STI's

There are lots of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that you can catch or pass on during sex. They're caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. More and more gay men in Britain are being diagnosed with STIs each year. The most common infections are non-specific urethritis (NSU), gonorrhoea, out about some common STIs. warts and chlamydia.

How do I know if I've got an STI?

Some STIs don't have any symptoms. Others may not cause symptoms for a long time. This is why regular sexual health checkups are a good idea. Symptoms Some of the most common symptoms of STIs include:

  • discharge from your penis and/or anus
  • pain when you urinate or have bowl movements
  • sores or blisters on your penis and/or anus, mouth and throat
  • itching around your penis and genitals and/or anus
  • cold or flu-like symptoms.

Prevention, testing and treatment

Condoms can stop many STIs if they're used properly.

Most STIs can be cured with treatment. Some, such as herpes and HIV, can be controlled by drugs, but not cured.

If they're not treated, STIs can cause serious health problems or damage to your body, even if you don't have any symptoms. So it's worth getting tested regularly.

Where to get tested?

STI tests and treatment are available free to anyone in Britain. You can get sexual health checkups at sexual health clinics, through sexual health organisations and at private clinics.

Sexual health clinics

You can get a test done free at any sexual health clinic. These are also called genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics and are usually part of hospitals. To find your nearest clinic put your postcode in the box on this web page: www.tht.org.uk/GUM

Gay men's health organisations

Some sexual health organisations, including THT, offer STI and HIV tests. Find your nearest clinic by visiting one of these websites:

www.tht.org.uk/fastest
www.youchoose.org.uk (click on 'testing centres')

Private clinics
You can also get tested at a private clinic but you will have to pay.

Finding support

If you need help getting tested get in touch with:

Further information

For more information about STIs visit: www.chapsonline.org.uk/infections