for any change to the cells) maybe taken, if necessary.
All females are encouraged to have a Pap smear within two years of when they first have intercourse and if they have any abnormal bleeding after having sex or between periods.
One of the most common causesof changes to the cells of the cervix is the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the cause of genital warts and is an STI but it is important to remember that a Pap smear is not a sexual health check. If you are worried about STI then you need to discuss this with the doctor or nurse.
HPV can cause serious changes to the cells of the cervix such as cervical cancer. There is a new vaccination available that help prevent females from getting cervical cancer due to HPV so you should talk to your doctor or nurse.
The contents of this website are supplied for information only and should not be relied upon as medical advice.
If medical advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Disclaimer
