What Is An STI?

What is
an
STI?

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are any infections passed on from one person to another through intimate physical contact. These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. 

In 2018, over 400,00 people were diagnosed with STIs in England, making it a public health concern. STIs do not always present with symptoms, and can go unnoticed until complications occur. Therefore, the only way to be certain is to do a comprehensive STI test.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Painful or burning urination
  • Itchy genitals or anus
  • Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
  • Pain during sex
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Sore or bumps around the genitals or anus
  • A rash

We provide testing for the following STIs:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Syphilis
  • Herpes (HSV-I and HSV-II)
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B

We offer STI tests regardless of your gender, age or whether or not you have symptoms. Our service is carried out with absolute confidentiality

 

If you have an infection, you should tell all of your current partners and anyone else that you have had sex with in the last 6 months. They may have an STI without knowing it, and may be passing it on to other people, so it is important for them to be tested.