A sexual health check is a check-up with a health professional that looks at your cervical health (through a cervical screening test), checks for sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), and covers other reproductive health topics.

STIs

STIs are infections passed from one person to another through genital contact or unprotected sex. Getting tested for STIs before the baby bump is important because some infections can affect fertility and pregnancy.  STI screening will also prevent mother-to-baby transmission of the infection once pregnant

An STI check may include blood, urine and swab tests. Many people with STIs don’t have any symptoms, so they may not realise they a have an infection and can unknowingly pass it on.

Left untreated, STIs can lead to long-term health problems.

Getting tested is a simple step that can make a big difference for your health and your chances of having a baby.

Cervical screening

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer. All women aged 25 years and over should have regular cervical screening, even if you have had the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, because the vaccine doesn’t protect you from all HPV types.

Pregnancy can make it harder to interpret test results, so it’s best to have your cervical screening before the baby bump.

Before the baby bump describes the time before you are pregnant, when you might be thinking about having a baby, or starting to try for one. This time is also called preconception.