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Sexual Health

Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not get symptoms, so it's worth getting tested even if you feel fine. If you think you have an STI, the earlier you're tested, the sooner treatment can be given if it's needed.

An STI can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.

STIs can pass between men and women, and from women to women and men to men.

For more specific sexual health advice, read women who have sex with women and sexual health for men who have sex with men.

Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics. Some, such as HIV, have no cure, but can be treated to prevent them getting worse.

You cannot tell by looking at someone (including yourself) whether they have an infection, so it's important to get a check-up if you have had unprotected sex or think you might be at risk.

Symptoms of an STI

Many people do not notice symptoms when they have an STI, including most women with chlamydia.

If it's left untreated, chlamydia can affect your ability to get pregnant.

Gonorrhoea can also affect fertility. Around 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms.

Left untreated, STIs can affect your health. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, get tested.

In women and men: 

  • pain when you pass urine (pee)
  • itching, burning or tingling around the genitals
  • blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus
  • black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear – this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice

In women: 

  • yellow or green vaginal discharge
  • discharge that smells
  • bleeding between periods or after sex
  • pain during sex
  • lower abdominal pain

In men: 

  • discharge from the penis
  • irritation of the urethra (the tube urine comes out of)

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have an STI, but it's worth seeing a doctor so you can find out what's causing the symptoms and get treatment.

For example, it's possible to get thrush without having sex, but it can cause STI-like symptoms, such as soreness, itching and discharge.

Where can I get tested?

You can get tested at:

  • a sexual health clinic – find a sexual health clinic 
  • some community contraceptive clinics – find contraceptive services 
  • some sexual health services – call the national sexual health line on 0300 123 7123, or Worth Talking About (for under-18s) on 0300 123 2930
  • some GP surgeries

Some pharmacies can also test for chlamydia.

Find out where you can get a free chlamydia test through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (under-25s only).

STI's in pregnancy

STIs often have no symptoms, so you may not know if you have one. However, many STIs can affect your baby's health both during pregnancy and after the birth.

If you have any reason to believe you or your partner may have an STI, go for a check-up as soon as possible. You can ask your GP or midwife. If you prefer, you can go to a sexual health clinic. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

Find a sexual health service near you

If you're under 25, you can also visit a Brook centre for free confidential advice. You may also be able to order a free chlamydia test online.

Find a sexual health clinic

You can find your nearest sexual health clinic using the NHS sexual health clinic finder tool by clicking here