Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are common infections that are passed on either during sex or through sexual contact. There are eight symptoms which you should look out for to measure if you should be going to a sexual health clinic.
Most STIs can be treated at a sexual health clinic, and you should head to one if any of the symptoms show. Having said this, there are many STIs that have no symptoms, so spotting those can be difficult.
If you are worried that you may have an STI, it is best to check with the clinic and refrain from having sex without using a condom until you’ve had a check-up or been tested. Below, we look at where you can get tests in London and some of the symptoms that mean you should go.
Using a condom can reduce the risk of getting any STIs
(Image: Getty Images)
8 symptoms to go to a sexual health clinic about
On the NHS website, there are eight symptoms listed that they say you should go to a sexual health clinic about. The list includes:
- Unusual discharge from your vagina, penis or anus
- Pain when peeing
- Lumps or skin growths around your genitals or anus
- A rash
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Itchy genitals or anus
- Blisters, sores or warts around your genitals or anus
- Warts in your mouth or throat (very rare)
These are not the only symptoms that can occur, but they are the ones the NHS highlights. You can get an STI that has no symptoms. It is recommended by the NHS that you attend a sexual health clinic if:
- You think you may have an STI
- A sexual partner has symptoms of an STI
- You are worried after having sex without a condom
- You are pregnant with symptoms of an STI
- You are having casual sex without a condom with new partners
There are a few different tests that can see if you have an STI or not
Where you can get tests in London
There are many places in London where you can get an STI test. At the clinics, you will be asked a few questions about your sex life, and you may be asked if the doctor or nurse can look at your genitals or anus. You will be advised on what tests they think you need, which can include:
- Testing a sample of your pee
- Blood tests
- Testing a sample of cells taken from the urethra using a small cotton bud
- Testing a sample of cells from inside your vagina or anus using a small cotton bud
There are also home testing kits that can be used for some STIs, and these can be ordered from Brook. You can find their website here.
If you would like to find your local sexual health clinic, the best way is through the NHS search engine, which you can find here. Through this you can type in your address and a number of local clinics will show up.
Some are in hospitals, whilst others can be in GP services. There are also many stand-alone sexual health clinics that you can attend.
It is important to tell your current and previous sexual partner or partners if you need treatment from a clinic. Some sexual health clinics are even able to help you contact them anonymously for you.
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