… people themselves.
Supporting the films are HIV information sheets covering HIV Basics, HIV Statistics, HIV Stigma and HIV Myths. More detailed resources are also available for schools and churches. The school and youth group resources are linked to Curriculum for Excellence and produced in association with Education Scotland.
‘Always Hear’ aims to get the truth and information out there about HIV in Scotland; to make everyone aware of HIV and put a stop to stigma and discrimination. …
… is set up to allow website users to give us feedback about this site. It is not an online question and answer service.
NHS Lanarkshire does not currently offer this service. To speak to a health adviser or to make an appointment to attend a Lanarkshire based service please call 0845 618 7191.
The Terrence Higgins Trust has an online question and answer service called Sexfacts. Click on the link below to go to the Sexfacts webpage. …
… sexual pleasure with yourself or your partner. You can use your tongue or your mouth or fingers to stimulate you or your partner’s body. And not just sexual parts either. You see, the whole human body has lots of sensitive nerve endings under the skin, and that means you can get sexual pleasure from being touched or fondled or caressed almost anywhere. Ears, nipples, necks, hips, toes, fingers and backs can be favourite places for some people. If you’re entering into a sexual relationship, …
… pulling back the foreskin to clean underneath will help.
Sexually Transmitted infections ( sti ’s) can also cause these symptoms. A sexual health screen can be arranged at you local Integrated Sexual Health Clinics (formerly Genito-urinary GUM ).
Urethritis/Meatitis
Is when the urethra is inflamed. This is usually caused by an STI and requires treatment at a Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Genito-urinary GUM). Symptoms can be a pus discharge and pain when …
… Men and Women
Gonorrhoea in the rectum ( anal passage) often shows no signs; but can cause constipation, pain around the anus, blood or discharge with bowel movements.
There are usually no signs of gonorrhoea in the throat.
Where can I get the test?
If you or your partner are concerned that you may have an infection you should see a doctor. Probably the quickest and best option is to go to a Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Genito-urinary GUM ). The staff there are …
… the Genitals ) is low risk. However, it is not ‘no risk’ and is also a risk factor for STI, such as Syphilis and Gonorrhoea. So use a condm for Oral Sex to protect youself and your partner. There are flavoured Condoms available which have been specially designed for oral sex.
… the highest and whatever feels right and good for you may be considered normal.
When interest is stimulated and the sex drive is engaged then arousal is usually manifested in the body. This is probably most noticeable in the male with Erection , but is evident in both males and females in various ways in preparation for sexual activity – in women the Vagina lubricates, the Clitoris swells, the breasts enlarge. In both, heart rate and breathing speed up and there is a feeling of …
… pill must be taken at the same time every day, however, it can be taken up to 12 hours late and still provide contraceptive cover. With all progesterone pills there is no pill free week. This method would be discussed fully with you at the sexual health clinic. If you had no problems in the first 3 months, the POP could be prescribed for 6 – 12 months depending on your health.
THE CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH – EVRA
There is now a contraceptive patch containing hormones similar to the …
… of the implant involves a small amount of local anaesthetic in your arm but there are no stitches and you do not require to be put to sleep. The area on the arm is bandaged for 48 hours to reduce swelling. If you think you would like an implant inserted, you would be counselled fully about the benefits and side effects before it is inserted.
The Mirena Contraceptive Device (IUS)
The Mirena is an intra uterine system. This means it is like a coil in that it is fitted into the …
… between heavy Discharge on one occasion and light on another.
Hot flushes may be experienced lasting from seconds to minutes. They may be felt as a minor annoyance or may be severe enough to interfere with normal activity.
With the reduction in the oestrogen being produced, thinning of the tissues of the Vaginal wall may result, as well as decreased lubrication. Vaginal dryness may be accompanied by irritation and itching. Pain may be experienced during Intercourse as a result of …
… which have an impact on their sexual health. Some of these are Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STIs ) and some are not (Non STIs).
Society at large tends to make the assumption that sexuality and associated sexual health is the prerogative of the young. Apart from being mistaken, this presumption may also be misleading.
