Quiz Time – Answer 5

Question

• What factors can put people off going for a sexual health check?

Answer

• Many factors; fear of what will happen at the check, concern over who might find out they have been to the clinic, fear about what would happen if they did have an infection. Also, feelings of awkwardness around talking about sex and STIs or even difficulty in finding or getting to a local sexual health clinic.
• Someone’s gender, sexual orientation and age might also affect how they feel about seeking this sort of medical care.

Remember

• Staff working in these places are very used to dealing with these issues and should be very reassuring.
• A person’s confidentiality will always be respected unless there are safety worries about their welfare.
• If someone does get diagnosed with an STI, staff in sexual health clinics can help to anonymously inform any sexual partners for the person.