***STI Of The Week (or should that be month..) - SYPHILIS!***

My STI of the week blog seems to be turning into STI of the month, at best - apologies for that, there seems to always be lots to do and my blog falls by the wayside... So, this will be my last blog of 2011 - how the time has flown this year - and my carefully chosen STI of the *week* is....

SYPHILIS!

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually passed on through having sex with someone who is infected. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child and, in rare cases, can be caught through injecting drugs.

There are three stages to the disease;
Stage 1 is known as 'Primary Syphilis' and is when symptoms appear as a painless but highly infectious sore on the genitals or around the mouth. The sore usually lasts between two and six weeks before disappearing.
Stage 2 is known as 'Secondary Syphilis' and is when a skin rash and sore throat may develop. These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks, after which you can experience a phase with no symptoms which can last for years.
Stage 3 is know as 'Tertiary Syphilis' and is the most dangerous stage as it can cause serious damage to the body. During this stage usually the infection has been in your body over 2 years, after which you are no longer infectious to other people. Although you are no longer infectious, you may still experience symptoms.

Luckily, Syphilis is one of the less common STI's although there was a peak between 2001 & 2004 in the UK. The disease usually spreads between men who have sex with men, however it is known that people with Syphilis are 3-5 times before likely to contract HIV.

If Syphilis is detected during its early stages then it can be treated with anitbiotics injections, however if it is not treated syphilis can progress to a dangerous form of the disease which can cause stroke, paralysis, blindness or even death.

Whilst wearing condoms can help reduce the risk of catching Syphilis, it can't prevent it totally as the infection can be caught if the mouth comes into contact with an infected sore, using a dental dam during oral sex may reduce the risk of this occuring. Regular checks at the GUM clinic for you and your partner will give you peace of mind that you are clear.

Remember, if you live in Suffolk you can register for the C-Card scheme which gives you access to **FREE** condoms and chlamydia testing, together with advice on STI's and self examination and MUCH more! To find out where you can register visit the C-Card page of the No Risks website.

For more information on Syphilis, or any other STI's please visit the No Risks website.

That's all for now folks.. Have a very Happy New Year and remember to STAY SAFE!!

No Risks x

**Christmas & Condoms**

The festive season is nearly upon us, and whilst I would like to remain in denial about the gifts I still need to wrap and work I need to do before we break for Christmas, I can't ignore the fact any longer.. it is pretty much here.

So what if you need condoms over Christmas? Or you think you may have an STI and want someone to talk to?

Well here in Ipswich you can still access 4YP - their opening hours for the festive period are as follows:

Whilst lots of places will be shut over the Christmas period, our Call Centre will be open from 8am until 8pm every day, including Christmas Day & Boxing Day, and will be able to book appointments for clinics once they reopen.

For any emergency contraception requests please call your local Out Of Hours GP service.

Take Care everyone and remember to stay safe this Christmas!

No Risks x

A Day at Hollesley Bay..



Hollesley Bay Open Prison

So yesterday was a day of completely unexpected events, and to be honest, I learnt a MASSIVE lesson.

First off, some background on the prison itself; Hollesley Bay is an open complex for Catagory D prisoners, they are young offenders, or guys who are nearing the end of their life sentences. The prisoners are given the opportunity to go 'off site' to work and are also allowed the occasional weekend home.

Right, the day itself.. I'll be honest, I was dreading the outreach event we had planned, I wasn't sure what to expect at all, and was filled with lots of misconceptions. After all, prisoners are prisoners aren't they? And they're all locked away for doing something awful aren't they?

Well, of course, they are prisoners, and they have done something wrong - in most cases - however, they are humans too, and they have as much right to be treated as humans as you and I do.. I spent the day talking to some of the most respectful and polite guys that I have ever come across. Many asked some really important and interesting questions and I left feeling like I had truely helped to educate some people on the importance of wearing condoms and preventing STI's, together with the techniques that they should be using for self examination. The day went FAR too quickly, and before I knew it we were packing up to come away. It was a strange feeling, not only to come away with the sense of having educated people, but also in a way to have people's stories lingering in mind, not necessarily their past, but those who are about to  move on and have a future, and I have to admit, they played on my mind all evening. I only hope that once back out in the 'world' they remember the advice given to them by the 'No Risks' team.

So, my lesson was well and truly learnt, and next time perhaps I'll remember not to be so judgemental and to wait and see what events have in store before I decide I'm going to hate it!

Take Care,

No Risks x