Sexually Transmitted Infections do not distinguish between the 18 year old and the 80 year old – the same risks apply in undertaking similar sexual activities …
… no interest in Sex before a stroke, this is unlikely to change. How a stroke affects your existing sex life depends upon the extent of impairment and the level of your recovery. Many people make a good or even a full recovery with no significant side effects to sexual activity. The more Debilitating the stroke, the greater the difficulties may be in resuming sexual activity. Remember though that recovery can continue for a very long time and is not restricted to only a few weeks. …
… to do is to speak with your doctor about the necessity of arranging regular cervical smear testing, and ALWAYS keep your appointments. 25% of women who develop cervical cancer die – there is no need for this to happen to you.
It is recommended that cervical smears are carried out from age 20 and should be carried out at 3 yearly intervals thereafter, until the age of 60.
By practicing safer sex to prevent infections which increase your risk as well as affecting your health in …
If you have experienced abuse – childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault or domestic abuse – at any time in your life, this can be physically and emotionally traumatic.
Everyone is different and we all respond to events in our lives in our own way. If you have experienced trauma repeatedly over a long time, or it has got worse, then you might have more extreme responses. Sometimes we try not to think about what has happened to us because we feel ashamed or guilty or …
Sexual discrimination is not the same as harassment, but it is still an important issue in the workplace.
Sometimes it is obvious. If you are treated unfairly in any way because of your gender (and you can show that someone of a different gender would not be treated that way) then this is direct discrimination. Indirect discrimination refers to conditions that are set down for a job that unfairly limit the chances of particular genders.
Equality …
… set up to allow website users to give us feedback about this site only. It is not an online question and answer service. If you have a concern about your sexual health please call 0845 618 7191 to make an appointment to attend a Lanarkshire based service.
The Terrence Higgins Trust has an online question and answer service called Sexfacts. Click on the link below to go to the Sexfacts webpage.
http://www.tht.org.uk/sexual-health/Get-help-now/Ask-a-question …
… and can also help protect against unintended pregnancy.
Here are some frequently asked questions on what the scheme is about and how to use it.
Where do I get my C Card from?
You can pick up a C Card and leaflet (which lists where the C Card centres are and some local sexual health information) from any of the 98 health centres, GP practices and pharmacies where you see the sign – Free Condoms, No Fuss Available Here.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a C Card, you can …
C Card
Monday, Tuesday Wednesday & Friday
9.00am – 4.30pm
…
Young People Clinic
Tuesday
5.00pm – 7.00pm
C Card
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
9.00am-4.30pm
…
… people who have chlamydia do not have any symptoms, so it is possible to have this infection and still feel well. The simple answer is to have a test. It is estimated that one in ten young people who are sexually active could have chlamydia.
What are the symptoms?
Men – Approximately 50% of men have no symptoms, but those who do may have:
pain or discomfort when passing urine
Discharge or pus from the end of the Penis
discomfort or swelling in the testicles …
… does Chlamydia come from?
For a step by step guide how how to use our Chalmydia Postal Testing Kit, check out our video clip:
Easy to Catch – At least 1 in 10 people have chlamydia! Most people have no symptoms
East to Test – All it takes is a free urine test for men/self-taken swab for women
Easy to Treat – Free antibiotics are usually all you need
To get a postal testing kit go to : CLICK HERE
… of the site is designed to help you figure out whether you should ask us to send you a postal testing kit. (n.b. Postal Testing Kits will only be sent out to UK residents) Based on current rates of infection and information about what sections of the population are most at risk we have put together three simple questions which will help. You may not even need to answer all three. If at any point you are taken from the question to the form you fill in to request a testing kit that …
… been in contact with someone who has chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea please do not request a postal testing kit, instead call 0845 618 7191 to arrange an appointment with us.
If you live in Lanarkshire you can order your free Postal Testing Kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea here. Just fill in the form below. It is a simple test that you can do at home. The pack will be sent to you in a plain white padded envelope and marked private and confidential with your name and address on it. We …
… been in contact with someone who has chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea please do not request a postal testing kit, instead call 0845 618 7191 to arrange an appointment with us.
