HEALTH workers will explore the link between alcohol and sexually transmitted infections during an awareness campaign.

Sexual Health Week began yesterday and this year it will follow the theme One Too Many.

Health practitioners in Wiltshire will examine the relationship between alcohol and sexual behaviour throughout the length of the campaign.

Tracy Daszkiewicz, the public health manager at NHS Wiltshire, said: “We want people to enjoy sex responsibly.

“Sexually transmitted infections can lead to long term and even life-long conditions, but the majority of infections are easily diagnosed and simple to cure.

“In Wiltshire we’ve made sure young people can screen for Chlamydia free of charge without seeing a medical professional, and the morning after pill is available through pharmacies free of charge to people under the age of 19.”

Ms Daszkiewicz said free and confidential testing for all sexually transmitted infections at local Contraception and Sexual Health and Genito-Urinary Medicine clinics.

“We know that there’s a real shift in attitudes to contraception, which is excellent,” she said.

“But we also need people to make sure they take precautions to avoid sexually transmitted infections as well.

“Using barrier contraception, such as condoms, is extremely important – judgment is impaired when we drink alcohol, so our inhibitions are reduced and we take more risks.

“Sex may have been a good idea at the time, but often results in regret the morning after.”

For more information on Sexual Health Week and links to online information on personal safety and alcohol go to www.fpa.org.uk For more information on Chlamydia and other STIs go to www.ruthinking.co.uk.