With record levels of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency, it’s important to take sexual health seriously – and not just for young people. In fact, the number of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among over-65s increased by 20% from 2017 to 2019, according to the Local Government Association. This is why if you are sexually active, regular testing is necessary whatever your age – even if you don’t have any symptoms. “Sexual health check-ups are important because STIs can be silent but can also have significant health implications,” says Dr Priyanka Patel, consultant ambulatory gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. “STIs such as chlamydia can affect female fertility, and STIs such as HIV weaken the immune system.” To mark Sexual Health Week (September 11-17), Dr Patel talks through some key points about STI screening… How often should you have an STI check? “You need to have an STI check whenever you have a new partner, especially if you’re not using condoms, or think you were exposed to an STI,” says Patel. “Everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, every year if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.” Testing is also advised for anyone who develops possible symptoms. These may include unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; blisters, sores, lumps or skin growths on the genitals or anus; itching or a rash. What will you be asked at a check-up? You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS to book an appointment. Many sexual health services now offer free self-sampling kits to order online for people who don’t have any symptoms and want to do a check-up at home. “Men may have to hold their urine before testing, but women do not need to do anything in particular to prepare,” Patel says. “You will be asked about your sexual history, partners, contraceptive use and general health. You will be asked for details about your recent sexual partners and types of sex you have.” These questions may feel personal or intrusive but are important to ensure the correct tests are done. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is about being safe and empowered and healthcare professionals are there to help. What tests are done? “The testing will depend on the answers you give about the types of sex you have,” says Patel. “Vaginal, throat and anal swabs may be done – these will be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.” To do this, the clinician rubs a cotton bud inside the area for a few seconds. A blood sample will be taken to test for syphilis and HIV. Patel continues: “If you have symptoms, then the clinician will usually carry out a speculum examination to look at the health of the vagina and cervix.” How do you get STI test results? The way your results are delivered varies between clinics, and they will advise when you should expect to hear back. “Most will send results via a text message or give you a number to call for results,” says Patel, while some have a ‘no news is good news’ policy, meaning if you don’t hear anything then you’ve got the all-clear. For home testing kits, you’ll get a notification to say your samples were received and results are usually sent via text message. “If you test positive for an STI, they will arrange for treatment and offer support,” Patel explains – which goes for both clinic and self-sampling. She adds: “It’s important to notify partners of any positive results and the sexual health clinic can also assist in anonymous partner notification.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 9 arthritis myths we all need to stop believing Prince Harry spotted at Windsor Castle on anniversary of Queen’s death How the weather can change the way you dream

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WWE are reportedly working on a deal to have Cristiano Ronaldo appear at an upcoming show in Saudi Arabia. The sports entertainment promotion, which was recently purchased as a part of a huge merger with UFC are due to host their annual Crown Jewel show on November 4th. Reports from AS are now suggesting that Ronaldo could make a surprise appearance at the show and are working on a deal to secure the Portuguese football icon which would come with a "large appearance fee." It has not been stated what sort of capacity Ronaldo would appear on the show, should it be a match or just a segment but would be seen as a major coup for the WWE should they bag the 38-year-old who made the move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr last year. Speaking to the Metro in December 2022, WWE superstar Apollo Crews believes that Ronaldo could flourish should he make the move to wrestling. He said: "Honestly, with that mentality to be a top athlete in the world on that level, I think just on the mentality alone he would've done okay. 'When you start the physical part, that's a different story, though, for most people. But again, [he's] a world-class athlete so I wouldn't put it past him.'" At the time of writing WWE is yet to speak on the matter with journalist Sean Ross Sapp confirming that he did speak to them but they didn't give an answer on the subject. Should Ronaldo appear at the show there is a strong likelihood that he could be rubbing shoulders with WWE legend John Cena who has been featured in a promotional video for Riyadh Season 2023 which hints that the event will include the participation of John Cena. Ronaldo wouldn't be the first footballing name to make an appearance on WWE television with Wayne Rooney famously getting physically involved at a Raw event in Manchester in 2015. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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