STIs and Testing
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are highly infectious and very common. Cases of STIs, including HIV, are on the rise, particularly amongst young people.
If you have unprotected sex (sex without a condom), even once, you are at risk of catching a STI. The only way of protecting against STIs is to use condoms.
Not all STIs have symptoms, particularly Chlamydia, so if you have had unprotected sex or are concerned you may have symptoms of an STI it is important that you get yourself checked out.
Tests are FREE, simple, painless and confidential. You can do the test yourself – you do not need to be examined.
If you’d like to talk to someone about STIs you can book an appointment by calling or texting us on 07867 358187 or by completing the form below.
Book an appointment
Common symptoms of STIs
Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted infection has signs and/or symptoms. Sometimes these don’t appear for weeks or months and sometimes they go away, but you can still have the infection and pass it on to someone else.
If you experience any of the following you should seek advice:
unusual discharge from the vagina
discharge from the penis
pain or burning when you pass urine
itches, rashes, lumps or blisters around the genitals or anus
pain and/or bleeding during sex
bleeding between periods (including women who are using hormonal contraception)
bleeding after sex
pain in the testicles
pain in the lower abdomen.
Getting a test
Tests are FREE, simple, painless and confidential. You can do the test yourself – you do not need to be examined.
Our Youth Support Volunteer will discuss with you what tests they think you will need. To find out we will need to ask you some questions. These questions will include:
when you last had sex
whether you’ve had any unprotected sex
whether you have any symptoms
Please try to answer these questions as honestly as possible so you can get the help and advice you need.
The STI tests might involve:
Giving a urine (wee) sample
Swabs from the vagina (you take these yourself)
Giving a finger prick blood sample
If you are aged over 16 you can also order an Online Testing Kits from SHiP.
When to test
If you’ve had unprotected sex, especially if it’s with a new partner, you should have an STI test even if you don’t have any symptoms.
Waiting two weeks after unprotected sex to take the test will provide a more accurate result. For HIV testing, you need to wait 6 weeks to take a test in order to get the most accurate result.
If you have recently had unprotected sex you may also need to consider:
Emergency contraception - we can help if you’ve had unprotected sex within the last 5 days please contact us.
PEP - If you think you may have taken a risk and could be at risk of contracting HIV you can take PEP. For PEP to work, you need to start it within 72 hours (3 days), and ideally within 24 hours of unprotected sex. Contact SHiP on 01752 431804 without delay or outside of clinic hours head to the nearest Emergency Department.
Getting results
After a swab or urine test is taken, the test is sent away for analysis. It can take up to 14 days for the results to come through. These can be sent to you by text, email or letter; you can choose how you would like to receive your results when you complete the test.
What happens if my test shows I have an STI?
Most STIs can be easily treated with antibiotics. If you test positive for any STI, you will be encouraged to talk to your current partner and sometimes to your previous partners so they can be tested as well. Your SHiP can help you find the best way to talk to other people if you need to, and can even contact them for you through ‘partner notification’ and not even mention your name.
