SEX TALK Whatever your age, the importance of keeping yourself and your partner safe and protected remains the same. It’s not just the youngsters who are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and diseases, such as AIDS and HIV: the rate of STI’s has doubled in the over 45 age group in recent years. Researchers now know that some types of oral cancer are linked to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the virus that cause cervical cancer in women. Oral HPV is twice as common in men as women, and is most common in men in their 40s and 50s. The under 25s are at higher risk of contracting chlamydia and the NHS recommends that everyone in this age group has an annual check with their GP. Whatever your age, be safe and use a male condom or another barrier method. If you want advice or think you may have contracted something, don’t hesitate to see your GP.
SEXUALITY We’re all different and free to express our sexuality – it’s an important part of who we are. A helpline has been set up specifically for gay farmers wanting support (www.gayfarmer.co.uk).
SEXUAL HEALTH Sexually transmitted infections can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Condoms (male and female) are the only contraceptives that protect against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) as well as pregnancy. Some infections such as chlamydia may not show any symptoms but if you think you may have an infection, the earlier you are tested the sooner treatment such as antibiotics can start. Some infections, if left untreated, can cause infertility. Symptoms to be aware of are pain on passing urine; itching or burning; blisters, sores or lumps in the genital area; black or white dots in your underwear; yellow or green offensive discharge; bleeding between periods or after sex; pain during sex and lower abdominal pain. These symptoms can be caused by several types of infection, the most common being chlamydia,
38
