Sexual Health STI’s Overview

Sexual health is an important aspect of overall well-being, encompassing a range of physical, emotional, mental, and social factors. It includes the ability to have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence. Good sexual health is also about having access to accurate information, and support for sexual problems.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a key aspect of general wellbeing and health and can have serious and permanent health consequences in the short and long term if not firstly identified and treated. Also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. They can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. Some STDs can also be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as from mother to child during childbirth breastfeeding. Risk is higher for those with increased numbers of sexual partners or who have had sex with someone who has had many partners , or have had unprotected sex.
STI’s are often asymptomatic but some do have classic characteristic symptoms. Incubation periods can vary from days to months.

STI Symptoms

Symptoms of each STI can vary from local symptoms affecting the genitals to symptoms that affect other parts of the body. Some STI’s show no symptoms initially.
Common Symptoms are:

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Ulcers
  • Sores
  • Rashes and lumps on the penis, vagina, vulva or back passage (anus)
  • Pain when having sex
  • Pain when passing urine and swelling of the glands in the groin and elsewhere in your body.

You can still pass on STI’s when there are NO symptoms.

Importance of Getting Tested

Getting tested is important to confirm if you have a STI. Many STDs can be asymptomatic for long periods, and individuals may unknowingly transmit them to others.

Regular testing is crucial, especially for sexually active individuals, and especially if you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex.

If you suspect you have an STD or are concerned about your sexual health, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible to have a test a proper diagnosis and treatment.

We offer a full range of STD tests from swab tests, blood tests and urine tests.

When to Get Tested

Before New Sexual Partners: It’s a good idea to get tested before starting a new sexual relationship.

 

If You Have Symptoms: If you notice unusual symptoms like pain during sex, abnormal discharge, sores, or itching, you should get tested right away.

 

Annually or More Frequently: If you’re sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, annual testing is recommended. If you engage in higher-risk activities (e.g., unprotected sex), more frequent testing may be advised.

Common STD Infections

Chlamydia

Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. 
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause painful urination, abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, and pelvic pain.
Treatment: Antibiotics (usually azithromycin or doxycycline).
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: 2 weeks

Gonorrhea

Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but can cause painful urination, abnormal discharge, and in women, pelvic pain or bleeding.
Treatment: Antibiotics, but resistance to certain antibiotics is becoming more common.
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: 2 weeks

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Cause: Viral infection that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells.
Symptoms: Initial flu-like symptoms, followed by a latent period with no symptoms. If untreated, it can lead to AIDS
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus but there is no cure.
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: 45 days, retest at 3 months

Syphilis

Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
Symptoms:
It develops in stages:
Primary: painless sores (chancres) at the site of infection.
Secondary: skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions, flu-like symptoms.
Tertiary: Can affect organs like the heart, brain, and nerves, leading to severe complications if untreated.
Treatment: Penicillin or other antibiotics, depending on the stage.
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: 3-6 weeks, retest at 3 months

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Cause: A group of viruses with over 100 types, some of which cause genital warts, while others can lead to cervical, anal, and throat cancers.
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, but certain strains can cause genital warts or lead to cancer.
Treatment: No cure for the virus itself, but vaccines (such as Gardasil) can prevent certain high-risk strains, and treatments exist for symptoms (e.g., warts or precancerous cells).
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse:at any time If you think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, please visit your local sexual health clinic or A&E department as soon as possible. You may be able to take PEP which can reduce your chance of contracting the virus.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Cause: Viral infection caused by either HSV-1 (commonly oral) or HSV-2 (commonly genital).
Symptoms: Painful sores or blisters around the genital area, mouth, or other areas. Recurrences can happen.
Treatment: Antiviral medications can reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks but there is no cure.

 Trichomoniasis

Cause: Parasitic infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
Symptoms: In women, it can cause vaginal discharge, itching, and discomfort during urination. Men may experience irritation in the penis, discharge, or pain during urination.
Treatment: Antibiotics (usually metronidazole or tinidazole).
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: 2 weeks

Hepatitis B

Cause: Viral infection that affects the liver.
Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and dark urine.
Treatment: Antiviral medications can help manage the infection. A vaccine is available to prevent it.
When To Test After Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: 3Months

 Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Cause: Parasitic infection caused by Pthirus pubis.
Symptoms: Itching and irritation in the genital area due to lice infestation.
Treatment: Over-the-counter medicated shampoos or prescription medications.