Get tested confidentially at any of our regular clinics.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are usually passed on between people during sexual contact (although close contact may pass on some infections).
Using condoms reduces the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection.
Find out about the most common infections below, including signs & symptoms:
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs are usually passed on between people during sexual contact (although close contact may pass on some infections).
Testing and Treatments:
To test for chlamydia; men supply a urine sample, females perform a self-taken vaginal swab.
If your test result is positive, the team will then arrange an appointment for you to be treated for Chlamydia. You should also tell your sexual partner(s) to get tested if you are found to be infected. It is vital that you complete your course of antibiotics, even if you feel well.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can affect fertility if left untreated.
This common sexually transmitted infection (STI) is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea bacteria. The bacteria are usually found in discharge from the penis and vaginal fluid and can infect the cervix, urethra and rectum. In some cases, it can also affect the eyes or throat.
Gonorrhoea can cause long-term fertilityproblems. It is important to get tested regularly.
It is usually spread through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection can also be passed between mother and baby. If you are pregnant, you will be tested and treated before your baby is born.
There are often no obvious signs of being infected with Gonorrhoea.
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a free bespoke STI postal testing kit.
To test for gonorrhoea, men do a simple urine sample. Women will need to take a vaginal swab. If your test result is positive, the team will then arrange an appointment for you to be treated. You will be invited for a test of cure 2 weeks after treatment.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection, if left untreated can cause serious health problems.
There has been a significant increase in syphilis cases in recent years.
Syphilis comes in three stages:
Stage 1 – Painless ulcers usually 2-4 weeks after exposure
Stage 2 – Painless rash, typically on palms of hands or soles of feet, often accompanied by a general unwell feeling
Stage 3 – It starts to attack internally, damaging vital organs
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a FREE bespoke STI postal testing kit.
To test for syphilis you will have a blood test. If your result is positive the team will arrange an appointment for you to be treated. The treatment for syphilis is a prescription of antibiotics with treatment lasting 10-14 days. You will be invited back for a test of cure.
Thrush is a yeast infection that is caused by a natural fungus in the body.
Thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be passed on during sex. STIs are usually passed on between people during sexual contact (although close contact may pass on some infections).
Thrush may cause severe itching, swelling and redness to the genital area and is more common in females. Using soaps and shower gels can trigger thrush.
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a FREE bespoke STI postal testing kit.
Treatments can include tablets, creams and a pessary (a small, soluble block that is inserted into the vagina).
Genital warts are caused by an infection of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This virus is passed between sexual partners through skin-to-skin contact.
Warts around the penis, vagina or anus can be a serious sexual health issue. However, genital warts symptoms are obvious to see; if you notice warts in the areas, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Testing and Treatments:
There is no test for genital wart and we can only diagnose once the warts are visual. Cryotherapy (freezing) can be an effective treatment. There are also several types of cream available to treat the infection which you can apply at home.
After treatment, genital warts can appear to go away or become ‘dormant’. Treatment of any kind can’t guarantee that your genital warts won’t come back.
Please note: you will only be offered treatment if you have visible genital warts. If you aren’t sure whether you do or not, make an appointment with the sexual health service.
Genital herpes is an STI which is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Genital Herpes is passed on through vaginal, anal oral sex and can cause symptoms like blisters in the genital or anal area, pain when urinating and stinging, tingling or itching. It is always best to go to your local sexual health clinic if you think you have herpes.
The doctor or nurse will look for genital blisters before taking a swab of the affected area. You will likely be offered antiviral tablets to help reduce the symptoms while the infection is clearing up.
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a FREE bespoke STI postal testing kit.
We can only diagnose through examination and confirm with a swab from the affected area. There is no routine test for genital viral infections if you do not have any signs or symptoms.
You maybe be given a supply of anti-viral tablets and also may be offered a cream to apply at home which will help alleviate the pain.
Hepatitis A, B, C are different types of hepatitis which are carried in the blood and other bodily fluids such as saliva, semen and vaginal fluids. This means they can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
There are several types of hepatitis, some of which will pass without any problems and others that will require treatment. In many cases, there aren’t any symptoms so it often goes unnoticed.
That’s why if you have unprotected sex, it’s always best to get tested.
Hep A is uncommon in the UK and is more likely to occur in countries with poor sanitation. It is usually passed on when you come into contact with close contact with an infected person or drink contaminated water. However, the less common way that it is transmitted is unprotected anal or oral sex. This type of infection usually passes within a few months and sometimes requires treatment for symptoms like nausea and discomfort
Hep B is the most common type of sexually transmitted viral Hepatitis in the UK. It can be spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles and can be passed from pregnant women to their unborn child.
Symptoms can include reduced appetite, abdominal pain, nausea and flu-like symptoms.
Hep C in the UK is transmitted by the sharing of equipment for intravenous drug use, or in very rare cases through unprotected sex.
Testing and Treatments:
Hepatitis can be diagnosed by a blood test. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A and B.
You may be offered vaccinations against hepatitis A & B depending on your sexual history and associated risks.
Further Information:
HIV is a virus which suppresses the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections, diseases and other illnesses.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the name used to describe the advanced stage of the HIV infection, where the immune system has been damaged due to the virus.
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids like semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood, and breast milk. HIV can be passed on by sharing needles or syringes or having unprotected sex.
Most people with HIV who receive treatment cannot pass on the virus. HIV can affect people of any sexuality. You can only be certain you are HIV-positive if you get tested. Patients usually have a normal life expectancy if they receive an early diagnosis and treatment.
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a FREE bespoke STI postal testing kit.
A blood sample will be taken to test for the virus. Antiretroviral medication will be prescribed following further blood tests.
If you think you have been in recent (last 72 hours) sexual contact with an infected person, you should visit your local sexual health clinic or A&E to access PEPSE (Post Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV following Sexual Exposure) treatment.
PrEP is available from Blackpool and Lancashire Sexual Health Services.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is a highly effective tablet used to reduce the risk of catching HIV.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is caused by an imbalance of the natural bacteria found within the vagina.
If you are concerned about this condition, you should try washing in the shower rather than the bath and avoid using perfumed soaps and bubble bath products; speak to a healthcare professional for more advice.
BV is usually diagnosed due to unusual vaginal discharge. This discharge is usually thin and either white or watery. Symptoms can also include a fish-like odour. BV does not cause itching or soreness.
Key Facts:
- Bacterial Vaginosis is harmless and easily treated.
- The condition cannot be passed on to men.
- Although BV is not technically an STI, it is more common in women who are sexually active.
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a FREE bespoke STI postal testing kit.
Testing includes vaginal examinations and/or a swab test. BV is treated with antibiotics, either in tablet or gel form. Over the counter treatments are available.
Pubic lice are parasites which live in coarse body hair.
Pubic lice can be found in pubic, facial and body hair, and in some cases on eyelashes and eyebrows. They are most commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person and sometimes through sharing towels and bedding.
Unlike most other STIs, condoms do not help to prevent the transfer of pubic lice from one person to another. Itching can be a common symptom.
Testing and Treatments:
If you are aged 16 years or over and live in Lancashire (excluding Blackburn with Darwen), you can request a FREE bespoke STI postal testing kit.
Pubic lice infections can be treated with shampoos, creams and lotions.
