What is an STI?
Sexually Transmitted Infections, or STIs, are infections that people get through sexual activity. They are incredibly common and, just like any other infection, such as a cold, they are nothing to be embarrassed about.
It’s not always easy to recognise the signs and symptoms of an STI in you, or your partner. Some STIs have no symptoms, so you may not even realise you have one unless you get tested.
If you’ve had unprotected (condom-less) sex, with one or more partners, it’s really important that you seek help and get treatment because, unlike a cold, many STIs do not usually clear up on their own.
Not sure what an STI is? Or the different types of STIs? We have a definitive guide to all STIs, including information on their signs and symptoms here.
How can I get an STI test?
You can access STI testing from our service in two ways:
- online access to self-managed postal STI testing
- a booked appointment at one of our Devon Sexual Health clinics (telephone or face-to-face)
To review your options and access testing, please register for your Devon Sexual Health Personal Health Record (PHR).
If you are aged 25 or under, as well as testing via our service you can also test by picking up a kit at a number of community services (eg. pharmacies, youth venues, GPs). This testing is supported the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, with tests provided from one of our postal testing partners: Preventx. You can search for local services that hold these kits using our find a service feature.
Your GP practice can also usually offer routine STI testing as part of any appointments you have with them, especially if you have potential symptoms of an STI.
Plymouth residents can access STI testing through SHiP.
What happens if I don't get tested?
If not treated early, some STIs can cause permanent damage to your health.
By not testing, you also risk spreading infections.
Most STIs can be successfully treated, but it’s important to get any symptoms checked as soon as possible.
Different STIs can cause a range of serious implications for your health if they remain untreated including:
- infertility
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- pain or swelling in the testicles
- pregnancy complications
- passing on infections to your new born baby
- weakened immune system
- liver damage
- liver cancer
- cervical cancer
Frequently asked questions about
STIs
-
I think I may have a STI, what should I do?
Many sexually transmitted infections have no obvious symptoms. If you have had unprotected (condom-less) sex, with one or more partners, and want to know if you have a STI, you will need to get tested.
Free STI testing is available from sexual health clinics, or your GP. Online self-testing options are also available.
Most STIs can be successfully treated, but it’s important to get any symptoms checked as soon as possible.
You can find out more about testing options here.
-
What is the easiest STI to catch?
Sexually transmitted infections are extremely common and the most common STIs are Chlamydia – as it often has no symptoms so people are unaware that they have it – and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) – the virus that causes genital warts. Many people will carry HPV but never have warts.
You can find out more information about Chlamydia here.
You can find our more about genital warts here.
-
Can I pass STIs to my partner(s)
Yes, sexually transmitted infections can be passed on to your partner when you have unprotected (condom-less) sex and other close sexual contact.
Notifying partners about an infection can feel daunting, but it also shows care and respect for the other person. In the majority of cases, sexual partners are grateful to have been informed, it will prompt them to have a check-up, and get treatment if it is indicated.
Infections can be harmful if not treated, so it is really important for your current partners to receive treatment in order to avoid the infection being passed back to you.
Devon Sexual Health can help you with partner notification. For more information, see here.
-
What are the symptoms of STIs?
It’s not always easy to recognise the signs and symptoms of an STI in you, or your partner. Some STIs have no symptoms, so you may not even realise you have one unless you get tested.
You can find out more about the different types of STIs and their signs and symptoms here.
You can find more information on STI testing here. -
Is it difficult to treat STIs?
Most STIs can be treated easily, but treatment for each infection is different.
It is important that the course of treatment is completed and we advise to not have sex in this time.
Testing, treatment and medication for STIs is free of charge.
-
How do I protect myself from STIs?
Condoms remain the best protection against all types of STIs. There are many different options of condoms, including ribbed and flavoured options, which can enhance your sexual pleasure.
As well as protection against STIs, they also help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Our condom page has lots of information about condoms, including advice on sizing as well as free condom schemes.
-
How often should I get tested for STIs?
You should aim to get tested for STIs every year, or more often if you have several sexual partners. It’s good practice to go for testing if you are starting a new relationship – and for your partner to do the same.
Some STIs have little or no symptoms, so you may not even know if you have one unless you get tested.
Find out more about STI testing here.