Romance and sex are often intertwined but it is important to remember that if you are sexually active you could be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), including HIV.

There is a real need for more people to come forward for testing to help combat and stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The Sexual Health Centre at Milton Keynes Hospital offers specialist advice and services to patients requiring tests and treatment, and is increasingly flexible to meet the needs of users.

The number of new STIs diagnosed in the UK rose by 2% in 2006. Whilst Milton Keynes has seen decreases in chlamydia, genital warts and gonorrhoea from 2001-2006, there have been marked increases in syphilis and genital herpes. Since 2001 there has been a year on year increase in the number of people with HIV in Milton Keyes, reflecting the national trend.  Staff at the Sexual Health Centre are currently treating 260 people with HIV/ AIDS, and are seeing an average of 5-7 new cases a month in Milton Keynes.

People often assume no symptoms means no problem but this is not the case with STIs. Many people who have contracted an STI have no symptoms and can unknowingly pass it on. Over 75% of women and 50% of men who have Chlamydia will not have any symptoms.

Dr Patricia Williams, Sexual Health Consultant at Milton Keynes Hospital, said: “Chlamydia is a very common, highly contagious, sexually transmitted infection; a bacteria that is passed on through unprotected sex. It can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and ectopic pregnancy in women and testicular pain and arthritis in men if undetected and untreated.

"It's detected by a simple urine test in men and women can take their own swab if they are not keen to be examined by the nurse or doctor. It is easily treated with a one-off course of antibiotics.”

This Valentine’s Day, protect yourself and your sexual partner by:

• Knowing your partner’s sexual history
• Using a condom
• Getting tested and treated

Dr Williams continued: “We are working hard to improve the health of the local population. But more people need to step forward for sexual health screening to help reduce the number of undiagnosed people in the community.”

Clients can telephone or come into the Centre to make an appointment. The Centre has a dedicated team of Sexual Health Advisers, HIV and GUM Specialist Nurses, Consultants and Doctors who effectively offer appointments within 48 hours of a request being made. The clinic promotes safer sex and clients are offered free condoms and sexual health checks.

Sexual Health Clinic, Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
To book an appointment call: 01908 243860

For walk-in sessions see below.

Health advisor direct line: 01908 690500

Opening hours

Mondays & Wednesdays
9.00am-5.00pm appointments
1.30pm-3.30pm walk-in clinic

Tuesdays
9.00am- 5.00pm appointments
1.30pm-4.30pm walk-in clinic

Thursdays
9.00am-6.00pm including
3.00pm-6.30pm walk-in clinic

Fridays
9.00am-4.00pm appointments

A GP referral is not needed.