Students in the mood for love as Valentine’s day approaches will receive sexual health awareness advice at West Herts College.
The HIV and sexual health charity Herts Aid will be at the college giving away free condoms, sexual health advice and chlamydia tests, on Wednesday and Thursday, February 11 and 12.
High rates of sexually transmitted infections among young people suggest many are still putting themselves at risk through unsafe sex and some will already have an infection and not know it.
Herts Aid director Suzanne Bannister said: "We’re all for a bit of love and romance around Valentine’s Day, but we’re reminding sexually active students to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies by using a condom.
"Some people have STIs without even knowing it, so you can’t just rely on asking your partner. We’ll be handing out free condoms and anyone with questions or concerns about sexual health can come and have a chat."
Chlamydia screening will be available to students who can provide a urine sample, or women can provide a swab if they prefer, which will be sent off to be tested.
Results can be sent by text, letter, email, or phone call and are normally available within two weeks.
Offering chlamydia testing at college may encourage students to test who wouldn’t normally consider it or who find a sexual health clinic environment off putting.
To learn more about STIs or to find a testing clinic click here.
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