The thought of an STI can be worrying for many individuals. STI’s can be spread through consensual or non-consensual sexual intercourse as many of them are transmitted through bodily fluids. If you are concerned about non-consensual sex and believe you are at risk of developing an STI, please view the information below. You can also seek emotional and legal support via our blog.

How can you spot an STI?

  • 85% of women do not get any symptoms when infected with the most common STI’s, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. However, it’s definitely more likely for males to experience symptoms! Getting checked is the only reliable way to detect an STI, and it’s simple and easy to do.
  • If you do have symptoms, they often present as a discharge which carries an odour or consistency different from normal, pain when urinating (STI’s are commonly miss-diagnosed as a UTI!), unusual vaginal bleeding, and can actually present as minor changes to your ‘normal’.
  • Thrush can produce similar symptoms to an STI. Although it is not classed as an STI, it can be very uncomfortable for men and women. Seek advice from your local pharmacy if you think you or your partner may have thrush.

-Sores

-A rash

-Growths

-Blisters

around the genitals or anus.

 

Remember! – condoms do not protect against all STI’s, including genital herpes! It’s best to avoid sex and get tested – even if you haven’t had unprotected sex!

When should you visit your local sexual health clinic?

  • If you are worried after having sex without a condom
  • If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI
  • If a sexual partner has recently tested positive for an STI, or they are experiencing symptoms.

Being tested early is important to receive the correct treatment and avoid further complications, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or Infertility.

Remember, many STI’s have no symptoms at all! If you are between the ages of 15-24, you can order your free test kit today via freeandclear.me or book a consultation at your local sexual health clinic.

 

Lincolnshire Sexual Health Clinic, located on Dixon Street

 

Read more about thrush – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/

Read about bacterial vaginosis – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/

 

Links to information on STI’s:

Chlamydia – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/

Gonorrhoea – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gonorrhoea/

Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex virus) – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/

Genital Warts – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/

Trichomoniasis – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/trichomoniasis/

HIV & AIDS – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/

Syphilis – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/syphilis/

Pubic Lice – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pubic-lice/

Scabies – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scabies/