Sexually Transmitted Infections

This post explains where you can get help and advice if you think that you may have a sexually transmitted infection, are worried about your sexual health or would like a check up. All services are confidential.

What is a sexually transmitted infection?

if one person has an infection it can pass to another person through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Infections spread in this way are known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Anyone who has sex can get an STI. You don't need to have lots of sexual partners. Both men and women can get, and pass on STIs.

Most STIs are easily treated but infections, such as HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), there is currently no cure and the treatment can be complicated. If left untreated many STIs can be painful and uncomfortable or, at worst, cause permanent damage to your health and fertility.

Infections you might have heard of are:

- Chlamydia

- NSU (Non- specific urethritis)

-Genital Warts

- Herpes

- Gonorrhoea

-Pubic Lice

- Trichomonas Vaginalis

- Syphilis

- HIV

- Hepatitis B

How will I know if I have an infection?

Not everyone who has an STI has signs and/ or symptoms. Sometimes these don't appear for months and sometimes they go away but you can still have the infection. If you experience any of thefollowing 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 or lower abdomen.

Even if you don't have any signs and/or symptoms you may also wish to seek advice or have a check up particularly if:

- You have had unprotected sex with a new partner recently

- You or your sexual partner have sex with other people without using using a condom

- Your sexual partner has any symptoms

Where can I go for advice about STIs?

There are several services that you can go to for help and advice:

- Any NHS genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic (sometimes known as special clinics, VD clinics or STD clinics)

- Your GP or Practice Nurse

- A sexual health clinic

- A family planning clinic

- A young person's clinc (these services normally have an upper age limit)

Regardless or your age, ethnic group, whether you are male or female, gay, lesbian, straight or bisexual you can get confidential information and advice about STIs. Where you go, you shouldn't be judged because your sexual behaviour, but go to a service where you feel comfortable. Some services hold separate sessions for men, women, young people, gay men and lesbians. If you choose to go to a sexual health genitourinary clinic you can go to any in the country. You do not need a referral from your GP.

Testing and treatment

Not all the services listed above can offer testing and treatment for all infections. You can call first to check. GUM clinics (and some sexual health clinics) offer a range of tests, treatments and advice on all infections. If you agree, they can also help to confidentially trace previous sexual partners who may need treatment (partner notification).

If your GP or family planning clinic cannot provide the tests and/or treatment that you need, they will be able to give you details of the nearest clinic that can.

In addition to tests and treatments for infection there may be other services available such as:

- Free condoms

- Special sessions for people who have been sexually assaulted

- Psychosexual counselling

- Hepatitis B vaccination

Will I need to make an appointment?

Appointments aren't always necessary but it's best to ring first and check. If you have signs and/or symptoms that are concerning you explain this when you ring as they may be able to see you sooner. Try not to have sex, at least until after you've been seen and have advice from the GP or clinic. If this isn't possible make sure you use a condom.

Will I need to pay?

All advice, information and tests are free.

Are sexual health services confidential?

Yes, all health services are completely confidential. Only where it is in your interests and in extreme circumstances can information about you be passed on and only with your permission. Although many GUM clinics are based in hospitals, they keep their written and computer records separate from any other notes you may have there.

If you have any concerns about who will see your medical records, talk to your GP or the staff at the clinic.

What happens at a sexual health service?

Exactly what happens can vary depending on where you go. If you are a new patient at a GUM, sexual health or family planning clinic, you will be asked to fill in a registration form with details of your name and address. This information will be kept confidential. You will then see a doctor, nurse or health adviser.

The check-up

The doctor, nurse or health adviser will talk to you about your concerns. They will need to ask you questions about your sex life and any signs and/or symptoms that you have. You might feel embarrassed, but do be honest as these questions help the clinic to do the correct tests.

If you are not sure why the questions are being asked- just say so.

You may need to have some tests. These usually involve an examination and the testing of some samples.

In both men and women this may mean:

- An examination of your genitals, mouth, anus and skin to look for any obvious signs of infection

- Testing a sample of your urine

- Having blood taken (if you are being tested for syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B and C)

- Taking swabs from the urethra (tube where you urinate) and any sores or blisters

- Taking swabs from the throat and the rectum (back passage).This is much less common.

In women the tests might also include:

- Taking swabs from the vagina and cervix (entrance to the womb)

- Having an internal examination.

There are many myths about how swabs are done. A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud, but is smaller and rounded. The swab is wiped over parts of the body that could easily be infected and easily picks up samples of discharge and cells. It only takes a few seconds and is not usually painful, though it may be uncomfortable for a moment.

You will not automatically be tested for all infections. Ask the doctor or nurse which tests are they planning to do, and talk to them about anything you are not sure about. All tests are optional and should only be done with your permission. Sometimes it is too soon to do some of the tests and you may be given another appointment for a later time.

The test results

You may get some of your test results and any necessary treatment,such as antibiotics, straightaway. Some samples have to be sent away to a laboratory so the results take loner to come back. The service that you are attending will arrange with you how you will get these results to maintain your confidentiality.

Telling your partner

IF you have an STI then it's very important that your current sexual partner and any other recent partners are also offered testing and treatment.

The staff at the clinic or doctor's surgery can discuss with you how you might tell your partner(s). If you feel that this will be too difficult, some GUM clinics and some sexual health clinics can give you a 'contact slip' to send to your partner(s) or, with your permission, the clinic can do this for you. The slip explains to the person that they may have been exposed to an STI and suggests that they go for a check-up. It does not say what the infection is, or have your name on it, so your confidentiality is protected. This is called partner notification. It's strongly advised you do tell your partner(s) but it isn't compulsory.

People whose first language is not English

Some clinics and GPs work with link workers or interpreters who can help people whose first language is not English, including British sign Language. Ask the clinic or GP if this is available.

Disabled people

If you have a physical or sensory impairment, some services may not be fully accessible so contact them first to check. Your GP or clinic may know of other services that will suit your needs.

Where can I get further information and details of sexual health services?

- Call the Sexual Health Line on 0800 567 123 for more information and advice on all STIs and sexual health.

-Call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visit their website at www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk

- Ask your GP or Nurse

A first word...

- There are a number services you you can go to. Choose the service you feel most comfortable with.

- Whenever you go, you shouldn't be judged because of their sexual behaviour.

- All advice, information and tests are free. All services are confidential.

- All tests are optional and should only be done with your permission.

- Ask as many questions as you need to- and make sure you get answers in language you understand.

- The staff will give you as much support as you need, particularly if you need help on how to tell your partner.

Useful websites

- www.ssha.info (society Health Advisors).

- www.playingsafely.co.uk (Lovelife website for people under 25 years old).

- www.fpa.co.uk (Family Planning Association).

- www.tht.org.uk (Terrence Higgins Trust Website).

All the information in this post is based on evidence and medical opinion available at the time of researching. Different people may give you different advice about certain points.

Thank you guys for reading x