Get screened, get treated and get on with your life
– Campaign to encourage men to engage in their own sexual health
13th February 2012
“Get screened, get treated and get on with your life”, is the message from health experts to Irish men as part of a campaign to encourage men to engage in their own sexual health.
The Men Engage Project established by the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) aims to encourage men to make informed choices about contraception, sexual health and their own fertility, by highlighting services and information available to men.
Three YouTube videos have been developed by the IFPA as part of the initiative to help break down some of the barriers experienced by men when it comes to accessing sexual health services. The three videos focus on sexually transmitted infections, contraception and crisis pregnancy .
“Get tested, get treated and get on with your life is our message to men,” said Dr Caitriona Henchion, IFPA Medical Director.
“The vast majority of sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, so in most cases, the only way to know if you have a sexually transmitted infection is to get tested. Testing is quick and painless. Being diagnosed with most sexually transmitted disease is not a cause for panic. You will be treated quicker than you would be for a sore throat. For example the treatment for Chlamydia is four tablets in one day.
“When it comes to contraception, if one form does not suit you or your partner go see your doctor to discuss what the best contraceptive method is for you. Sharing the contraceptive burden ensures men have greater control over their own fertility and also means they are taking on the role of a caring responsible partner.”
Anita Ghafoor Education and Training Co-ordinator with the IFPA said: “Information, education and access to services are the tools that men need to make healthy and informed choices about their sexual health. Our advice to men is to make sure they know all the options available to them to ensure they make the best decisions for themselves regarding their own sexual health and fertility,” says.
IFPA’s Tips for Good Sexual Health
- The vast majority of sexually transmitted infections have no symptoms, so in most cases, the only way to know if you have a sexually transmitted infection is to get tested.
- Everybody who is sexually active should be getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (twice a year).
- Getting screened for sexually transmitted disease is a responsible decision and is not a big ordeal. It takes about 20 minutes and in most cases simply involves a chat with the doctor, a blood test and a swab.
- The good news is that treatment for most sexually transmitted infections is simple and painless. Some of the most common sexually transmitted infections can be treated with a one-day antibiotic course.
- Being informed about contraceptive options and sharing the contraceptive burden with their partners ensures men will have greater control over their own fertility and also means they are taking on the role of a caring responsible partner
- Men are also affected by crisis pregnancy and can experience a range of feelings and emotions when faced with a crisis or unintended pregnancy. Free pregnancy counselling services are available to men as partners or on an individual basis through the IFPA’s pregnancy counselling service.
-ENDS-
About the IFPA:
The IFPA is Ireland’s leading sexual health charity. Since its foundation in 1969 the IFPA has been to the fore in setting the agenda for sexual and reproductive health and rights both nationally and internationally. Today the IFPA offers a comprehensive range of services which promote sexual health and support reproductive choice on a not-for-profit basis through its medical service, crisis pregnancy counselling, education and training and policy work.
The IFPA provides medical services from its clinics in Dublin city centre and Tallaght as well as crisis pregnancy counselling services at 11 centres nationwide.
IFPA Cathal Brugha Street Clinic Tel: 01 872 7088
IFPA Tallaght Clinic Tel: 01 459 7685
National Pregnancy Helpline: 1850 49 50 51