To tell you the truth, sexually transmitted infections are more than just inconvenient or embarrassing. Some of them have long-term effects on reproductive health, or are even life-threatening. If you're the parent of a potentially sexually active teen, or have yourself had more than one sexual partner since your last sexual health check-up, here are some resources and reminders for you.
Clinics that deal specifically with sexual health are becoming more common, and you can check out
NHS Choices which has information about how to find a sexual health clinic near you. If you've never had an STI check before, don't be embarrassed. Having an STI doesn't make you promiscuous or "of dubious character" - you only need to be exposed once to get one, and sometimes stuff happens. Staff at a sexual health clinic - and your GP, if you see them instead - are trained medical professionals, and won't judge you. It's all in a day's work for them.
NHS Choices also which has an amazing database of advice and infortmation about sexual and reproductive health.
The scary thing is, however, that many STIs can actually be symptomless. It's important to have regular sexual health check-ups and tests (especially for chlamydia, HPV, and HIV/Aids). Some of these can be done anonymously - and it's worth it just to put your mind at ease. A body's a temple, and "down there" is just another body part.