Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are bacteria, viruses and parasites that can pass from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact or sharing of sex toys.
Most people that have an STI have no symptoms at all, which is why it is so important to regularly get tested after unprotected sex. Testing regularly is always encouraged.
Please make sure that you do not have a wee 2 hours before your appointment. This is to make sure that your test results are accurate.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and one of the most common STIs. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection and also known as the ‘clap’. It can be treated with antibiotics, but some strains are resistant to common antibiotics.
Herpes is a very common virus. Most people have had it at some point in their life, however many will never show any symptoms. It is also known as the ‘cold sore virus’ or ‘herpes simplex virus’ or “HSV”.
Syphilis is a less common bacterial infection. It can be treated with antibiotics.
HIV is a viral infection that affects the immune system. It can be managed with antiviral medications. If you get tested and start treatment, you will have a normal life span. You cannot pass on the virus to a sexual partner as long as you take effective medication regularly.
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and can be managed with creams and freezing therapy.
Trichomonas vaginalis also known as TV, Trich and trichomoniasis is a tiny little parasite and can be treated with antibiotics.
Scabies is not always an STI and can be passed on through close body contact. It is a tiny little mite that burrows into the skin it is treated with insecticide cream.
Pubic lice, also known as 'crabs', is a tiny parasitic insect that lives on pubic hair and is also known as ‘crabs’ it is treated with insecticide cream.
Thrush is not an STI but can sometimes happen after sex, it is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that normally lives on our bodies. It is treated with antifungal medications.
Bacterial Vaginosis is not an STI but can sometimes happen after sex, and is not an infection either. It is also known as BV and is a lack of normal vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli.