Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not get symptoms, so its worth getting tested even if you feel fine. If you think you have an STI, the earlier you’re tested, the sooner treatment can be given if its needed.
An STI can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. You can get or pass on an STI whoever you’re having sex with.
STIs can pass between men and women, and from women to women and men to men.
Left untreated, STIs can affect your health. If you have an of the symptoms listed below, get tested.
In women and men:
– Pain when you pass urine
– Itching, burning or tingling around the genitals
– Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus
– Black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear – this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice
In women:
– Yellow or green vaginal discharge
– Discharge that smells
– Bleeding between periods or after sex
– Pain during sex
– Lower abdominal pain
In men:
– Discharge from the penis
– Irritation of the urethra (the tube urine comes out of)
You can get tested at:
A sexual health clinic or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic – find STI services near you
Some community contraceptive clinics – find contraceptive services near you
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