Sexual Health

STI tests

STI Testing and Treatment 

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that you can get if you have unprotected sex with someone. 

There are many reasons why you might want to have an STI test, such as: 

• if you and a new partner are beginning a sexual relationship 
• if you have had unprotected sex 
• if you think you may have an STI 
• if you just want a routine sexual health check 
• if a condom broke 
• if you are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant 
• if you have symptoms or just feel something is not right

Be prepared

Contraception is very effective at preventing pregnancy but whichever method you choose, everyone should use condoms to prevent contracting an STI that could have further health and fertility issues for you in the future.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

STIs are on the rise. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea rates are higher than in the past. That means if there are more people in the community with an STI – there is more chance that you could catch one. You may not know you have one, as many do not have symptoms, which is why they spread so easily.

Chlamydia is New Zealand’s most common STI and often causes no symptoms. Untreated it can go on to cause severe pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The good news is that Chlamydia can be easily treated with prescription medication from your doctor. Other STIs like Genital Herpes can’t be cured but can be controlled with medication. Herpes is a very painful condition to have – once you have it, you have it for life. 

You can also catch illnesses like Hepatitis C and HIV, easily preventable by using condoms. 

Condoms work

Condoms are an effective way of preventing many STIs. If you are like most people, you will not find out about your partner’s sexual past until your relationship is underway. That might be too late to stop an STI.

Stay safe. Always use a condom, no matter who you are having sex with. You don't want to be that person who passes something on to someone else.

For further Information about Sexual Health check out Just The Facts website: www.justthefacts.co.nz    

LMC's (Lead Maternity Carers) team can support you if you are in need of a termination. 

Our GPs can refer you to termination services and our team can help support your general wellness during what can be a difficult time.

Your sexual orientation is who you are attracted to, emotionally and physically. You don’t choose your sexual orientation – it is part of who you are. 

Our gender identity is about our sense of being a man or a woman or someone else. It may not be the same as the sex we were assigned at birth. We can provide support to individuals who are wanting to discuss any issues around orientation or identity, including medication options.

These are topics that may come up during your life and sometimes it helps to talk with others who feel similar to you. At Barrington Medical Centre we offer the Te Tumu Waiora program which can offer gender identity support. 

There are FREE 30 minute appointments available. You can be referred by your GP or nurse. We can also link you to counselling and support services through the Brief Intervention Counselling (BIC) program should you need them.