Sexual health
In the borough of Rochdale, the Chlamydia detection rate per 100,000 people aged 15–24 in 2021 was 1,285 which is below the England rate of 1,334 (Office for Health Improvement & Disparities 2021).
What does good sexual health look like?
Good sexual health is an important and integral part of our overall health and wellbeing. Achieving good sexual health means that we avoid infections, illnesses and take responsibility to ensure that we protect ourselves and others, emotionally and physically.
People who are sexually healthy make the best decisions for themselves with regard to their sexual partners and sexual practice. For people who choose to be sexually active, sex can be enjoyable, safe and should be based on mutual respect and agreement.
Common sexual health issues in young people
Sexual health is important especially in younger people who may have more sexual partners. Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection in England, with rates substantially higher in young adults than any other age group. It often goes undiagnosed and causes avoidable sexual and reproductive ill-health.
An increased detection rate is indicative of increased infection control activity. Chlamydia is treatable and the cure rate is high, so finding and treating Chlamydia is the aim.
Statistics on sexual health
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Sexual and reproductive health profile - the Sexual and Reproductive Health Profiles have been developed by OHID to support local authorities, public health leads and other interested parties to monitor the sexual and reproductive health of their population and the contribution of local public health-related systems.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Sexual and reproductive health in England: local and national data - this resource aims to help health professionals understand the sexual health data available across England and how to access it.
Guidance and information on sexual health
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Commissioning sexual health, reproductive health and HIV services - this guide is for commissioners of sexual health, reproductive health and HIV services in local government, Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and NHS England. It has been developed to ensure the delivery of high-quality sexual health, reproductive health and HIV services.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance - Reducing sexually transmitted infections - this guideline covers one to one interventions to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and under-18 conceptions. The aim is to reduce the transmission of chlamydia and other STIs, including HIV, and reduce the rate of pregnancies among teenagers aged under 18.