This section provides an overview of the different STIs. If you are worried you have an STI ring Sefton Sexual Health on 01695 656550 to arrange a consultation.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or genital contact.
You can be tested for STIs at any Sefton Sexual Health clinic. If you are found to have an STI it is important that any sexual partners are also treated or you risk becoming re-infected after you have received treatment.
If you are worried that you may have caught a STI, but have no symptoms (asymptomatic) you need to wait at least two weeks after sexual exposure, as this is the time required for testing to be accurate. You can order a home testing kit for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV from here.
For tests requiring a urine sample:
Males need to hold their urine for 1 hour before being seen. If they are waiting, but unable to hold their bladder, they can speak to the receptionist who will provide them a collection pot.
Females can do their own swab if they do not wish to have an examination.
Condoms (also called external, or male, condoms) reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and help prevent pregnancy. Click here for free condoms by post.