STI Symptoms and Treatments Guide
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What are the symptoms of an STI?
Genital lumps
Genital sores or ulcers
Itching in the pubic/genital area
Penile or Vaginal discharge
None of the above
STI Symptoms and Treatments
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It often causes no symptoms and can be passed between partners without realising. It is known as the silent STI as up to 75% women and 50% of men can have no symptoms.
Symptoms in women may include:
pain passing urine
abdominal pain
abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse or between periods)
Symptoms in men may include:
discharge from the penis
pain at the tip of the penis
To test for the infection you will be asked to provide a urine sample or have a swab taken (from the tip of the penis or vagina).
It is important that chlamydia is treated promptly to prevent long term complications. A short course of antibiotics usually clears the infection.
At our Sexual Health Clinic we provide antibiotics to treat Chlamydia. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection – the second most common STI in the UK. It does not always cause symptoms. Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection which can cause vaginal/penile discharge, pelvic pain, or pain on passing urine.
Symptoms in women may include:
pain passing urine
abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse or between periods)
Symptoms in men may include:
discharge from the penis
pain at the tip of the penis
Gonorrhoea is usually treated with a single antibiotic injection and antibiotic tablet. It is usually recommended that you have a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after treatment so that another test can be carried out to ensure the infection has cleared.
At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide antibiotics to treat Gonorrhoea. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (HEPB) is a virus that can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and cause inflammation of the liver. It can also be transmitted by sharing needles for drug use. It usually has no symptoms but can cause serious liver disease.
Symptoms often include:
being sick
lack of appetite
flu-like symptoms
yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HEPC) is a virus is usually transmitted from sharing needles, from mother to baby but also through sexual contact. In most cases, hepatitis C causes no noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged.
Symptoms are often vague but can include
tiredness
depression
At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide vaccination for Hepatitis B & C. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.
HIV
Rapid Test HIV attacks and weakens our immune system, making us less able to deal with infection and disease. It is most commonly passed on through unprotected sex but can also be transmitted by infected blood or bodily fluid – for example, sharing needles.
HIV is a virus that can cause AIDS. It can be transmitted by sexual intercourse and stays in the body for life, attacking your immune system so that you are unable to fight infections. There is currently no cure for HIV but there are many treatments available to ensure most people with HIV live a normal, and otherwise healthy life. We test for HIV through a blood test.
At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide a rapid, same day, HIV test including advice on treatment for HIV. Call us today on 02890 667878 book an appointment.
Syphilis
Syphilis is not as common as some sexually transmitted infections but can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Syphilis is caused by direct contact with a syphilis sore or lesion. Ulcers can be found in the genital area and also in the mouth. Symptoms and signs can be difficult to recognise.
Early signs (primary syphilis) include skin sores which are usually painless. The will appear 2-3 weeks after contact with the infection (although they may appear sooner). It is important to get tested as soon as possible.
Depending on the time frame, if the first test is negative a repeat test will be arranged at a later date. Syphilis is usually treated with an injection of antibiotics (or tablets).
At Kingsbridge Sexual Health Clinic we provide diagnosis and treatment for syphilis. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an STI that can cause vaginal/penile discharge. Symptoms of trichomoniasis usually develop within a month of infection, although up to half of all infected men and women have no symptoms.
In women, this parasite mainly infects the vagina and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
In men, the infection most commonly affects the urethra, but the head of the penis or prostate gland (a gland near the bladder that helps produce semen) can become infected in some cases.
At Kingsbridge Private Hospital we provide antibiotics for the treatment of Trichomoniasis. Call us today on 02890 667878 to book an appointment.