You can read an overview about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other sexual health topics, such as clinic visits, consent, and contraception below.
How are STIs spread?
STIs can be passed from one person to another during unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex or skin-to-skin contact, especially if you don’t use a condom.
How do I stop myself getting an STI?
You can reduce the chance of getting an STI by:
- Using condoms for anal, oral or vaginal sex
- Limiting the number of people you have sex with
- Both you and your partner(s) getting tested before you have sex
- Avoiding sex under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A/B and HPV (where appropriate)
See more information about how to make different types of sex safer on our Making Sex Safer page.
What are common STI symptoms?
Some signs you may have an STI include:
- an unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- pain when peeing
- lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
- a rash
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- itchy genitals or anus
- blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
- warts around your genitals or anus
If you have some of these symptoms, it doesn’t always mean you have an STI, but it’s worth visiting your nearest sexual health clinic or GP.
Many STIs have no symptoms at all so the only way to know for sure is to get tested.
To find your nearest sexual health clinic visit openclinic.org.uk/clinics
How often should I be getting an STI test?
How often you should test for STIs depends on how many people you have sex with.
If you are sexually active, it’s recommended that you take an STI test once a year; even if you have no symptoms or are in a long-term, monogamous relationship.
If you have multiple partners, it’s recommended to test every 3-6 months.
If you have started a new relationship, it’s also a good idea for you and your partner(s) to test for STIs.
If you have no symptoms and you’re aged 16 or over, you can order an STI testing kit online.
Visiting our clinic
When you visit one of our sexual health clinics, you will be asked to fill in a registration form, where we ask for your:
- Sex at birth
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
We may also ask about your sexual history and any gender interventions such as hormones/surgery, to enable us to give you the correct tests and appropriate advice/treatment.
We can help support you to attend the clinic if you’re worried; contact us to discuss this by emailing SexualHealthComms@mpft.nhs.uk
To test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea we will ask for a urine or swab sample, depending on the type(s) of sex you’ve had, you may be able to do this yourself. Telling the clinician you see about genital surgeries you’ve had, or any concerns you have about providing a sample, will help them to determine the best way for you to get tested. For other tests such as HIV and syphilis, a blood test is taken.
Should I get a HPV vaccine?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is available from our sexual health service for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) who are up to and including 45 years of age.
The vaccine helps to prevent HPV infection which can cause genital warts and HPV-associated cancers.
If you have not been vaccinated are aged 45 or under, contact our service about getting a HPV vaccine on 0808 178 0955 (or 0300 404 2996 if you live in Shropshire).
Consent
It’s important to remember that any sex or sexual contact needs to be consensual. This means that everyone involved needs to agree that they want to have sex.
Some important things to know about consent:
- You need to get consent for each sexual act.
- You have the right to change your mind at any point during sex.
- The legal age to consent to sex in the UK is 16.
- Alcohol or drugs can affect someone’s ability to consent.
You can read more about consent on Brook’s website: Sex and consent – Brook
Preventing pregnancy
If there is a chance of pregnancy (vaginal sex with a penis), you can use contraception if you don’t want to become pregnant. Our clinicians can advise on the options available for you and will be sensitive to any concerns or requests when discussing contraception.
You can see an overview of different options on the Contraception Choices website.
Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted and would like support, your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre can help.
Find links to your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre on our website.