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02/10/2024
New Campaign Encourages NI Residents To Prioritise Sexual Health
A new public health campaign, 'Looking after your sexual health', has been launched in community pharmacies across Northern Ireland to raise awareness about the importance of practicing good sexual health.
The Living Well campaign, offered in over 500 pharmacies, provides valuable information and advice on various public health issues. It is a collaborative effort between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).
Dr. Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, emphasised the significance of sexual health and wellbeing. "Looking after your sexual health can positively impact your overall mental and physical health and help you build strong relationships," she stated. "It's essential to have knowledge and awareness throughout different life stages, not just during the reproductive years."
Dr. Coyle highlighted the importance of contraception and emphasised the availability of various methods. "Knowing how and where to access contraception can help prevent pregnancy," she said. "However, it's crucial to remember that condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)."
The campaign key messages include:
• Good sexual health means being able to make informed choices about sex and relationships.
• Condoms help prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
• Not all STIs have symptoms.
• If you think you may be at risk of having an STI, get tested.
• There are lots of different types of contraception and contraception is available for free across Northern Ireland.
Peter McCavert, Community Pharmacist at Chemist Connect, said: "Community pharmacy is the front door to the health service, and this accessibility is key to raising awareness through the Living Well campaign that is encouraging patients to look after their sexual health. Community pharmacy can offer confidential advice to patients from a healthcare professional without the need to make an appointment.
"Throughout this campaign pharmacy teams across Northern Ireland will promote the importance of looking after your sexual health and, where needed, can advise and signpost patients appropriately for further support and guidance."
Good sexual health means being able to make informed choices about sex and relationships. For further information and support visit www.sexualhealthni.info
The Living Well campaign, offered in over 500 pharmacies, provides valuable information and advice on various public health issues. It is a collaborative effort between the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).
Dr. Rachel Coyle, Consultant at the PHA, emphasised the significance of sexual health and wellbeing. "Looking after your sexual health can positively impact your overall mental and physical health and help you build strong relationships," she stated. "It's essential to have knowledge and awareness throughout different life stages, not just during the reproductive years."
Dr. Coyle highlighted the importance of contraception and emphasised the availability of various methods. "Knowing how and where to access contraception can help prevent pregnancy," she said. "However, it's crucial to remember that condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)."
• Good sexual health means being able to make informed choices about sex and relationships.
• Condoms help prevent STIs and unplanned pregnancy.
• Not all STIs have symptoms.
• If you think you may be at risk of having an STI, get tested.
• There are lots of different types of contraception and contraception is available for free across Northern Ireland.
Peter McCavert, Community Pharmacist at Chemist Connect, said: "Community pharmacy is the front door to the health service, and this accessibility is key to raising awareness through the Living Well campaign that is encouraging patients to look after their sexual health. Community pharmacy can offer confidential advice to patients from a healthcare professional without the need to make an appointment.
"Throughout this campaign pharmacy teams across Northern Ireland will promote the importance of looking after your sexual health and, where needed, can advise and signpost patients appropriately for further support and guidance."
Good sexual health means being able to make informed choices about sex and relationships. For further information and support visit www.sexualhealthni.info
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