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Two in five (42%) Hertfordshire men have never thought about their sexual health, according to a recent poll.

That’s why Hertfordshire County Council has launched a new campaign to encourage men to think about getting a sexual health check-up, particularly if they have had unprotected sex (sex without a condom), so that problems can be identified and treated as soon as possible.

If you have had unprotected sex, don’t panic.  Simply get tested so you can  get the right treatment if necessary. Many people with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) don’t get symptoms, so it’s worth getting tested even if you feel healthy. An STI can be passed from one person to another through any sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.

In 2014 there were 4,143 diagnoses of STIs among men living in Hertfordshire, a rate of 742 per 100,000 people. This is lower than the England rate (836 per 100,000) but it is still too many. 

Hertfordshire’s campaign has a strong, arresting message:  “Had unprotected sex? Have you got the balls to #getchecked?” This was developed as a result of extensive research and consultation with Hertfordshire men.

The research also revealed that many Hertfordshire men don’t know where their nearest sexual health service is, and that they would only think about their sexual health when they had a new sexual partner.

A range of eye-catching materials have been created to use online, through web and social media advertising and mobile phone advertising, as well information being available in places men will see it, such as men’s washrooms and GP surgeries.

Information on local sexual health services and correct condom use can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/getcheckedor you can get advice from your GP.

Information about other health initiatives can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/healthinherts

 

Above; Councillor Jim MacManus with the Bury Rangers Football Team.

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