If you live in Lanarkshire you can order your free Postal Testing Kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea here. Just fill in the form below. It is a simple test that you can do at home. The pack will be sent to you in a plain white padded envelope and marked private and confidential with your name and address on it. We will …
… signposted to another source where you can get the information you are looking for. We are realistic however and know that we can’t provide absolutely all the information that people might need, so if there is something you are looking for and it isn’t here we really want to know about it so that we can put this right. We really do look forward to hearing what you have to say.
… penis. This is often clear or whitish but can also be grey or yellow
Pain or swelling in the testicles.
Symptoms may develop within a few weeks of getting the infection but many people who have chlamydia or NSU have no symptoms.
What should I do?
If you or your partner are concerned that you may have an infection you should see a doctor. You can go to your own doctor but it may be better to go to a Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Genito-urinary GUM). There is a …
… The Talk 2 website, below, should give you some useful tips on how to respond to those awkward questions that children often ask!
Sex education shouldn’t be a one-off talk but a gradual process of communication, starting when a child is small and continuing until they are adults. If your children grows up knowing that you are comfortable talking about sex and relationships it is likely that they will come to you for support when they need it.
The Talk 2 website has pages about all age …
… holiday it is important to remember to protect yourself from Sexually Transmitted Infections ( STI ) and HIV. Before you head off on holiday if you need a supply of your regular contraception to take with you then contact your local sexual health clinic on 0845 618 7191 (Line open Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.). If you are looking for condoms then please use our Free Condoms, No Fuss Service, for more information on where to obtain your free condoms please go to the …
… deafness or eye problems.
Late Syphilis
Often has no signs or symptoms, but the syphilis is still in the body and will show up only in a blood test for syphilis. If left untreated, damage can be done to the brain, nervous system, bones, eyes and other organs, and this may not be apparent for years.
How is syphilis passed on?
Vaginal, anal and oral sex all pass on the infection, and it can be easily spread. Even if you have had the infection before you can catch it again. …
… oils or foams, vaginal deodorants, disinfectants or any cream or moisturisers, as they might sting. You should wear cotton underwear to keep you cool.
Will the warts come back?
Warts usually start to go after just a few treatments. Sometimes they can take several months to go completely. However it is important to remember that the treatments are for cosmetic reasons only and they do not clear your body of the genital wart virus. Eventually your own immune system will clear the …
… bicarbonate of soda (also lying in such a bath can ease discomfort), then keep dry afterwards. Resting (e.g. in bed) will help flu-like symptoms and will also help avoid friction on the ulcers. Mild painkillers may also help. If passing urine is particularly painful, you could try pouring warm water over the affected area, or passing urine in the bath. Avoid any risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the affected area.
Will …
… music and films all surround us with examples of ‘beautiful people’ and images that are unrealistic and unattainable for most of us. These images teach us to be conscious of our body size, shape, weight and physical attributes. There is a great deal of pressure particularly on young people to conform to these ideals, and if they can’t, they may face rejection or ridicule.
Sexual images and ideals are continuously used in the media and advertising. These may represent a look or a …
… clinic is provided by specialist doctors and nurses who are trained in HIV management. For HIV testing, appointments can generally be more flexible. The secretaries will try to give you an appointment time that suits you.
For further information contact:
Lanarkshire HIV, AIDS & Hepatitis Service (LHAHS),
Area Infectious Diseases Unit,
Monklands Hospital, Monkscourt Avenue, Airdrie, ML6 0JS
Tel: 01236 712247 or 01236 712246
… differ from clinic to clinic but all offer:
Information/advice on all sexual health issues
STI screening
Pregnancy testing
Contraception
Referral to other services (e.g. smoking cessation, mainstream sexual health services)
Free Condoms
… differ from clinic to clinic but all offer:
Information/advice on all sexual health issues
STI screening
Pregnancy testing
Contraception
Referral to other services (smoking cessation, mainstream sexual health services)
FREE CONDOMS
… indecent remarks or name calling using demeaning words that are gender specific,
questions about someone’s sex life,
demeaning comments about someone’s appearance,
uninvited physical contact, and
any other behaviour of a sexual nature that could cause someone to feel intimidated or create an environment that is hostile or humiliating.
