Get a sexual health check

IT IS Sexual Health Awareness Week (SHAW) and there’s no better time to be sure about your health.

Queensland Health is putting this week on the radar to encourage people to think about the importance of their sexual health.

“STI rates are on the rise among Gen Y, and frankly the statistics are alarming,” Deputy Premier and Health Minister Paul Lucas said.

“Sexual Health Awareness Week is about highlighting the consequences of these diseases and how to prevent them.”

Queensland Chlamydia notifications last year were 16592, well ahead of NSW at 14614 and Victoria at 12993. Most sufferers are men and women aged under 24.

“Unfortunately many in Gen Y believe they’re bulletproof, whether it be in cars or risky sexual behaviour. We have to make sure they realise their decisions can have life-long consequences,” Mr Lucas said.

The aim of the week is to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, encourage sexual health check-ups, remove the stigma surrounding STIs and promote condoms and safe sex.

For information visit www. health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth.