A sexually transmitted infection (STI) can be passed on from one person to another during unprotected sex. They range from common bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, to the viral ones like Hepatitis B and C, genital wart virus (HPV), herpes, and HIV to 'others' such as pubic lice (crabs).
Some STI's have no obvious symptoms. Often you can't see the infection and you or your partner could have it without knowing. If you have an active sex life and have had unprotected sex a check-up is worth while.
If you do have symptoms of infection - don't wait and hope they'll clear up. Symptoms can disappear over time but this does not mean that the disease has also gone away. If left untreated STI's can have serious consequences.
Early treatment of most STI's is simple and effective.
There are some common genital infections which you can get even if you haven't had sex - such as Thrush (candidiasis), bacterial vaginosis, and urinary infection (cystisis).
You can reduce your risk... by simple measures such as using condoms each time you have sex.
Possible symptoms...
|
Man |
Woman |
|
Discharge from penis |
Unusually thick or watery, cloudy or irritating vaginal discharge |
|
Pain or burning on urinating |
Itching, rashes, sores, blisters, or pain in the genital area |
|
Feeling need to urinate more than usual |
Pain or burning sensation when you pass urine |
|
Sore testicles, itching, rashes, lump, blisters or pain in the genital area |
Urinating more often than usual |
|
Pain during sex |
Bleeding after sex
|
Ok I've got symptoms what do I do?
Remember if you do have symptoms of infection don't wait and hope they'll clear up. If left untreated STI's can have serious consequences.
Click on in the links above to find out more about specific sexually transmitted infections.
Early treatment of most STI's is simple and effective.... Where to get help and more information: For more information on specific sexually transmitted infections see the NHS website "Playing Safely" .
If you are sexually active or have changed sexual partner recently we would encourage you to have sexual health screening.
If you have symptoms that you feel may be sexually transmitted
you can contact the Medical Centre where you will be assessed either by apopointment or sometimes by telephone discussion
The Gate Clinic at Kent & Canterbury Hospital offers sexual health risk assessment, this will include an assessment of risk for Hepatitis B which is common in some areas of the world and is more prevalent in some lifestyle groups, for example homosexual and bi-sexual men and those who use intravenous drugs and share needles.
Your local Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic is the Mercury Clinic at University Medical Centre - telephone (01227) 469333
Click here to find the full details of The Mercury Clinic and other GUM (sexual health) clinics near you
Sexual Health Helpline for East Kent...... telephone 01303 228808
Terrence Higgins Trust ...... telephone 0845 1221200