Starting off 2021 with your regular sexual health screening and testing is the right way to start your year, Choma. Regular testing gives you the reassurance that you don’t have any underlying diseases and gives you peace of mind, especially if you are sexually active. Here‘s why it’s important to look after your sexual reproductive health.

Gives you control over your reproductive health

Healthcare professionals highly recommend that young people from the age of 21 start going for Pap smears, whether they’re sexually active or not. Pap smears can pick up any abnormalities and cancerous cells, which, if detected early enough, can help beat cervical cancer.

Having control over your sexual reproductive health gives you the ability to have satisfying and safe sex. It also helps you plan around when and if you would like to have children.

Prevents and treats STIs

I encourage you to get tested for STIs and HIV regularly if you are sexually active. Knowing your HIV status can give you peace of mind, help you take the necessary measures to protect yourself or prevent transmission to others, if you test positive. Remember, if the virus is detected early, you can live a long healthy life with treatment. Being on top of your sexual health also means that you can find out about treatment options such as PrEP, which can protect the partners of people living with HIV from contracting the virus.

It’s also important to note that whenever you have sex without a condom, you increase your chances of contracting STIs. Being mindful of your sexual health and always using protection, will reduce your risk of STI infection.

Ensures a satisfying and safe sex life

Whether you are in a relationship or an ‘entanglement’, remember that wearing a condom helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Condoms are easily available and easy to use. A tip is to find a condom brand that works for you in terms of size, lubrication, and comfort.

We are responsible for our health and we need to take extra care to make sure that we have healthy, fulfilling sex lives. Preventing STIs and HIV should be a priority above anything else when entering a sexual relationship. It starts with you having an honest conversation with your partner about your sexual histories, going for regular testing with them and, more importantly, always making sure that you use a condom.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me on Ask Choma, send a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).