Information for Young People
In our community, young people (usually under 25) are at a
comparatively high risk of obtaining a sexually transmitted disease. This
is probably true because young people are more likely to change partners
than older people. But even a young person who doesn't often change
partners may be at risk because of the chance that their partner has had
sex with different people.
Sexually transmitted diseases affecting young people in our community
are often relatively minor, such as genital
warts, but chlamydia, which
can lead to serious medical complications, is most common in the under-25
age group. Clinic 275 strongly recommends that young people should have an
STD check-up after changing sexual
partners.
Clinic 275 staff recognise that young people may feel anxious about
talking to a health worker about sexuality and sexually transmitted
diseases. It may be the first time you have had to discuss such an
intimate subject with anyone. Or it may be the first time you have ever
had real concerns for your health. The staff are sensitive to these issues
and do their best to make a check-up as non-threatening as possible for
young people. If you would prefer to see a doctor of the same sex
ask at reception.
The doctor will take the time to explain the check-up and any necessary
tests very carefully. For young women, this may be the first time a doctor
has ever recommended an internal examination.
These procedures are offered because they are the best, and often the only
way to diagnose certain conditions that you might be at risk of. If you
feel anxious about this, please feel free to ask the doctor or nurse any
questions about the procedure.
Most people attending Clinic 275 wish to be certain that information
about them cannot be obtained by anyone else. For young people living at
home this can be a special concern. Clinic 275 will not attempt to contact
you at home by phone or letter unless you give permission for this
contact to happen.
Clinic 275 does not give results over the telephone. You will need to
return to the clinic to collect any results. |
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