Better to be safe than sorry · Issue 837

As more and more stories apper in the media concerning women’s sexual health, Health editor Liz Stauber look at the three main issues causing controversy.

1. HIV

The BBC recently reported that, according to a new survey, seven out of 10 young women do not believe that they are at any risk of being infected with HIV.

The poll, which was carried out by The Body Shop and MTV, also found 92% of women do not carry condoms when on a night out.

Two-thirds of the 1,064 women aged 16 to 30 surveyed thought it would spoil their chances of having sex.

Figures also revealed that more than half of the 4.3 million patients who were diagnosed with the disease in 2006 were under the age of 24.

According to the BBC, the survey also found that more than one in 10 (14%) said it was a man’s responsibility to carry the condom. One in 10 said they thought a womanwho carries a condom is “easy” and sleeps around

Nearly half (47%) said they ignored the subject of condoms when talking to their friends about their sex life and just 32% make it a priority to ask new partners about their sexual history

Seven out of 10 said they would feel embarrassed if a condom fell out of their handbag in the ladies’ toilet

Chris Davis, global campaigns manager for The Body Shop, was quoted as saying: “It’s worrying that so many young women don’t think they are at risk from HIV and think it is somebody else’s problem – such as those in developing countries, homosexuals or drug users. In fact, figures show that HIV infections are spreading fast among girls and women.”

Lisa Power, of the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has warned young people of the dangers that can be associated with apathy.

She said: “If young women – and men – continue to be complacent about their sexual health we are going to see a far greater epidemic in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the UK.

“It is vital that sexually active women carry condoms and take responsibility for protecting themselves, especially as they are at a greater risk of getting HIV than men through heterosexual sex.”

2. Alcohol

Drink spiking occurs when somebody adds alcohol or drugs to another person’s drink without them knowing.

It can happen anywhere, in a bar, in a club, or even at a private party. Victims are left vulnerable and at risk of sex attacks. Spiking somebody’s drink is a serious offence and carries a custodial sentence of 25 years. The most common drugs used to put in somebody’s drink are Rohypnol, GHB (liquid ecstasy) and ketamine.

The symptoms a victim may suffer include: vomiting, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, poor balance, muscle spasms and breathing difficulties. Behaviour can also be affected. Inhibitions can become lowered, and the person may lose control and act more sexually and flirtatiously.

According to statistics, women aged 15 to 30 are the most likely to be targeted. The best advice to follow is to never leave your drink unattended. If you have to go somewhere without it, you should leave it with someone you trust. Do not let a stranger buy you a drink and always watch the bar staff when they are pouring it. If you are dancing, bottles are easier to keep safe, as you can simply put your thumb over the top.

If you think your drink has been spiked, alert a friend, bar staff or the police as soon as possible, especially if you want to prosecute the attacker, as the drugs do not stay in your system for a long period of time

3. Smear tests

A recent article revealed that younger women are failing to turn up for a regular smear test, even though they are part of the age group which is at most risk.

Experts are concerned that if women continue to miss smear tests, they risk warning signs of cancer being missed. The test is not designed to detect cancer cells, but to look for abnormalities which, if left untreated, could lead to cancer in the cervix. The death rate surrounding cervical cancer has dropped, but the disease still claims the lives of around 1,000 women each year in the UK. Professor Alison Fiander, a gynaecological oncologist at the University of Wales College of Medicine, said in an interview with the BBC: “It is worrying that the very women most at risk of precancerous cervical disease – younger women – are those that are choosing to stay away from screening in increasing numbers.”

A smear test is where a doctor or nurse takes a sample of cells from your cervix (the entrance to the womb, at the top of the vagina) to check for cervical cancer. However, a smear can also be used to check for infections. It is advised that women should attend tests every three to five years while they are aged between 20 and 64. The schedule is monitored by an automatic system, overseen by a local Health Authority, so women should receive a letter from either them or their GP, inviting them to make an appointment. It is also recommended that if a young woman is under 20 and having sex, she should also be tested.

The test is carried out by a doctor or specially trained nurse. The patient will be asked to lie on her back on the examining table with their knees drawn up and apart. If this is difficult it is possible to lie on the side with the knees up instead. The important thing is to be comfortable. Nerves play a big part in this, especially on a woman’s first appointment. The doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This is to hold the walls of the vagina apart so that they can see your cervix and take the sample. They will then scrape some cells from the cervix using a thin wooden spatula or soft brush.

Some people might find the procedure a bit uncomfortable but it shouldn’t hurt. If it is very uncomfortable it is probably because they are too tense, so taking some deep breaths may relax the muscles. If it does hurt or they are really unhappy, it is vital to tell the doctor or nurse who is doing the test.

The cells are sent to a lab to be analysed and the results will be sent back to the clinic where the test was carried out. If the results are deemed normal, then the clinic rarely contacts the patient to inform them. However, if reassurance is needed, then she is welcome to contact the surgery to enquire if anything was discovered. If the results are abnormal the clinic will contact the patient confidentially to explain any problems. An abnormal result doesn’t necessarily mean anything to worry about. First-time patients are often advised that they may be recalled, especially if they are young, as sometimes not enough cells are present on the slide. Others may be recalled as an infection has been noticed, but antibiotics or other medication can be prescribed. Some people have a common condition called ‘cervical erosion’, which is nothing to worry about and will usually go away without any treatment.