Check Your Sexual Health Nov. 25, 2011, 4:17 p.m.

Sexually transmitted diseases are rapidly increasing amongst our promiscuous population. The only way to be sure that you are not carrying an infectious disease is to go and get checked out. We all go the doctors to have check ups routinely, whether we need to or not. A sniffle here, a cough there, we like to make sure we remain a beacon of health. However men, there is something that you shouldn’t sniff at. Sexual health check ups are very important. In times where you are reaching a more sexually active stage in your life, London escorts believe it is crucial to be vigilant about your own and your partners sexual health. You may not have any symptoms, but a routine check up is still important, especially if you are quite sexually active. However, don’t be misinformed into thinking that no symptoms equal no problems. Often symptoms are hidden and you are neglecting to notice if there is an issue. Sex with anyone can increase the chances of you being infected. Sleeping with a new partner for the fist time, regularly sleeping with a number of different partners and of course, unprotected sex all heighten your chances of infection.

It is advised by sexual health professionals and London escorts agree that you get yourself checked out frequently, to avoid untreated infections. A GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic can be found within most large hospitals. They are the best places to visit for a test of this kind, although your GP may be able to perform some individual tests for specific symptoms. Your best bet however is to visit a specific NHS clinic for a free confidential assessment. Staffed by doctors, nurses and sexual health professionals, they are on hand to give you expert, confidential advice and reassurance. The clinics are there to provide a professional, non-judgemental practice whatever your situation and generally speaking they are friendly, welcoming places. Some clinics allow for walk-in appointments on the day, but for best results and to be seen in good time, make an appointment.

So, what happens when you get there exactly? Firstly, you’ll register at the reception and be asked to do a urine sample - so try not to go to the toilet in advance. You’ll begin by having a chat to the clinic doctor, nurse or sexual health professional. The consultation is strictly confidential, so don’t be afraid to answer each question honestly. They’ll ask you of your symptoms, if any and what your lifestyle and sex life is like. Questions such as “When was the last time you had sex?” or “What kind of sex was it? Oral, vaginal or anal?”. Providing correct and truthful answers will inevitably make for a more accurate assessment. A blood test will be offered as well as a full examination too. Male examinations come with a fair bit of stigma, but try to follow by the ‘mind over matter’ mantra. They’ll look at your skin, check your groin for lumps and feel your testicles and penis for abnormalities. They will then take swabs from your orifices, including penis, throat and bottom if necessary.

Then that’s the hard bit over with. The tests will be sent off for examination and then all you’ll have to do is await your results. You’ll either be invited in to discuss the results or receive a call or text in some instances. A high percentage of people who check in for a full sex MOT have nothing wrong with them, but the results act as piece of mind. Don’t see this as a waist of time or the opportunity to carry on or start living frivolously. Just be glad you’ve been given the all clear. London escorts will agree that the piece of mind however reassuring is not carte blanche to let standards slack. However if your test results comes back positive, remember, be glad you have caught the problem. In most cases you’ll be given a course of treatment to ease the symptoms and clear up the problem. Usually this is antibiotics, but in serious cases other action may be needed. This is a reminder that getting yourself regularly checked is important. Don’t be afraid or ashamed - it’s all part of a preventative measure to ensure a clean bill of sexual health.