STIs

It is not pleasant to think that you might have an STI but it is not the end of the world. It is estimated that about  1.2 million people in the UK population were treated for an STI last year and if you take into account the numbers of people that have self medicated (e.g. with crabs or scabies) or those who do not realise they are infected or refuse to get treated, it becomes clear that STIs are more widespread than is often believed.

Some STIs can remain hidden or "silent" for many years as they have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear they can include:

- A discharge from the penis or vagina

- Different or heavier than normal discharge from the vagina

- A burning feeling when urinating

- Sores, particularly in the genital or anal areas

- Itchy feeling around the sex organs or anus

- Appearance of a rash

- Swollen glands in the groin

If you have any of these symptoms (or if you have had them and they have cleared up without being treated by a doctor) then you should make an appointment with your local GUM, sexual health clinic or GP. Most clinics work on either an appointment system or on a first come first served basis so give your local GUM clinic a call to find out when they are open and/or to make an appointment. Some clinics offer an emergency appointment to those with symptoms and some offer the facility to call first thing in the morning so cancelled appointments can be offered to those most in need.

Remember, if you are only concerned about HIV and are over 16, you can get a rapid test at TPA. Results are available in less than 1 hour

Contact us for more information