Symptoms of STI That Should Be Checked
A lot of persons having infections do not exhibit any symptoms. This is why, regardless of whether you feel fine, it is crucial that you get screened. Should you feel you have been exposed to an STI, the sooner you go for screening, the quicker you get treated if necessary.
People can spread sexually transmitted diseases to others via anal, oral or vaginal sex.Both straight and homosexuals can transmit infections to their partners. If you have multiple sex partners, you are at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.You can visit a sexual health centre for more information about men sleeping with men and women sleeping with women.
A good number of sexually transmitted infections can be cured using antibiotics. Certain diseases do not have a cure, for instance, HIV. But it can be treated to manage the symptoms and stop it from worsening. Physical looks cannot show that a person, including you, have an infection. This is why you need to get tested if you have engaged in unsafe sex or feel you are at risk. It is very important.
STI signs and symptoms
Like we said earlier, a lot of patients have zero symptoms when they are infected. This includes many chlamydia-infected women.Should you neglect the treatment of chlamydia, you may have problems with getting pregnant.
Infertility can also be triggered by gonorrhoea. About 10% of men and 50% of women infected with gonorrhoea are asymptomatic (do not show any symptoms). This means that women are more asymptomatic than men when it comes to gonorrhoea.
If you do not treat STI, it will take a toll on your health condition. So, go for screening if you notice any of the following underlisted signs and symptoms.
What to look out for in men
- Discharge from the penis
- Discomfort or irritation of the urethra
What to look out for in women
- Smelly discharge
- Vaginal discharge that is greenish or yellowish
- Bleeding between periods or post sex
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdomen
What to look out for in men and women
- Pain while urinating
- Burning, tingling, or itching sensation in the genital area
- Lumps, spots, sore, or blisters in the genital area or anus
- Little white dots or black powder in your underwear. This may be eggs or droppings from pubic lice
Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms, it may not imply that you have an infection. However, it would help if you saw a doctor to check out the cause of the symptoms and be treated as soon as possible.For instance, there are non-sexual infections like thrush. This can bring about symptoms that look like those of STI, including discharge, itching, and soreness.
Do not wait until it is too late before you get tested. You can visit a Sexual Health Clinic to get medical attention. Early treatment is good as it will prevent the infection from causing complications and long-term health damages.
Where to get an STI screening?
When considering the places, you can go for STI testing, ensure it is a certified and accredited centre.
You can test for STI at:
- A sexual health clinic
- Certain community contraceptive clinics
- Certain sexual health services
- Certain GP surgeries
Chlamydia test can also be done in some pharmacies.
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme offers a free chlamydia test. Find out where you can get yours through this programme. Please take note that this service is for people under the age of 25. Should you be eligible for it, do not hesitate to get tested so you can know your sexual health status.
Practice safe sex
You may have heard this a lot of times. The reason is that it is very important to maintaining good sexual health, that is why the emphasis is laid on it.The kind of lifestyle you live can increase or lower your chances of contracting sexual infections. For instance, if you have multiple sex partners, you may not know when you will get infected. Substance use like too much alcohol and drugs can make you engage in risky behaviours that could lead to having an infection.
Part of having safe sex is by making changes to your lifestyle as it affects the kind of sexual relationship you keep. Also, reduce your alcohol intake as it won’t induce you to take sexual risks. What about drugs? Both intravenous and regular drugs should not be abused. Do your best to keep a healthy sexual life.
Do not forget to use a condom regularly and correctly whenever you want to have sex. It will help you not to contract or spread an STI from one person to another. Look out for the CE mark or BSI kite on the packet of condom before purchase.
Condoms with these designations have been tested and certified highly safe. Those condoms without these marks are not safety-certified and should be avoided.
Always go for regular STI screening, especially when you meet a new partner. This will ensure that you remain sexually healthy and sound. Discuss with your partner on the importance of having STI testing before sex. Visit a Sexual Health Clinic to have your screening done.
Need more help?
Consult our seasoned sexual health experts for more useful advice and help with diagnosing symptoms of STI. It’s not every symptom that may indicate the presence of an infection, but since you’re not a doctor, you may not know.
At our clinic, we pride in our ability to provide good diagnostic testing and treatment for a wide range of sexually transmitted diseases. Our experts know what to look out for and how to carry out the right screening.
Aided by the finest sexual health facilities and skilled hands in the clinic, we are ready at all times to deliver only the best sexual healthcare services to our patients. Book an appointment with us today to get checked for STIs at our STI clinic in London. Your well-being is our priority.
