High numbers of sexually transmitted infections amongst the LGBT community
- Deryck Browne
- Jul 5, 2016
- 1 min read
Some figures were published by Public Health England recently showing 434,456 sexually transmitted infectious (STIs) reported in England in 2015. 54,275 of which were among gay ,bisexual or other men who have sex with men, a 10% increase since 2014. The most commonly diagnosed STI was Chlamydia at 46% .
The head of the STI surveillance at the Public Health “Dr Gwenda Hughes” reported – stating it is important to raise more awareness and recommend condoms .There is routine screening generally offered but only 13% of young men and 32% of young women were tested in 2015.
PHE recommends:
• prevention, focusing on groups at highest risk, including young adults, men who have sex with men and black ethnic minorities
• consistent and correct use of condoms which can significantly reduce risk of infection
• rapid access to treatment and notifying any partners who may be affected which can reduce the spread of infection
• regular testing for HIV and STIs is essential for good sexual health:
• anyone under 25 who is sexually active should be screened for chlamydia annually, and on change of sexual partner
• men who have sex with men should test annually for HIV and STIs and every 3 months if having condom less sex with new or casual partners
Clear, actionable guidance. Regular testing, honest partner communication, and timely treatment can make a real difference. https://imageoverlay.org/
A good sexuality test should be inclusive and go beyond simple labels, acknowledging the beautiful spectrum of human attraction. This one seems to be designed with that in mind.
I often see questions about the validity of online tests for sexual orientation. It's important to be clear: no online quiz can definitively tell you your sexual orientation. That's a deeply personal aspect of who you are. However, tools like a sexual orientation test can serve a different purpose. They can act as a catalyst for self-reflection. The questions might make you think about your feelings, attractions, and experiences in new ways. For someone who is questioning or exploring, this kind of guided introspection can be a useful, private exercise. It’s less about the 'score' and more about the personal insights you might gain from considering the topics raised. It’s a starting point for some, a way to engage with these…