A SEXUAL health consultant at West Middlesex University Hospital is reminding people to take safe sex precautions.
Over the summer season of holidays and festivals it can be easier to get carried away and have unprotected sex, which could lead to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or unintended pregnancy.
Shamela de Silva, Consultant in Genito-Urinary Medicine, advises: “Buy a pack of condoms before going somewhere where you think there is a chance you could have unprotected sex. Make sure the condoms have the CE mark on the pack which means they have been tested to high European safety standards.
“Condoms can be damaged by oil-based products such as moisturiser, sunscreen lotion, baby oil and lipstick. Heat can also be a problem, so store them in a cool, dry place.
“If you are taking the contraceptive pill, remember that vomiting or diarrhoea can make it less effective, as well as medicines including some antibiotics and some anti-malaria drugs. Remember, you should always wear a condom to help protect
against STIs as well as using contraception against pregnancy.
“If you’re worried that you may be pregnant or have caught an STI, get checked out at your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) or community contraceptive clinic as soon as possible after you get home. Tell the GUM clinic staff your travel and
sexual history, as that will help them give you the most appropriate tests.”
