It’s important not to ignore any symptoms you might have of a sexually-transmitted infection (STI). Testing is fast and effective, allowing you to get the treatment you need as quickly as possible. Safe sex through using a condom is the only effective way to protect yourself against infection.
STIs are infections passed through sexual contact. You can contract an STI or pass one on whether you have sex with a man or woman, through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Most infections can be cleared up with antibiotics and although more serious viruses, such as HIV, cannot be cured, treatments can keep the infection under control.
You will generally not be able to tell if someone you are having sex with has an STI and you may not even be aware that you have an STI. But if you have had unprotected sex at any time, you should get regular check-ups to ensure you remain infection free.
And if you show any symptoms such as pain when peeing and itching, burning or sores around the genitals, you should get a test. Women should look out for an unusual discharge, pain during sex and bleeding after sex, while men who notice a discharge from their penis or irritation when peeing should get tested immediately.
None of these symptoms are a certainty of an STI but they indicate a problem that should be identified and treated.
Testing for STIs can be done at your GP surgery and there are also specialist sexual health clinics or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics where you can be tested. Some pharmacies also carry out tests for chlamydia, which if left untreated in women can cause them fertility problems.
Using a condom or dental dams can protect you and your sexual partner against STIs.
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