Sexual health is about looking after yourself and others. This means enjoying the sexual activity you want, safely, without causing you or anyone else any suffering, either physical or mental. It is not just about using contraception or avoiding infections.

how do i tell if i have a sTI?

Some infections don't have any symptoms, so if you're worried get a check at your local Sexual Health Clinic .
Signs of an infection Get checked out if you notice:

• Discharge from the penis
• pain or burning when you pee
• pain or bleeding during sex
• itches, rashes, sores, lumps or blisters on genitals or near the back passage
• pain in the testicles

Free condoms - Condoms are FREE at all our clinics and also at various locations throughout Ayrshire and Arran through the C Card scheme

testicular self examination

Testicular self examination helps find cancer at an early stage and saves lives. Testicular cancer affects a man's testes or 'balls'. Although testicular cancer is not that common, it is the most common cancer to affect young men and occurs most often between the ages of 19 to 44 years old. Most importantly, detected early enough it is almost always curable.

Self-examination of your testicles is best done after a bath or shower when your scrotum is relaxed. Holding your scrotum in the palms of the hands use your fingers and thumbs to examine the shape, size, consistency, and smoothness of the testes. It's not unusual for one testicle to be larger than the other or for one to hang lower than the other.

Look out for swelling of the testicle or a pea-sized hard lump on the testicle. Sometimes there may be a dull ache or a sharp pain felt around the testicle or in the scrotum. If you notice any of these, or if you're worried and just want some reassurance that everything is OK, then ask your GP to check you. Most swellings are not cancer, but don't ignore any changes or concerns.

For further information on performing testicular self examination visit:: Testicle self-examination video on Dr Chris Steele's www.thefamilygp.com OR http://www.kewego.co.uk/video/iLyROoaftXUO.html

prostate

Prostate problems are very common in older men. The most common symptoms caused by prostate problems are:

• Increased urinary frequency and urgency
• Frequent night-time wakening to empty the bladder
• Hesitancy - with weak flow of urine
• Flow of urine is slow, incomplete, painful or burning
• Straining or dribbling at end of urination
• Blood in the urine

The prostate gland is about the size and shape of a walnut. It is a gland found only in men and is just below the bladder. When you pass urine it flows through a tube (urethra) and out through the penis. The urethra has to pass through the prostate before reaching the penis. This is why some men have problems with urinating when they have an enlarged prostate. Fluid produced by the prostate forms part of semen and may help to nourish sperm.

Prostate cancer affects around one in twelve men, however, the commonest cause of prostate problems is benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, which is non-cancerous.

It's important to note that these symptoms may be an indication of other health problems or diseases that can be easily cured. It is important that if you suffer from any of these symptoms that you consult your GP.
For further information on prostate problems visit: www.prostatescot.co.uk

impotence

Impotence, or erectile dysfunction to give it its proper name, means that your erection does not stay hard enough, for long enough, to allow you to have satisfactory sex. Men of any age may be affected, although it becomes more likely with age. One in ten men in the UK is affected, so although you may feel alone, in reality you're not.

Not smoking, eating a healthy diet, not over-doing it with the booze, taking regular exercise, getting enough sleep and rest, and keeping stress levels to a minimum will help prevent impotence. Talking to your partner and seeking help from the doctor will help you overcome the problem.

If you are having problems with impotence there is a specialist service at Ayr Hospital. Your GP or sexual health clinic can refer you there.