MEDTalk with Dr Kiran Sexually Transmitted Diseases & Infections Health Advice

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

You’ve heard about them, but what are they? STIs are exactly that, infections that are transmitted via sexual contact - oral, vaginal or anal sex. Genital contact without penetration and sharing sex toys can also lead to transmission of infections.

STIs often don’t have any symptoms, but they can be painful and have other unpleasant effects. They can lead to a variety of problems including long-term pain and infertility. While most infections are treatable, some will never completely leave the body and cause recurrent flare-ups. And other infections such as HIV will need long-term treatments and put you at increased risk of developing further medical problems.

You might be thinking, “When do I need to get checked? What do I need to look out for? Where should I go? What’s going to happen?” Well I’ll be able to answer those questions.

When should I get checked?

You should get checked when…

• You have symptoms.
• You’ve had unprotected sexual contact (no condom use) with a new partner.
• Your partner has had unprotected sex with other people.
• Your partner has symptoms.
• If you've had multiple sexual partners and no recent check it would be sensible to go.

If you have no symptoms you should go 2-3 weeks after having unprotected sex and again at 3 months as some infections can be missed if you get checked too soon.

What do I need to look out for?

Symptoms to look out for...

• Burning, discomfort or pain when passing urine.
• Discharge from the penis or vagina or change in discharge.
• Skin changes including rashes, blisters, itching around the genital or anal area.
• Bleeding during sex or bleeding in between periods.
• Pain in the testicles.
• Lower tummy pain.

If you have symptoms you shouldn’t delay going to the clinic. If something doesn't seem right, even if it's not listed above then you should go and get checked.

Where should I go? What should I do?

You can see your GP or go to your local sexual health service. Most sexual health services will offer walk-in clinics or same-day appointments if you have symptoms, and you can find your nearest NHS sexual health clinic by clicking on this link.

If you have had unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive then you should seek urgent medical advice as you may need urgent treatment to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. For men who have sex with other men, unprotected anal sex is associated with a higher risk of contracting HIV, so you should contact a health professional urgently including if you are unsure of the HIV status of your sexual partner.

If you've never been before or you have symptoms you might be feeling scared or worried, but don't let this delay you going to the clinic. When you're there tell them about your concerns and how you’re feeling. The healthcare staff will want to help you. They will treat you with respect and your information will be kept confidential.

There are a range of tests they might do including:

• A genital examination.
• Swabs - might be taken from the urethra (where you pass urine), mouth, anus and/or from the vagina.
• Urine tests.
• Blood tests.

These tests check for a range of infections and some of the common ones that are checked for include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis, but depending on your situation they may advise for other tests.

Some test results are available on the day, but some can take up to 2 weeks for the results. If needed, treatment can also be provided the same day and they might arrange further follow up. If there are any infections it's important to ‘contact trace’ anyone who might have passed the infection to you, as they might not have any symptoms. Their health and others may be at risk, but the clinic would assist you in contact tracing.

“Thanks for all the useful information doctor, but when can I have sex without using condoms safely?”

If you and your partner are having sex with each other exclusively, and you’ve both been tested negative for STIs then you do not need to use condoms, provided you are using other forms of contraception to prevent pregnancy.

I hope this has been useful for you, check out the links below for further information from the embarrassing bodies website. Here are my top 5 GP Tips:

• Discuss sex with your parents and talk openly with your partner.
• See a health professional about contraception.
• Protect yourself against STIs – wear a condom every time you have sex.
• Have a sexual health check if you’re sexually active.
• If you have any symptoms don’t wait, we’re here to help, go and see your GP or the sexual health clinic

Hollyoaks: What Is Consent? Watch this one off documentary on what sexual consent means

Advice & Information on issues covered in this article can be found on Channel 4's Help & Support Page