Travel and Sexual Health
Often when we travel abroad there is a sense of usual rules don’t apply and for some individuals this may well include riskier sexual behaviour, combined with increased alcohol intake. This will increase your risk of unintended consequences such as Sexually Transmitted Infections and unplanned pregnancy.
Ensuring you have the right information to protect yourself should mean you come back with only good memories of a great holiday, and no unexpected surprises.
Before you travel
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are important to consider and whilst it is not possible to vaccinate against most infections, some are available and would be recommended. Hepatitis A and B are infections which can damage the liver and potentially have serious consequences. These infections are often found in areas where hygiene and sanitation are poor, so if you are planning on travelling to these areas which fit this description then get in touch to see how we can help. Please be aware if you do need vaccination against these illnesses this may require more than one dose spread several months apart so forward planning is essential.
PrEP
If you are planning to travel to high HIV endemic areas like South East Asia, West Indies or Africa then we would advise you contact the sexual health service to discuss PrEP medication. This can dramatically reduce your chances of acquiring HIV during sexual activity. More information on how to contact us can be found on our opening times page
Condoms
Condoms remain the most effective way of protecting against infections, and within the UK and the European union they area readily available and carry CE and British kitemarks which certify they are suitable for penetrative sex. However, quality control and certification differs in different parts of the world and counterfeit condoms can enter the market. Taking condoms, with a Kitemark and/or CE mark, will provide peace of mind and ensure you have reliable condoms to hand when you need them.
Contraception
Contraception can be difficult to obtain in some countries or may not be available so it is advised to ensure your contraception is up to date, and you have enough medication for your trip. Crossing time zones may also affect how you take your medication and more information on this would be found on the patient information leaflet in your medication. However using long acting methods, eg the contraceptive implant or the Coil will not be affected by this, although you would need to check that your long term contraceptive method will last for the duration of your trip. If in doubt then you can contact the clinic to seek advice regarding the specific contraception you are using either by ringing the clinic on 01422 261370 or using our ask the expert form on our contact us webpage
Influence of Alcohol
Alcohol can impair our judgment and increase the risk of infections through individuals taking fewer precautions and / or not wearing condoms when it comes to having sex. Larger measures, and stronger drinks than expected can lead to a much greater likelihood of non-consensual sex and unintended consequences such as infections.
Sexual Assault abroad
Sexual assault can happen anywhere and laws around the world can vary widely so being familiar with the culture and laws in your destination country is useful. Whilst sexual assault is never, and will never be, the fault of the victim and blame lies with the individual committing the act, the NHS has some helpful advice on how you can reduce your chances of falling victim to crime, and what to do if you do. This is summarised on the NHS Fit for Travel webpage
If you have been the victim of an assault we would advise that on return you arrange for a sexual health screen to take place, and this can be arranged at our service and offered here at our clinic. We also understand that this can be traumatic due to the circumstances so we will do all we can to offer a sensitive service and support you in accessing further help you may need.
Post-Holiday
If you had unprotected sex, particularly penetrative sex without a condom, then it would be a good idea to have a check to make sure you haven’t picked up any infections. However, please remember some infections might not show up on a test immediately. For example the most common infection, Chlamydia, can take up to two weeks after becoming infected to show up on a test.
Our home testing service offers screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, but if you would like a more comprehensive sexual health screen then please contact the clinic to arrange this. More information can be found on our opening time page
Other Information
For more general health advice relating to travel please visit the NHS travel health advice page which has advice on a wide range of topics.