Sexual health professionals are reminding people to make sure love is the only thing that is shared this Valentine’s Day.
February 14 also marks National Condom Day and the start of Sexual Health Awareness Week which runs until 21 February.
Mackay Sexual Health and Sexual Assault Service Education and Resource Officer Andrea Sauer urged people to think about the importance of their sexual health.
“The aim of this week is to prevent the transmission of sexual infections, encourage sexual health check-ups, remove stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections, and promote the importance of condom usage and safe sex practices,” Ms Sauer said.
In 2017 Mackay HHS reported 638 cases of chlamydia, 60 of gonorrhoea and 13 of syphilis.
“One of the biggest problems with STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea is that many people who contract them do not show any symptoms.
“The infection can have serious, lifelong consequences including infertility in both men and women. Often there are no symptoms or warning signs so people don’t even realise they have it which means it can easily be passed onto sexual partners.”
“The best way to protect yourself is to use condoms, regardless of whether you are having vaginal, anal or oral sex.
“We would encourage anyone who is sexually active, this week or in general, to come along to see our team for a free and confidential screening, diagnosis, treatment, education and referral,” Ms Sauer said.
The Mackay Sexual Health and Sexual Assault Service is free and confidential and is located at Mackay Community Health Centre 12-14 Nelson St.
To contact the team and book an appointment, please phone 4968 3919.
