STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are spread by sex (anal, oral and vaginal), and in some cases, by non-penetrative sexual contact (such as sharing sex toys, sexual touching, close skin-to-skin contact).

Anyone can get an STI, but don’t panic, most infections are easily treated, and getting tested is free and confidential

Using condoms and dental dams can help to protect you against STIs.

STI facts:

• The majority of STIs can be treated with medication.
• STIs that cannot be cured can be managed.
• The sooner STIs are treated, the better it is for your long term health.
• It’s possible to have more than one type of STI at once.
• Not all STIs have symptoms – if you’ve had unprotected sex then you’re potentially  at risk.
• You can get STIs from all types of sexual act (including oral and using toys).

If you’re worried because you think you’ve got an STI, go for a check-up at your nearest clinic, or order a testing kit online. If you have no symptoms, we would advise waiting at least 2 weeks after you have had unprotected sex to test for STIs. This is because most STIs don’t show in a test straight away. However, if you have any symptoms of concern please contact your nearest clinic.

Read a quick summary of different STIs below:

CHLAMYDIA

Symptoms: No symptoms, discharge, pain when weeing, bleeding between periods or after sex
Test: A urine sample or swab
Treatment: Easily treated with antibiotic tablets

Read more: Chlamydia Information Leaflet (PDF, produced by FPA).

GONORRHOEA

Symptoms: No symptoms, discharge, bleeding between periods
Test: A urine sample or swab
Treatment: Easily treated with an injection

Read more: Gonorrhoea Information Leaflet (PDF, produced by FPA).

SYPHILIS

Symptoms: No symptoms, sore on genitals, rash on palms of hands and soles of feet
Test: A blood sample
Treatment: Treated with antibiotics – this may be a single injection, a course of injections or tablets.

Read more: Syphilis Information Leaflet (PDF, produced by FPA).

HIV

Symptoms: Often no symptoms, possible to have a flu-like illness a few weeks after infection
Test: A fingerprick test or a blood sample, depending where you go for the test
Treatment: There is no cure but HIV can be treated and controlled with antiretroviral drugs.

Read more: HIV Information Leaflet (PDF, produced by FPA).

Read more about how to prevent HIV (including PrEP and PEP) on tht.org.uk

GENITAL WARTS

Symptoms: Lumps, bumps or growths around genital/anal area
Test: Doctor/nurse will look at affected area
Treatment: Treatment is available warts, like using a cream or freezing treatment

Read more: Genital Warts Information Leaflet (PDF, produced by FPA).

GENITAL HERPES

Symptoms: Blisters, sores around the genital/anal area
Test: Doctor/nurse will look at affected area and run a swab over any sores
Treatment: There is no cure but you can ease symptoms and stop the virus from multiplying with anti-viral tablets.

Read more: Genital Herpes Information Leaflet (PDF, produced by FPA).

HEPATITIS C

Symptoms: No symptoms, high temperature, tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal pains, feeling or being sick
Test: Blood sample
Treatment: Treated with antiviral medicine for several weeks

OTHER INFECTIONS

Some other infections and conditions can cause similar symptoms to STIs. These can include thrush, bacterial vaginosis and genital dermatology conditions (things like dry skin or rashes around your genitals). If you think your infection is not sexually transmitted (e.g. you’re not sexually active), we recommend visiting a pharmacy or your GP in the first instance as we may not be able to treat you.