A shocking article in the Daily Mail (dated 5th December 2009) reports of a number of Durex condoms provided by Cambridge University Student Union found to have been pin-pricked, rendering them useless. Hearsay around this incident has pointed the finger towards anti abortionist, Pro life groups, and, according to Andrew Levy, reporter for the Daily Mail, Durex emphasised their rigorous quality control standards, “and are confident that these condoms will have left the factory in perfect condition”. However, this worrying incidence does remind us of the potential risks of ‘a bit of fun’.

Whether you are in a relationship, or enjoying the perks of single life, sexual health is a very real issue which should not be side lined; nor does it need to be. Our television screens, radio broadcasts and magazine articles are bursting with quips and quotes; warning us of precautions we should take, and tests available, but to what extent do we actually respond to them? According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA),

“Young people (aged 16-24 years old) are the age group most at risk of being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, accounting for 65% of all chlamydia, 50% of genital warts and 50% of gonorrhoea infections… across the UK in 2007” (Last revised 2009).

These ought to be adequately scary figures for all of us to want to know what’s going on with our bodies. But do we? How often do you go to the clinic for a check up? The HPA recommend getting checked for ‘the clap’ and general sexual health at least once every year, or every time you are with a different sexual partner. So, an appropriate round of applause for those who do! But seriously, as Canterbury students, what does the city provide for us in regards to sexual health?

Canterbury Health Centre will give you guidance about contraception and family planning. This establishment is able to test for chlamydia but cannot provide a full comprehensive sexual health screening.
Tel: 01227 597033.

Choices Young Person:
Mon 16:30 – 19:00
Wed 15:30 – 18:00

Family Planning Clinic:
Tues 09:30 – 12:00/17:00 – 19:30
Thurs 09:30 – 12:00

The Gate Clinic at Canterbury Hospital offers a GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic, which, as the central hub of sexual health, provides level 3 services, i.e. up to and including HIV management, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C, as well as a ‘Chronic Clinic’ for chronic skin problems associated with genitalia. Being tested means being treated by a supportive and confidential network, and, being covered by the Venereal Disease Act of Parliament for Confidentiality, unless your information is required in a court room, it will remain entirely classified. This clinic can invariably diagnose a condition on site, although there is usually a week long wait for the results to be officially confirmed. For more specific cases, the wait may be longer. The nurses operate on a “no news is good news” basis, unless you specifically request some form of contact. A sexual health helpline is available on a Wednesday evening from 5 – 7pm which you can call to check your results, or with any other queries you might have. Tel: 01227 783120.

Gate Clinic Walk-in Service: Mon to Fri 09:30 – 12:30/13:30 – 16:00. (NB: Take car park change if you’re driving!).

Christ Church also provides free condoms for students. Just pop in to the SU Welfare office on the main campus or the Students’ Union office at Augustine House.

Sexual Health And Guidance (SHAG) Week will take place during March at the Students Union (Date to be announced in next issue of Unified), where screening and chlamydia tests will be available, as will confidential and friendly advice about any sex questions you’d like to raise. Canterbury Christ Church University recognises the importance of sexual awareness and aims to provide reliable support and guidance should you need it.

Remember, in maintaining your sexual health, not only are you protecting yourself, but you’re also respecting yourself, and, subsequently those you are sexually involved with.

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