Ahead of World Sexual Health Day - students urged to think 'safer sex' as new term begins
Young people heading back to college and university this September are being encouraged to think about safer sex.
The reminder comes ahead of World Sexual Health Day Friday 4 September, as thousands of students across the North East and North Cumbria prepare for the start of the new academic year.
Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show 14,845 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were diagnosed in the North East, with people aged 15 to 24 accounting for half of all new diagnoses.
Health experts say the start of the new college and university year is an important opportunity to remind young people about looking after their sexual health, particularly as many STIs have no obvious symptoms.
People are being encouraged to use condoms, get tested regularly and seek confidential advice if they have had sex without a condom, have a new partner or are worried about their sexual health.
Dr Alex Kent, medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Starting or returning to college or university is an exciting time, when many young people are meeting new people and enjoying greater independence.
"We want sexual health to be something people feel comfortable talking about. Looking after your sexual health should feel as normal as looking after any other part of your health.
"Many sexually transmitted infections don't have any symptoms, so you can't always tell if you or your partner has one. Using condoms and getting tested regularly are two of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people you have sex with.
"If you've had sex without a condom, have a new partner or are worried for any reason, please get tested. Sexual health services are free and confidential, and nobody should feel embarrassed about asking for advice, accessing condoms or having a test - whatever the question, it’s okay to ask."
The reminder comes six months after the launch of 'The Elephant in the Room', a regional campaign encouraging young people to talk more openly about sexual health.
The campaign was launched by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) and local authorities across the North East and North Cumbria and is being supported by regional NHS hospital trusts.
It aims to make it easier for young people to talk about sexual health and find trusted information about condoms, testing and local services.
Since its launch, around 43,000 people have visited the campaign website, and early data is showing more people are seeking support.
Lorraine Hughes, director of public health, Darlington Borough Council and regional lead for sexual health, said: "As young people start to prepare for college and university, it's a good time to remind everyone that looking after your sexual health is a normal and important part of looking after your overall health.
"STI rates among young people are a real concern across our region, but support is readily available.
"We want young people to feel confident talking about safer sex, using condoms, getting tested and accessing the free and confidential services available to them."
The Elephant in the Room campaign signposts to clear advice and trusted information, as well as helping young people find local sexual health services.
Find out more, access free condoms and find your nearest sexual health service at Elephant in the Room