Nobody should be subjected to sexual harassment of any kind. Everybody has different ideas of what they think is …
… If someone in a relationship discovers that they have a sexually-transmitted infection ( STI ), it can sometimes be the cause of tension and arguments, and questions of where it came from. Remember that many STIs do not show themselves immediately, and may have even been picked up some years before. Therefore if someone is in a relationship and a sexually-transmitted infection shows up, it does not automatically mean that either partner has been unfaithful.
If you discover that …
… body has its own particular smell, and we are quite familiar with our own individual smells. Distinctive smells of sweat or faeces (poo) are well known to all of us. As the body goes through its sexual development, it also produces chemicals that have particular effects on the smell of the body.
These chemicals are contained in the natural substances the body releases, like sweat, Vaginal fluid or Semen . Thus most smells are not associated with any Infections .
If …
Sometimes people experience a ‘stinging’ sensation when passing water because of a change in their urine. Some people talk about a burning sensation, others about pain. If it is caused by some kind of infection, then it will probably need to be treated to clear it up.
There are a number of Infections that can cause discomfort when passing urine. Some are sexually-transmitted infections: for example Chlamydia , NSU …
… and female Condoms that can provide protection against sexually-transmitted Infections ( STIs ).
The question of who is responsible for the use of contraception is much debated. The simple way of looking at it is that contraception should be used by anyone having a sexual relationship who wants to avoid the risk of pregnancy. Condoms will give protection to both partners against STIs. Each person is responsible for their own sexual health, and has a responsibility to their partner …
… confuse the subject and cause unnecessary worry for people who are looking for answers to their questions.
There should not be any stigma around sexual health – it is just another part of our general well-being. However, recognizing that people may need some extra reassurance and be confident of getting accurate information in a confidential and welcoming setting, sexual health services (also called Integrated Sexual Health clinics) are staffed by experts who are used to helping people …
… during pregnancy.
Chronic pain is associated with conditions which are longer lasting, such as untreated pelvic inflammatory disease ( PID ) or Endometriosis.
Pain which only tends to occur during penetrative sex, or is aggravated by this, is experienced by as many as 15% of women. The general term used to describe this kind of pain is dyspareunia. It can be caused by quite superficial contact with the genitalia or with deeper penetration. The degree of pain …
… of men, women are theoretically capable of experiencing multiple orgasms with sufficient sexual stimulation. However, it has been estimated that only 25% of women experience orgasm with penetrative sex alone, with many others requiring additional clitoral stimulation. As many as 12% never attain orgasm, this being known as anorgasmia.
This does not stop sex from being enjoyable or pleasurable, and lack of orgasm is only a problem if the woman feels it to be so.
Physical causes of …
… you consider sex to be e.g. “wicked” or “dirty” you might find yourself involuntarily resisting it even in what might be socially acceptable circumstances such as marriage. This is thought to be one of the main reasons for unconsummated marriage.
Don’t put up with this condition as psycho-sexual counselling or therapy is likely to prove successful. You should feel confident in talking this over with your doctor or nurse, who will arrange for the appropriate treatment for you.
… Who does it affect?
Erectile dysfunction is a surprisingly common experience. It has been estimated that at least 1 in 10 men is affected to some extent yet, because of the embarrassment and even shame which has been attached to this condition, many men do not seek treatment. Growing older is a factor, with the number of those experiencing erectile dysfunction increasing with age, but it affects the entire range from the youngest to the oldest.
How do I find out what causes my …
… The erection enabling drug is introduced directly into the urethra in pellet form, using a plastic applicator. The urethra is the tube in the penis out of which both urine and semen pass. Urinating before insertion lubricates the urethra and makes the process easier. It may be considered by those for whom oral medication or injections are not suitable. Its success rate is less than the other two treatments – 35%.
