Sexual Health Screening is available twice a month in ‘Wet Wet Wet Sauna' (see calendar for dates).

Our aim is to increase the uptake of testing of all Sexually Transmitted Infections. Undiagnosed H.I.V is still a major problem and can be life threatening in late stage.

Testing couldn't be simpler We use ‘Orasure' HIV test, a mouth swab, taking just 20 minutes for the result, blood test for syphilis & Hepatitis B including vaccinations where appropriate. We can also check for other STI's including Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, warts and herpes.

Two experienced sexual health nurses will be available to answer any questions you might have relating to your sexual health & the tests being offered. Fast track appointments can be made to our clinic on Whitegate Drive if necessary.

This is a confidential service; we do not contact your GP.

You will be allocated a GUM number which will be your identifier after completing the registration form. Any contact we may need to make will be very discreet.

Outstanding test results will be available after 2 weeks, phone 01253-657171 between 2-4pm Monday to Friday and ask to speak with one our Sauna Project Nurses.

If you have not been contacted after this time this indicates ‘no news is good news'.

Facts about HIV, Hepatitis B, Syphilis

HIV is transmitted through unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or occasionally oral) with same or opposite sex partners, blood, or mother to baby. There is no cure, however advances in medication has dramatically improved the future of those whose HIV status is known. Individuals that remain ‘untested' still risk serious infection which could be life threatening.

Hepatitis B is 100 times more infectious than HIV, there is a vaccination available to prevent infection, this is given as a course of three vaccine. Hepatitis B is spread though sexual contact or though blood. We will give you all three appointments on the day if you are not able to return to the sauna for the reminder we can make alternative arrangements at our Sexual Health Services Clinic. The vaccinations are safe & effective, it is important to complete the course.

If you are having Hepatitis vaccinations it is important to tell the nurse if you have suffered any adverse reaction to any medication or vaccines in the past. If you have a temperature or feel unwell it is better to delay the vaccination.

You will be asked to remain in the vicinity of the nursing staff area for ten minutes after vaccination to ensure you do not feel unwell, bottled drinks will be available.

Syphilis is a sexual transmitted infection caused by a bacterium. People who are the most at risk include those who have unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex especially if you have more than one partner, or change partners regularly.

The numbers of people infected with Syphilis in Blackpool are similar to a general increase throughout the Northwest.

When first infected you may notice a small sore or ulcerated area around the genitals or anal area. Sores can also appear in the mouth, they are usually painless and go within a few days, this is 1st stage or ‘primary' Syphilis it can occur any time up to 12 weeks after contact.

Secondary Syphilis occurs sometime between six weeks after the infection to two years later.

You may suffer from a rash which can appear all over your body including palms of hands, soles of feet; this can last for a few weeks to months.

You could have patchy hair loss and generally feel unwell. During these times you are infectious to any sexual partners. Syphilis can be successfully treated at all stages, Left it can cause serious damage to major organs and can cause insanity and paralysis.