Some sexually transmitted infections are irritating and some can make you feel really ill.
It is important to protect yourself by using a condom and get tested (get checked) if you think you have been at risk.
If you think that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the earlier you are tested, the sooner you can be treated. It is important to get a test if you have any symptoms that may be due to an STI but also if you have had a change in sexual partner or a partner who has had an STI.
STI’s do not always show symptoms so it is always worth getting tested if you think you are at risk. Most STI’s can be cured and others can be managed with medication so that you can remain healthy and live a relatively normal life.
Some common symptoms of an STI can include:
- Pain when you pee
- Discharge from your penis, vagina or anus
- Blisters, spots, lumps or sores on your genitals and anus
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Lower tummy pain
If you have any of these symptoms, you can speak to a member of staff at The Corner who can give you information on what to do next. Staff will ask you some questions about when you had sex to make sure that there is enough time for your body to show signs of infections. If a test is carried out too early, it may not be accurate. Here is our guideline:
- Chlamydia & gonorrhoea can be tested for 2 weeks after having unprotected sex
- Syphilis can be tested 12 weeks after having unprotected sex
- HIV can be tested for 4 weeks after having unprotected sex
Getting tested is really easy and private. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are tested for females by a swab or the vagina you can take yourself, or a urine sample (weeing into a small pot) in men. HIV, syphilis and hepatitis are tested by a trained member of staff taking a blood sample.
Click here to visit a really useful link that will tell you more about getting tested for STI’s.
