Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had sex or how many partners you’ve had; anyone can get an STI.
Check out the further information below if you’re worried or want more information
Using a male or female condom, or a latex or polyurethane (soft plastic) square, also known as a dam to protect you from STI’s
- External (or male) condoms are the ones you may just think of as regular condoms. They're designed to fit over an erect penis.
- Internal (or female) condoms can be inserted into the vagina or used for anal sex.
- A dam (sometimes called a dental dam) is a latex or polyurethane (soft plastic) square, about 15cm by 15cm, which you can use to cover the anus or female genitals.
- These can all acts as a barrier to help prevent sexually transmitted infections passing from one person to another.
Avoid sharing sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.
- Unusual Discharge
- Stinging, tingling, burning or itching
- Painful swelling of penis, testicles or foreskin
- Soreness or swelling of the vagina
- Pain, burning or increase in your weeing
- Irregular bleeding
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Pain or bleeding during sex
- A strong, unpleasant smell from vagina after sex
- Blisters or sores
- Black powder in your underwear
- Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair
- Sky-blue spots or very tiny specks of blood on the skin
Remember Often there are few or no symptoms and you may not know you have an STI.
If there's any chance you have an STI, go to a sexual health clinic or GP for a free and confidential check-up.
Check out our sexual health services page for details of where you can access sexual health testing services in Hillingon
It is recommended that young people under age 25 get tested for chlamydia every year or when they change their sexual partner. If you are aged between 16-24 you can order a free testing kit online as part of the national chlamydia screening programme. This is a free test for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If you live in Hillingdon SH:24 offer free, discreet and confidential sexual health test kits online.
If you do not want the kit delivered to your home address, you can order it to be delivered to some pharmacy’s in Hillingdon. You can also return your kit via the pharmacy.
Many people with sexually transmitted infections do not get symptoms, so it's worth getting tested even if you feel fine.
- London North West Sexual Health and Contraceptive Services - Sexual Health & Contraceptive services in Hillingdon
- Sexwise - Advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs and pleasure.
- Brook – the young people's sexual health charity for under-25s
- FPA – provider of information on individual methods of contraception, common STIs, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy
- The National Sexual Health Helpline – on 0300 123 7123 (a confidential helpline)