BY NICOLA HARE
I find it
interesting; the ease at which we can talk about sex and relationships but how
terrified we become when talking about sexually transmitted diseases. Days
before starting my second year at university, a group of us gathered at our
house and we started chatting, you know those long chats that have a
never-ending discussion title. When talking about our interactions with males
and females, we were laughing, joking about the things people do, the things
we’d all put up with and then suddenly, somebody said the H-bomb. By H-bomb, I
mean: HIV.
We don’t often
have these conversations but when we do, you’re forced to confront the
realities of the consequences of sexual relations. I mean I can say that
university culture exposed these types of questions. Before that, it was just a
hypothetical conversation in PSHE or the ‘Sex Ed’ lesson we had in year 4 where
nothing was really explained but our teachers felt as though they’d done a
great job. Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs as they are commonly known as are real.
39% of people newly diagnosed in 2015 were diagnosed at a late
stage of HIV infection.
Young people
are more likely to be diagnosed with
a STD rather than older age groups. In 2015, among heterosexuals diagnosed, 15
to 24 year olds accounted for 62% of
those with chlamydia, 52% with
gonorrhoea, 51% with genital warts
and 41% with genital herpes.
Black African
men and women living in the UK are disproportionately affected by HIV, making
up 1.8% of the UK population but 31% of all people accessing HIV care. 35% of
this group were men and 65% were women.
Now, I know
what happens next; you read these numbers, you ponder on them for a moment,
maybe make a comment about how terrible it is and then, you go back to living.
I’ve been guilty of this, I mean, there’s only so much that any of us can do.
Unless we are forced to confront the situation, we have this unsaid notion that
we don’t have to talk about these issues. Issues that are clearly plaguing our
communities at an outstanding rate.
These conversations,
no matter how uncomfortable must be had. Ladies, it is important that we not
only know who we choose to lay with but also, that we have a rhetoric about
these issues so that we know how to avoid or prevent them. It is one thing to
choose to lay with a man that could potentially leave you and another to choose
to lay with a man that will cost you your life. Failing to see the risks that
come with sleeping with a man or woman is a dangerous notion that surrounds
young people. I think the thought of being infected is so far from our reality
that we completely dismiss it. I suppose the question to ask yourself is that:
do you believe those that are infected chose to be?
The unfortunate
reality about sexually transmitted diseases is that many that are infected are
unaware and what this does is increase the chances of further infection. The
truth is that it is not only about your own experience but also that of your
partner or partners. We don’t ask enough questions as young women because we
feel awkward or uncomfortable but ladies; ask a question that will perhaps
cause awkwardness for a few minutes or make a decision that may jeopardise the
rest of your life? STDs can occur with any patient who is sexually active
regardless of circumstances so have the
conversation.
You can ask a man how many women he’s
been with but you can’t ask him whether he’s clean?
Sexual health
is an important part of our general health; that among other things and it’s a
conversation that isn’t had as often as it should be. Whether that is out of
fear of diagnosis or treatment, embarrassment or awkwardness, it is important
that we talk about these things and understand the consequences of our actions.
Do not allow yourself to be a victim because of fear of what a question could
do.
Get tested,
regularly. Not only for sexually transmitted diseases but also cervical
screening – this could prevent cancer in a woman’s cervix if abnormalities are
detected. There are about 3000 cases of cervical cancer that are diagnosed each
year in the UK. Breast screens can also detect breast cancer at a very early
stage; though regular tests are usually recommended to older women. Skin checks
are also very important – keeping an eye on moles can help you spot the early
signs of skin cancer: melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.
Talk about it
with your partner, with your girlfriends or even your parents if you can. We
are not somewhat immune from these diseases and I urge to you have knowledge of
how to prevent or avoid these situations by having a rhetoric about them.
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