Sexually transmitted infections

Taking responsibility for your sexual health includes getting tested for infections regularly or when you change partner. Even if you have no signs or symptoms you should get checked as many are symptomless, like chlamydia, so you might not know you have it. We carry out simple, quick and confidential tests to check if you have sexually transmitted infections (STIs), giving you peace of mind for a more enjoyable sex life.

STIs are passed on through intimate sexual contact and include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes and genital warts. They can be passed on during vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse, as well as through genital contact with an infected partner.
 
In the UK, STIs have been rising continually since the 1990s, so it’s important to get tested.
 
STIs can be diagnosed either by a urine test, a swab taken from either the tip of the penis or the cervix or a blood test. Most can be treated easily with antibiotics. If you do have a sexually transmitted infection, you will be encouraged to inform your current and recent partners so that they can be treated as well. The clinic will be able to help you with this.
 
There’s also a couple of conditions that can be passed on through sexual intercourse but aren’t STIs, as you can get them even before you’re sexually active. These include thrush and pubic lice.
 
Sexual health services are free and completely confidential.

Gonorrhoea is an infection that is found in both sexes and can affect the genitals, anus, rectum and throat. About half of all women infected with gonorrhoea and over 90% of men experience symptoms, including a thin, watery discharge from the vagina or tip of the penis that can appear yellow or green, and pain when urinating. Gonorrhea can be detected using a simple urine test or swab. Early treatment for gonorrhoea involves a single dose of antibiotics. If complications occur further treatment will be needed.

Many people who get the virus that leads to genital warts do not show any recognisable symptoms and this is why the infection can go undiagnosed for a long time. However, if symptoms are present, they might include small white spots or lumps that are hidden inside the vagina or anus. Genital warts are easily treated by either painting them with a liquid or freezing them with a spray. However, some people need a number of treatments and if the warts return, further treatment will be required.

Like genital warts, genital herpes is a condition that often presents no symptoms and can remain undiagnosed for long periods of time. Symptoms may show in the form of flu-like symptoms, as well as the following:

• Itchiness
• Burning or tingling around the genitals
• Small, fluid-filled blisters that burst to leave sores
• Pain when passing urine

The virus for genital herpes remains in the body as there is no treatment that gets rid of it completely. Antiviral drugs may be used to relieve the symptoms.  Self-help measures can reduce symptoms or prevent outbreaks. For example, avoiding stress, resting, stopping smoking, cutting down on drinking and avoiding direct sunlight.

The symptoms of syphilis usually begin with a small sore on the penis or vagina. Up to six months after the initial symptoms occur, you may experience flu-like symptoms, such as aching and shivering. If it is not treated, the infection can eventually spread to major organs in the body and can lead to heart problems and dementia. Syphilis is detected using a blood test. It can be easily treated during the early stages using a course of antibiotics for two weeks. It can also be treated during later stages of infection but any damage to the heart or nervous system might be irreversible.

Many people do not develop any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV. Some people, however, get a flu-like illness within three to six weeks after exposure to the virus. The only way to know if you are HIV-positive is to have a test. In most cases this is a blood test but there is also rapid testing available where a swab is taken from inside the mouth and results can be obtained the same day. Over time, infection with HIV weakens the immune system leading to difficulty fighting off certain infections and at this stage a person is said to have AIDS. While there is no cure for AIDS, drugs can be used to suppress the HIV virus and preserve the immune system for as long as possible. AIDS-related illnesses that arise can also be treated, and advice from specialists such as dieticians, physiotherapists, counsellors and support groups is available.

Non-specific urethritis is an STI that affects men. It causes discomfort of the urethra (the tube that leads from the bladder to the tip of the penis, along which urine is passed), and a urethral discharge is also common. Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is easily treated with antibiotics, although damage to the urethra can take time to heal.

Trichomoniasis is an infection of the genitals that is caused by the bacterium trichomonas vaginalis (TV). The condition often has no symptoms, but symptoms might include a yellow or green discharge from the vagina with soreness. Men usually act as carriers and do not show symptoms. Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is easily treated with a course of antibiotic tablets.

Symptoms of pubic lice include itchy skin. You may also notice black powder (lice droppings) and white eggs in your underwear. Pubic lice are easily treated. Special shampoos, creams or lotions are used to kill the lice and their eggs.

Thrush is caused by a yeast infection and is not usually sexually transmitted. Symptoms of thrush include:

• Intense itching around the penis or vagina
• A thick, white discharge
• The appearance of tiny white spots around the genitals
• Thrush is easily treated using pessaries (tablets that are inserted into the vagina), cream or tablets. Creams are usually used to treat men who have thrush

NHS Choices: Chlamydia Information
NHS Choices: Sex and Young People
NHS Choices: STI Information