Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections is free and confidential through your local sexual health clinic. The tests look for a number of infections including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis. Sometimes you can have an STI with no symptoms, so testing is the best way to know if you have an STI.
It is recommended that you have STI testing each time you change your sexual partner or when there are symptoms present that may be caused by a STI. These symptoms can include the following:
- Unusual discharge from the vagina
- Pain or burning when peeing
- Itches, rashes, lumps or blisters, mainly around the genitals or anus, but can be on other parts of the body.
- Pain and/or bleeding during sex
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
It is recommended to wait a minimum of two weeks after unprotected sex before testing for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea. This is to give the best chance of giving you a clear answer on whether you have an infection or not. The infection takes time to build up in your body to a level where the test can detect it. Other infections may take longer to develop, for HIV this will be around 4 weeks. Syphilis may take up to 3 months to develop. However, if you have symptoms or someone you had unprotected sex with tells you they have an STI, you should get in touch with your local sexual health clinic or GP straight away.
Visiting a sexual health clinic is confidential. Staff at a sexual health clinic will not tell anyone what you discuss without your permission. This includes your GP.
The staff will explain everything, including any tests you may need. You can also have someone with you in the room with you during tests or examinations.
Results will generally be received in two weeks from the time of your test although this may be longer for some tests. Results will be sent via text message.
Free and confidential STI testing is also available through the post. You will complete the test yourself and return in the pre-paid envelope. As with testing in the clinic, you will then receive your results via text message.
Access to treatment can be easily arranged through the sexual health clinic or via your GP. They will talk you through the treatment and answer any questions that you may have.
Further information
Further information, including how to access free contraception, can be found through your local sexual health service’s website.
Worcestershire Sexual Health Services
Herefordshire Sexual Health Services
Further information on sexually transmitted infections can also be found on the NHS website.
