With record levels of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency, it’s important to take sexual health seriously – and not just for young people. In fact, the number of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among over-65s increased by 20% from 2017 to 2019, according to the Local Government Association. This is why if you are sexually active, regular testing is necessary whatever your age – even if you don’t have any symptoms. “Sexual health check-ups are important because STIs can be silent but can also have significant health implications,” says Dr Priyanka Patel, consultant ambulatory gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. “STIs such as chlamydia can affect female fertility, and STIs such as HIV weaken the immune system.” To mark Sexual Health Week (September 11-17), Dr Patel talks through some key points about STI screening… How often should you have an STI check? “You need to have an STI check whenever you have a new partner, especially if you’re not using condoms, or think you were exposed to an STI,” says Patel. “Everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, every year if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.” Testing is also advised for anyone who develops possible symptoms. These may include unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; blisters, sores, lumps or skin growths on the genitals or anus; itching or a rash. What will you be asked at a check-up? You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS to book an appointment. Many sexual health services now offer free self-sampling kits to order online for people who don’t have any symptoms and want to do a check-up at home. “Men may have to hold their urine before testing, but women do not need to do anything in particular to prepare,” Patel says. “You will be asked about your sexual history, partners, contraceptive use and general health. You will be asked for details about your recent sexual partners and types of sex you have.” These questions may feel personal or intrusive but are important to ensure the correct tests are done. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is about being safe and empowered and healthcare professionals are there to help. What tests are done? “The testing will depend on the answers you give about the types of sex you have,” says Patel. “Vaginal, throat and anal swabs may be done – these will be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.” To do this, the clinician rubs a cotton bud inside the area for a few seconds. A blood sample will be taken to test for syphilis and HIV. Patel continues: “If you have symptoms, then the clinician will usually carry out a speculum examination to look at the health of the vagina and cervix.” How do you get STI test results? The way your results are delivered varies between clinics, and they will advise when you should expect to hear back. “Most will send results via a text message or give you a number to call for results,” says Patel, while some have a ‘no news is good news’ policy, meaning if you don’t hear anything then you’ve got the all-clear. For home testing kits, you’ll get a notification to say your samples were received and results are usually sent via text message. “If you test positive for an STI, they will arrange for treatment and offer support,” Patel explains – which goes for both clinic and self-sampling. She adds: “It’s important to notify partners of any positive results and the sexual health clinic can also assist in anonymous partner notification.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 9 arthritis myths we all need to stop believing Prince Harry spotted at Windsor Castle on anniversary of Queen’s death How the weather can change the way you dream

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It’s that time of year again, when we settle down in front of the telly to watch the glorious pop parade that is the Eurovision Song Contest. Liverpool will be the setting for the grand final on May 13, taking on hosting duties as last year’s winner, Ukraine, isn’t able to. Of course, the music is what matters when it comes to picking a winner, but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love checking out the performers’ weird and wonderful fashion choices? These are just some of the most epic on-stage outfits in Eurovision history… 1. ABBA ABBA was victorious at the 1974 contest with Waterloo, taking to the stage in glitzy satin and suede ensembles. Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus completed their look with knee-high silver platform boots. 2. Co-Co Representing Britain in 1978, six-piece pop group Co-Co chose super shimmery clown-inspired, rainbow coloured costumes. 3. Buck’s Fizz Previously a member of Co-Co, Cheryl Baker returned to Eurovision in 1981 with Buck’s Fizz, taking home the winner’s trophy for Making Your Mind Up. The memorable performance saw singers Bobby G and Mike Nolan whipping off the knee-length skirts of Baker and Jay Aston to reveal mini skirts underneath. 4. Youddiph We’re not sure if she was a bit chilly on stage, but Russian contestant Youddiph pulled her flowing red dress over her head like a shawl while performing in the 1994 final in Dublin. 5. Dana International Opting for the bird of paradise look, 1998’s winner Dana International teamed a plain black gown with a fabulous feathered jacket. 6. Lordi Long-time fans of Eurovision have learned to expect the unexpected. Finnish heavy metal band won in 2006 with Hard Rock Hallelujah, while kitted out in what looked like Halloween monster costumes. 7. Scooch Pop quartet Scooch was ‘Flying The Flag’ for the UK in 2007 with these Britney-esque cabin crew costumes. Sadly, they crash landed at the final in Helsinki, coming joint 22nd out of 24 finalists. 8. Verka Serduchka Also in 2007, Ukrainian drag singer Verka Serduchka fared significantly better than Scooch, coming in second place with a bonkers but brilliant military-themed performance. The singer donned a silver snakeskin trench coat with a matching star-topped hat and glitterball tie. 9. Conchita Wurst Austrian winner Conchita Wurst continued Eurovision’s drag tradition in 2014, accessorising her glittering golden gown with glossy hair and a perfectly groomed beard. 10. Kate Miller-Heidke Australia has, somewhat confusingly been allowed to participate in Eurovision since 2015. The nation may not technically be part of Europe, but it sure knows what’s required of a contestant on the fashion front. In 2019, Kate Miller-Heidke was dolled up in a voluminous fairy princess dress and crown, the singer performing Zero Gravity while being flung from side to side on a long, bendy pole. 11. Sheldon Riley Also representing Australia, Sheldon Riley gave us one of 2022’s most dramatic outfits. Dressed in all white, Riley wore a gown with a long feathered train, paired with a tuxedo-style cropped jacket and a crystal mask covering his face. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox? What is mitochondrial donation treatment and who can get it? Pensioner, 85, shares the simple switch that’s helped him to do 650,000 press-ups

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