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.
Please note:
The symptoms listed below are given as a general guide; some people have different symptoms to the ones listed below. See detailed information in the leaflets provided, or if you have questions, please visit our service and speak to a clinician.
Chlamydia
Symptoms: No symptoms, discharge, pain when weeing, bleeding between periods or after sex.
Test: A urine sample or swab.
Treatment: Treated with antibiotic tablets.
Gonorrhoea
Symptoms: No symptoms, discharge, bleeding between periods.
Test: A urine sample or swab.
Treatment: Treated with an injection.
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.
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 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 for the warts, like using a cream or freezing treatment.
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.
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 (BV) 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.
Read further information on other infections below:
Bacterial Vaginosis (leaflet produced by BASHH)
Non-gonococal Urethritis (leaflet produced by BASHH)
Pubic Lice (link to nhs.uk website)
Scabies (leaflet produced by British Association of Dermatologists)
Trichomonas Vaginalis (leaflet produced by BASHH)
More Information
Read more about STIs and sexual health on the websites below:
‘Your Guide to STIs’ for Black, Asian and Minoritized Communities
BHA for Equality has produced Your Guide to STIs for Black, Asian and Minoritized Communities, who are disproportionately affected by STIs. The guide is available in English, Urdu, Portuguese, and Farsi.