Oral Medication
Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil and is …
… happen if treatment for erectile dysfunction has been too successful. Much less likely, but still possible, it may be a side effect of other medication. For example, using an anti-depressant such as Prozac, or treatments for premature ejaculation. It can also be caused by erectile dysfunction medication like Viagra. More rarely, it can be related to other physical conditions such as sickle cell disease.
How can it be treated?
In the early stages, the erection may respond to quite …
… partner
The place where you are having sex
Your penis may be overly-sensitive to the stimulation it feels
Some people have suggested that it is an inherited, safety mechanism from the days when our ancestors had to have sex quickly to avoid being eaten!
Others think it may be learned behaviour.
How can premature ejaculation be treated? Treatment for premature ejaculation can be relatively uncomplicated and very effective, but if it is left untreated and the …
… and pleasant. A sexual partner may also become uncomfortable or experience pain with prolonged thrusting.
What causes delayed ejaculation?
The causes of delayed ejaculation include the use of prescription drugs like anti-depressants or non-prescription drugs like alcohol. A good indicator that psychological factors are a cause is that the man is able to masturbate to orgasm without the same difficulty being found.
How can delayed ejaculation be treated?
If drugs are the cause then …
… is usually inflammation. This inflammation may be result of a sexually transmitted infection ( STI ) or some other infections.
STIs are dealt with in more detail in the Infections section of this web site.
How can painful ejaculation be treated?
Whatever the cause of the inflammation, it needs to be investigated by a doctor so that proper treatment can be decided upon. This may be as simple as undertaking a course of antibiotics.
If you are having this problem, you …
… the Integrated Sexual Health Clinic (formerly Genito-urinary GUM ) so that staff there can investigate this problem and provide help for you.
… can also be physical reasons why you are unable to ejaculate and all of these need medical investigation for you to be sure. These reasons can include physical problems with the production, storage or expulsion of semen.
How can anejaculation be treated?
Treatment can be as easy as changing to a different type of medication after consultation with your doctor. You may want to reduce or stop drinking, or taking other non-prescription drugs.
If you are experiencing …
… from one person to another during sex and these are called sexually-transmitted infections ( STIs ).
For many people sexual health is having a happy and healthy sex life. Being sexually healthy also means protecting yourself and your partner from sexually-transmitted infections.
How to stay sexy and healthy
Using condoms or having non penetrative sex is the best way to have safer sex. This means giving and getting pleasure in ways that don’t put you or your partner at …
What is it? Cystitis is quite common among women, and it means an inflammation of the bladder and the urethra (tube that takes urine from the bladder). It is unusual for men or children to have cystitis, and they should see a doctor if they do. What causes it? It is often caused by germs from the anus getting round to the vagina and up the urethra. This can happen during sex, using tampons or …
… an infection. It is more common during pregnancy and in people with diabetes. It is not an STI.
What are the symptoms ?
Thrush might cause itching, soreness and swelling around the vagina, or a thick white discharge. You may also feel discomfort when passing urine or during sex. If a man has sex with a woman with thrush, this may cause some skin irritation on the man’s penis.
Where can I be treated?
If you think you have thrush, or are worried about any infection, you …
… your health.
All of these viruses can cause an acute (short-term) disease, with symptoms lasting several weeks – including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and possibly abdominal pain. Some of these viruses can also cause long-term ( chronic ) problems.
What is Hepatitis C
This is sometimes known as Hep C or HCV the hepatitis C virus was discovered in 1989. We still have a lot to learn about the virus and how to …
… your health.
All of these viruses can cause an acute (short-term) disease, with symptoms lasting several weeks – including yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and possibly abdominal pain. Some of these viruses can also cause long-term ( chronic ) problems.
What is hepatitis B
This used to be called serum hepatitis and is sometimes called hepatitis B or HBV. Generally, hepatitis B initially makes you sicker than hepatitis …
… viral hepatitis, it is common to use the term “co-infection”.
For more information on testing and treatment you could contact the
Lanarkshire HIV, AIDS & Hepatitis Service
Tel: 01236 712247 or 01236 712246
