Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites which may pass from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal and other body fluids. This page talks about common symptoms and treatment.
STIs are mostly caused by unprotected sex (which means vaginal, oral or anal sex without using a condom). However, STIs can also be passed by sharing infected needles, blood transfusions and from mother to infant through pregnancy or childbirth.
The only way to protect yourself from STIs is using condoms.
Most STIs don’t have any symptoms. However, the most common symptoms you may see if you have an STI are:
Find out about the most common STIs by visiting the NHS website:
The only way you can know if you have a sexually transmitted infection or not is by having a test.
If you’re sexually active it’s recommended to get tested for STIs every 3-6 months. If you’re in a long-term relationship it’s recommended to get tested once a year.
It’s important to note that there is a period of time between contracting an STI and it showing up on a test. These are often referred to as ‘window periods’. This means that if you do a test too soon, the infection may be present in your body but will not show on the test.
The window periods are different for different STIs:
If you are still within a window period but are experiencing symptoms, please visit your local sexual health clinic for testing.
In an emergency, call 111.
To book an appointment online for Barking Hospital, visit their website.
You can also phone up 020 8970 5724 Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 16:00.
You can walk-in to Barking Community Hospital at the following times:
SHL.UK is a discreet sexual health service for Londoners.
Our STI testing service is for people who have mild or no STI symptoms, and would like to get themselves checked.
You can also request free regular and emergency contraception (effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex) by completing a simple, secure online consultation.
You can also now get home tests for hepatitis C through the NHS.
Harold Wood Polyclinic offers contraception every Tuesday by booked appointment and PrEP, STI treatments, asymptompatic screenings and vaccinations available by booked appointment on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of month. Call 02089705724...
Ilford Exchange Health Centre offers contraception, PrEP, STI treatments, asymp screenings and vaccinations. Contraception inc LARC by booked appointment every Wednesday and Thursday. PrEP, STI treatments, asymptompatic screenings and vaccinations...
Positive East have lots of support services for people living with HIV.
Our current services: Sexual health care HIV care Contraception
Free, confidential HIV and STI tests (including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis).
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