Sexual Health
The Upper Hutt Health Centre Doctors provide confidential and non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health care.
Our clinical services include contraception, STI testing and treatment, cervical screening, pregnancy testing, abortion referrals, PMS and menopause advice, HPV vaccinations, and advice and support for other sexual and reproductive health issues.
We work with people of any gender, age, nationality or sexual orientation.
The Upper Hutt Health Centre promotes and supports safe sex. Safe sex is all about protecting yourself and your partners from sexually transmitted infections.
What is an STI?
Sexually transmissible infections are commonly called STIs for short. STIs are infections you can get if you have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or skin on skin contact with someone. STIs can be serious and may not go away by themselves. It is important to be tested and, if necessary, treated.
The most common STIs in New Zealand are:
- chlamydia
- genital warts
- genital herpes
- Gonorrhoea.
How to protect against STIs
- Use latex condoms every time you have sex. If you use a lubricant, make sure it’s water-based. Use condoms for the entire sex act. Condoms are not 100% effective at preventing disease or pregnancy. However, they are extremely effective if used properly.
- Avoid sharing towels or underclothing.
- Wash before and after intercourse.
- Get a vaccination for hepatitis B.
- Get tested for HIV.
- If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, get help. People who are drunk or on drugs often fail to have safe sex.
- Consider that not having sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs.
More Information
Visit Family Planning here.