Sexually transmitted infections (STI).

An STI is an infection that can be passed from one person to another, usually through sexual contact such as unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys. Sometimes these infections can be transmitted in ways other than sex, for example - during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles. It is possible to contract an STI and be unaware, as STIs don't always cause symptoms. That’s why regular testing and practising safe sex is super important, to make sure you’re keeping yourself and your sexual partners safe from any potential infections.

There is a lot of stigma and embarrassment surrounding STIs, but it’s important not to let that stop you from taking responsibility for your sexual health. Having an STI doesn’t mean that you’ve done anything wrong, or that you are unhygienic or dirty- they are very common, and usually very treatable.

You can find more information in the drop-downs below about specific STIs, and click the button to order a home STI Kit which can test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HIV and Syphilis. For testing for other STIs, visit your GP or find a sexual health clinic here.

Alternatively, pay a visit to the Advice Centre on the first floor of the Students' Union building where you can pick up a free STI testing kit.

Order an STI Kit

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Symptoms:

Vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods
Discharge from the penis or vagina
Pelvic or testicular pain
Pain with urination

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms:

Vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods
Green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina
Pelvic or testicular pain
Irritation or redness of the urethra at the end of the penis

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny organism called Trichomonas vaginalis.

Symptoms:

Abnormal or increased vaginal discharge
Soreness or swelling around the vagina or head of the penis
Pain with urination
Thin white discharge from the penis

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV)

Symptoms:

Small blisters in the genital area, buttocks, or thighs
These blisters may burst to leave open sores in these areas
Pain with urination
Unusual vaginal discharge

Genital warts

Genital warts are a common STI caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms:

Small flesh-coloured, red, grey or white lumps on the skin surrounding the vagina, anus, or outer skin of the penis
There is usually no physical discomfort associated with genital warts, but there can be soreness around the anus

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair.

Symptoms:

Itching, particularly at night (this is a reaction to the pubic lice’s saliva)
Inflammation caused by scratching
Black powder in the underwear
Small blue spots or blood on your skin in the affected area, caused by lice bites

Scabies

Scabies is a common and highly contagious skin disease caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs.

Symptoms:

A raised red rash or small spots, which often starts on the hands and can quickly spread across the body
Intense itching in affected areas which may be worse at night or after bathing/showering
Inflammation or irritation caused by itching
Raised lines with a spot at one end, where eggs have been laid under the skin

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STI caused by a bacterium.

Symptoms:

An ulcer or sore develops on the penis, vulva/vagina, or anus, this is usually painless but may leak discharge
A dark rash in patches about the size of a penny, often appears on the palms and soles of the feet, but can be widespread. It is not usually itchy or painful.
Non-malignant tumours on joints, organs and under the skin

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that damages white blood cells within your immune system.

Symptoms:

At the time of infection, seroconversion illness may occur- this is a short illness characterised by a sore throat, high temperature and blotchy red rash
You may also feel sick, have swollen glands, and general aches and pains
Black powder in the underwear
After the primary infection there may be no symptoms for several years, but the virus will be continuing to damage the immune system

Basket

Sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Chlamydia

Gonorrhoea

Trichomoniasis

Genital herpes

Genital warts

Pubic Lice

Scabies

Syphilis

HIV