We know it can be difficult if you're worried you might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). We’re here to help. 

Try not to be embarrassed. Anyone who has sex of any kind can catch an STI and most can be treated if caught early enough. Our clinics diagnose and treat STIs, free and confidentially. You can also order a free test online.

Sexually transmitted infections can be passed from person to person during sex. This includes oral, vaginal or anal sex and sharing sex toys. You can catch some STIs, just from genital contact (your penis or vagina touching someone else’s penis or vagina).

If you’re having sex you can catch an STI. It does not matter what age, gender or sexuality you are. If you’re having sex of any kind without using a condom then you stand a much higher chance of getting an STI.

Symptoms vary between STIs but can often include:

  • an unusual discharge or bleeding from your vagina or penis (genitals) or your bottom (anus)
  • itchy genitals or anus
  • a rash, sores, lumps or skin growths around your genitals or anus
  • pain when you pee 

Many people with an STI get no symptoms at all. So, get tested if you think you might have one. Left untreated, STIs can have long-term effects on your health like pain and infertility. You can pass on STIs even if you do not have symptoms.

Thrush and bacterial vaginosis (bv) can also cause unusual discharge and irritation but they are not STIs. We can help treat them though. 

You may feel anxious and embarrassed if you think you have an STI but they are really common. The chances are that you know people who have had one, or have one, even if they do not talk about it. 

While not all STIs can be cured they can all be treated and managed if they’re caught early enough. 

If you think you might have symptoms of an STI or suspect someone you’ve had sex with might have one, we can help. Getting checked can give you peace of mind.

Our services are free and confidential. Your personal information is safe with us. If it would be useful to share your record with your GP, we will always ask you first. We will also ask if it’s OK to send any letters to your home address.

If you do not have symptoms you can order a free, confidential testing kit online. If you think you might have symptoms or you would just prefer to speak to someone, call us on 0800 328 3383 or find one of our free sexual health clinics, so we can diagnose and treat you in complete confidence.

If you think you have an STI make sure you avoid sex until any STI has been tested for and treated.

If tests show you have an STI or other infection, we can prescribe the right treatment for you, free of charge. You should avoid sex until you’ve completed your treatment. 

You should also let your current partner know so they can get tested and treated too. 

With some STIs previous partners also need to be told. We can help you with this and contact them by text for you. We do not give out your name. You can call us on 0800 328 3383 for details of this service, even if you are getting treatment elsewhere. 

Find out more about these common STIs and infections: