OUR sexual health is something we should get checked as frequently as we would see a dentist, say medics. So why do so many people put off a simple test that could potentially save their life? With HIV awareness hitting headlines in Cumbria, ANNA SMITH takes a look at a Kendal service designed to keep residents - and their sex lives - healthy.

LAST week was National HIV Testing Week and Monday was World AIDS Day and the message from both was clear: why wait to get checked?

Today is the best time to get tested for a whole raft of sexually transmitted infections, not least because the results could save a life, save someone's fertility or simply save somebody from passing on an illness to someone else.

"A lot of people put off sexual health screens because they're worried about being examined or they think it will be embarrassing," explains Fiona Addison, a sexual health nurse at Kendal's Kentwood Clinic.

"But we're very friendly and relaxed and approachable.

"The key thing in a service like this is that we're non-judgmental."

In the past there has certainly been a taboo around anything to do with sexual health, and stories of doctors refusing contraception to unmarried women were once all too familiar.

Back when our parents or grandparents were young, a deathly silence was considered the most acceptable approach to the subject of sexual relationships.

But things have moved on since then - and the staff at the clean, modern Kentwood Clinic want to encourage as many people through their doors as possible, for screenings, contraception or simply a bit of advice.

"We want to be accessible," says Debbie Glover, the clinic's team lead for sexual health in Kendal.

"We want people to know they can come here and we are happy to help them."

She explained the team was based at Westmorland General Hospital until just over a year ago, when it moved into brand new premises on Kendal's Gillinggate, within easy reach of the town centre.

This was to make it easier for potential patients to reach them.

The clinic is now open four days a week, with both drop-in sessions and appointments available.

The team treats all ages, and has seen patients from 14 right through to 70-plus, with a raft of illnesses or issues they need advice on.

This could be anything from STI testing, pregnancy testing, vaccinations, contraception or advice.

In term time a team spends an hour a week at Kendal College and they offer a clinic specifically for under 20s at the Gillinggate centre three days a week.

They also have a website, a Facebook page and even offer appointments in the evening - and results can be sent out by text message, if requested.

If someone requests a specific member of staff - someone they have seen before, for example - this will be accommodated wherever possible.

"It's about making it as easy as possible," adds Debbie.

And, she says, the importance of looking after our sexual health cannot be underestimated.

In South Lakeland in 2013, almost 300 people were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The most common was chlamydia - which accounted for 156 cases - which often has no symptoms but can cause serious long-term health problems such infertility, if left untreated.

Diseases such as gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis and genital warts accounted for the rest of the cases.

And clinic staff say 31 people in South Lakeland are currently accessing treatment for HIV.

But last week, as part of National HIV Testing Week, Cumbria County Council revealed that right across the county people are still waiting too long before seeking help.

Around 62 per cent are diagnosed 'late', compared to just 45 per cent across the UK.

"This area has quite a low infection rate compared to England as a whole," explains the clinic's consultant, Dr Yoong Beh.

"Obviously things such as HIV, when we do get people with it, it needs to be dealt with. Yet we see it very late.

"People don't come in until it's progressed, but if we detect it early it can be treated and life expectancy can be normal."

A late diagnosis means the immune system may already be significantly compromised and someone who is diagnosed late is ten times more likely to die within a year.

But for people without any symptoms, who simply want peace of mind, getting tested has never been easier.

A full sexual health MOT can be carried out with no more than blood and urine samples from men and a blood sample and a 'self-taken' swab for women.

"This is a full sexual health check," says Fiona. "It really is as simple as that."

For more information from the Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust, which runs the clinic, visit www.cumbriapartnership.nhs.uk/sexual-health-services

Alternatively the Gillinggate clinic can be contacted directly on 01539-716 706