How to look after your sexual health
Many people will experience sexual health problems from time to time. You can look after your sexual health by.
Regular STI testing
Everyone should get tested for STIs at least once a year if having sex without a condom or with a new or casual partner, even if you do not have any symptoms.
If you have regular sex with different partners or sex without a condom, it is recommended you should get tested every 3 months. You can get free STI tests from a number of places, the Trafford Directory provides information on where you can get tested in Trafford.
Regular testing is important to enable early diagnosis and treatment of STIs, this helps prevent the spread of STIs and risk of complications from infections.
Using contraception
The correct use of contraception can help prevent unplanned pregnancies and abortions, which can impact both physical and emotional health. There are many different types of contraception available, to find out which contraceptive method might be right for you, visit the Contraception Choices website.
Advice and support on unplanned pregnancies can be found through the MSI Reproductive Choices website, or by booking in a safe and confidential abortion consultation with BPAS or the Central Booking Greater Manchester Service.
Using condoms
As well as being a type of contraception, using condoms during oral, vaginal or anal sex or when sharing sex toys is the safest and easiest way to protect you and your partner(s) from getting an STI.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC)
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is the most effective form of contraception at preventing pregnancy and there are a number of places in Trafford where you can get a LARC fitted.
Contraceptive pill or emergency hormonal contraception
There are also a number of pharmacies that can issue the contraceptive pill or emergency hormonal contraception free of charge.