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Sexual Health

For some, relaxing and having fun on holiday involves casual sexual encounters.

Surveys show that many people have sex with previously unknown foreign partners while abroad resulting in sexually transmitted disease on return home. 80% of AIDS cases reported in the UK in 1993 were contracted while abroad.

The only sexually transmitted disease that is preventable by vaccination is Hepatitis B - see your Doctor or Nurse 3-6 months before you intend to travel for advice.

Abstinence or sex with a trustworthy, lifelong partner is a highly effective way of preventing sexually transmitted disease.

Extra strong condoms should always be used when having casual sex, they should be bought at home, before travelling, as in many countries local condoms can be destroyed by heat and are often of a poorer quality.

Couples who do not have any sexually transmitted diseases and no other sexual partners can not contract sexually transmitted diseases while on holiday.

If you have any unusual rash, discharge or soreness on return from your time abroad you should stop having sex and see your Doctor or local Genital Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic Nurse immediately.