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The hidden dangers of STIs

The Hidden Dangers of STIsA-Z of Sex Get Condoms By Clicking this button

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are usually passed on between people during sexual contact (although close contact may pass on some infections).

STIs can fall into one of the following categories:

  • Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis;
  • Viral infections such as genital warts, herpes, hepatitis and HIV;
  • Fungal infections such as thrush;
  • Parasitic infections such as pubic lice and scabies.

Some people with an STI will develop symptoms:

In females this may include abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding pattern during the menstrual cycle, deep discomfort during sexual intercourse and genital lesions or ulcers.

In males, urethral discharge, pain when passing urine, genital lesions or ulcers, and occasionally discomfort in the balls or testicles.

Others may have mild symptoms that disappear without treatment, but many will not have any symptoms at all.

So it is really important that if you are worried that you may have put yourself at risk of an STI, such as having sexual intercourse without a condom (vaginal, anal or oral) that you get medical advice, as undiagnosed infections can lead to long-term complications such as reducing fertility in women and men later on so it will be harder to have children when the time is right.

If you are concerned about STI’s go to your GP or better still, a specialist sexual health service such as a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) Department where testing and treatment is available. GUM Departments provide a confidential service and appointments can be made directly by phoning for an appointment. Most GUM clinics are open access, which means you can walk in off the street and be seen that same day, and often sorted out the same day.

East Lancashire

North Lancashire

Blackburn with Darwen

Blackpool

Southport

Preston

GUM/Sexual Health Clinic
Workington Community Hospital
Walk-In Clinic: Tuesdays 2-5pm

GUM/Sexual Health Clinic
Cumberland Infirmary
Walk-in Clinic: Fridays 8.30-11am

GUM Birchwood Clinic
Furness General Hospital
Walk-In Clinic (19 years and under): Monday to Thursday 3.30-5pm

Chlamydia is the most common STI, affecting about 1 in 14 sexually active under 25's. Why not take a Chlamydia test in the first instance, if that is clear then maybe think about using condoms from now on. If the Chlamydia test is clear, but you have itching, discomfort, irregular bleeding or lesions around your genital area go to the GUM clinic. All information, testing and treatment is free and confidential. Your GP WILL NOT be informed.

It is also important that sexual partners of anyone treated for an STI also attend for treatment as otherwise the person will be re-infected with the same infection again. This is partner notification, and the GUM staff are trained to deal with this as sensitively as possible. If you do not know who the partner was, such as a one-night stand, do not worry, as you will not be judged.