The organisation responsible for health in the borough is urging residents to use condoms to avoid sexually-transmitted infections as Sexual Health Week draws to a close.
The seven day awareness campaign, run by the Family Planning Association, ends on Sunday, August 12, and Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust (PCT) is reminding residents that condoms are the only type of contraception that can prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections. The PCT has spoken out in the wake of statistics that show sexually- transmitted infections are on the rise.
In the last 10 years in south-west London the number of Chlamydia infections has risen four fold and the number of new diagnoses of HIV has more than doubled.
A spokesman for the PCT said many people felt uncomfortable talking about condoms with new partners or worry that it will ruin the moment, but it is important people learn to overcome any awkwardness.
Richmond and Twickenham PCT run sexual health and family planning clinics across the borough.
Some of these deal specifically with young people and will offer advice on contraception and sexually-transmitted infections.
The clinics can also provide condoms for free.
For an information leaflet contact the PCT on 020 8973 3153.
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