King's Pharmacy
STI Clinic in Birmingham – Get Advice and get Checked
We at Kings Pharmacy get asked a lot about Sexually Transmitted Infections (or STI’s). They are extremely common but they are not talked about often enough, due to the surrounding stigma. In this article, we break down what STI’s are, what symptoms you can experience with some common ones, and the treatments available. We’re always here to support you as an STI Clinic in Birmingham.
What are STI’s?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that can be transferred between individuals through sexual activities. These infections are typically transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, but can also be spread through other forms of sexual contact involving the genitalia, mouth, or rectum. This is because certain STIs, such as herpes and HPV, can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact.
Some STIs can be transmitted from a pregnant individual to their child, either during the pregnancy or while giving birth. There are also alternative means of transmission, such as breastfeeding, blood transfusions, or the sharing of needles. You can find the most common STI’s in this article.
What leads to sexually transmitted infections?
STIs can be caused by various agents, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Who is impacted by STI’s?
STIs affect both men and women, but they often lead to more severe health issues for women. If an STI is transmitted to a baby, it can result in serious health complications.
What are the signs of STI’s?
STIs may not always exhibit symptoms or may only present mild ones. As a result, it’s possible to have an infection without being aware of it. Even without symptoms, STIs can still be harmful and may be transmitted during sexual activity.
If symptoms are present, they could include:
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— Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
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— Genital sores or warts
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— Painful or frequent urination
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— Itching and redness in the genital region
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— Blisters or sores near or around the mouth
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— Abnormal vaginal odour
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— Itching, soreness, or bleeding in the anal area
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— Abdominal pain
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— Fever
How are STI’s identified?
If you are sexually active, discuss your STI risk with your healthcare provider and determine if you should be tested, particularly since many STIs are asymptomatic.
Some STIs can be diagnosed during a physical examination or through a microscopic analysis of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Blood tests can identify other types of STIs.
What are the treatments for STI’s?
Antibiotics can treat STIs caused by bacteria or parasites. While there is no cure for STIs caused by viruses, medications can often alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission.
Using latex condoms correctly significantly decreases, but does not completely eradicate, the risk of acquiring or transmitting STIs. The most reliable method of avoiding infection is to abstain from anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
Vaccines are available to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.
How can STI’s be prevented?
Using latex condoms correctly significantly decreases, but does not completely eradicate, the risk of acquiring or transmitting STIs. If you or your partner has a latex allergy, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable method of avoiding infection is to abstain from anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
Kings Pharmacy – Working with the most popular STI Clinic in Birmingham
We offer sexual health services in Birmingham as a part of Umbrella Health.
Are you a Birmingham resident? Our pharmacies, amongst others in Birmingham work with Umbrella to provide you with Sexual Health Services. No appointment is required – simply walk in. Umbrella delivers free, discreet, and unbiased sexual health services for the people of Birmingham and Solihull, covering all contraceptive methods, STI screening, and treatment. These services cater to individuals of all ages, genders, and orientations.
This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.