What are The Most Common STIs?

The transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occurs during unprotected sex. This can either be vaginal, oral, or anal sex. An STI can be acquired by anyone who engages in sexual activity and can be spread in a variety of ways. Keep reading to find out what a full STI screening in Birmingham includes and where to get one.

Most common STIs, & where to get a full STI screening

– Chlamydia is the most prevalent STI in the UK. It is commonly transmitted during sex. The majority of people have no symptoms and are therefore unaware they are sick.
– Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI that spreads easily during sexual activity. Only 10% of men and 50% of women are aware they are infected because they don’t exhibit any symptoms.
– Syphilis is a painless but very contagious bacterial infection. A sore on your genitalia is the first sign of the infection. Before disappearing, the sore may persist for up to six weeks.
– HIV is mostly spread through unprotected sex. It also transmits by touching infected blood, such as when using shared needles to inject medications or steroids.
– Hepatitis B can be spread very easily through unprotected intercourse or by sharing needles when injecting drugs. It is extremely contagious.
– Hepatitis C is a virus that infects the liver. It frequently doesn’t show any signs until the liver has been severely damaged.

Visit a sexual health clinic as soon as possible for a checkup if you’re concerned that you may have an STI. Until you have had a checkup, refrain from engaging in any sexual activity, including oral contact.

Without being aware of it, you could infect your partner while having sex.

What are the symptoms of STIs?

Symptoms of an STI can include:

– Pain when peeing
– Unusual vaginal bleeding
– Warts around your genitals or anus
– An unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus
– Lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
– Itchy genitals or anus
– Warts in your mouth or throat, however, this is very uncommon
– A rash
– Blisters and sores around your genitals or anus

How do I know if I have an STI?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be easily and discreetly diagnosed and treated. Most infections are treatable. A sexual health clinic, often known as a GUM clinic, specialises in sexual health and can offer testing and care for a variety of STIs.

What does a full STI screening in Birmingham include?

STD testing isn’t always included in gynaecologist or routine checkup visits. Therefore, be sure to request STD testing. Tell your nurse or doctor the truth about your sex life, so they can advise you on the most appropriate testing.

A blood test does not require any additional preparation on your part. Before a urine or swab test, you might need to wait 24 hours after using douches and vaginal lotions.

You might undergo one of the following tests, depending on the type of infection that is thought to be present:

– Blood tests
– Swab tests
– Urine tests
– Lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap

I’ve just had unprotected sex – what do I do?

Try not to worry if you’ve ever engaged in sexual activity without using a condom or in which the condom failed. Here are some actions you may take to protect your sexual health and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

– Empty your bladder immediately after unprotected intercourse to avoid UTIs
– Use emergency contraception
– Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about HIV exposure
– Get tested for STIs
– Take a pregnancy test

Book your appointment with King’s Pharmacy today for a sexual health consultation including full STI screening in Birmingham.

 

 

This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.