Despite figures that indicate a record high number of patients sought out services for sexual health in 2017, government funding for these services continues to be reduced. Research shows that more than 3.3 million people in the UK went to a GUM, or genitourinary medicine clinic, in this time, which is an increase of 13 per cent since 2013. Despite this rise, government ministers have said there will be a £600 million decrease in the budget for public health, which means that many local authorities will find it difficult to meet the demands placed on them.
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Reduction in council services
According to a report from the BBC, many councils will find it a challenge to provide services at present levels, let alone find resources to meet rising demands. One effect of this could be rampant outbreaks of STIs that go untreated.
Although professionals in the health sector think it is positive that more people are paying attention to their sexual health, the services need to be there to treat patients. If they have to wait too long for tests and treatment, this will put them off.
Private testing
For those who need their test results quickly, private testing clinics could be the answer. They have shorter waiting times and can generally accommodate patients when they want their tests to be carried out. Some clinics even do home visits and can send the results by post.
Home testing is always another option if you want to easily and discreetly determine the state of your sexual health. If you want to find out more about home STI kits Greenwich, take a look at a website such as https://www.greenwichsexualhealth.org/home_sti_kits/. You can do some research and find out what you need to know about home STI kits Greenwich.
Your sexual health is important for many reasons, including your future, your partner’s health and their future. Some STIs, such as chlamydia, can destroy fertility if left untreated, and this brings many couples a great deal of anguish when they want to conceive a baby and find they cannot due to the damage left by an untreated chlamydia infection. Syphilis is also debilitating when untreated. Good health is critical, so never put off having any possible STI infection checked.