Editorial

Efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health in the United Kingdom continues unabated because the statistics for sexual ill-health are appalling. National review of Genito-urinary Medicine departments in the country and roll out national chlamydia screening will hopefully stem the tide of " the rise and rise" of sexually transmitted infections in the UK. Similarly there must be sustained efforts to decrease the rate of teenage pregnancy in the UK. Health-seeking behaviour is to be encouraged. Most people like to look good and to feel good. Hence they spend time, money and energy about their body image. As discussed by Kiberu in her paper, body image goes beyond physical appearance. On the other hand, Bamiwuye et al stressed the role of poverty in the families of married women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria who engage in extra-marital sexual activities. There can be no doubt that polygamous relationships encourage the spread of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. The prevalence of HIV is high in sub-Saharan Africa and the report by Opaneye et al showed the prevalence among a sample of men in Sagamu, southwest Africa. Chandy in his update explained the varieties of hormonal contraceptives available in the new millennium. Proper counselling is essential whether a woman is choosing her hormonal contraceptives or, as advised by Imoh-Ita et al, she is having sub-total hysterectomy.

As always, searchlight has cast its rays of light far and wide to illuminate various topics of interest. Enjoy your reading.

Abayomi Opaneye
Editor-in-Chief

©2005 Sexual Health Matters. Published Quarterly by Express Print Works, Middlesbrough, UK
ISSN 1469-7556
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