Question
- What factors can put people off going for a sexual health check?
Answer
- 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
- Feelings of awkwardness around talking about sex and STIs
- Worrying they might be judged or told off by a doctor
- 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
- Clinics are there to help with any tests and treatment needed
- Clinic staff are very used to dealing reassuringly with patients – they aren’t there to judge you
- A person’s confidentiality will always be respected unless there are safety worries about their welfare
- If someone does get diagnosed with an STI, clinic staff can help to anonymously inform any sexual partners. This is called ‘contact tracing’