Sexual Health

An STI (sexually transmitted infection) is an infection passed from person to person through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, HIV, and HPV. Many STIs have no obvious symptoms, which is why regular testing is important even if you feel completely well.

Many STIs have no symptoms at all, meaning the only way to know for certain is to get tested. Some infections may cause symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain when urinating, sores or blisters around the genitals, or pelvic pain, but the absence of symptoms does not mean you are clear. If you have had unprotected sex or a new sexual partner, testing is the only reliable way to check your status.

STIs are more common than many people realise, and rates have been rising across the UK in recent years. Chlamydia remains the most commonly diagnosed STI, particularly among people under 25, while cases of gonorrhoea and syphilis have also increased significantly.

If you have a single long-term partner and neither of you has any risk factors, annual testing may be sufficient. If you have multiple partners or change partners regularly, testing every three to six months is advisable. You should also test after any instance of unprotected sex with a new partner, regardless of how recently you last tested.

Yes. All consultations and test results at Friends Medical Service are completely confidential. Your GP will not be informed without your explicit consent and your results will not be shared with anyone else. You can feel confident discussing your sexual health openly with our clinicians without fear of judgement.

No. At Friends Medical Service you can book an STI test directly without needing a referral from your own GP. 

If your results come back positive, a clinician will contact you to discuss your results and the appropriate course of treatment. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Others, such as herpes and HIV can be very effectively managed with medication. You will not be judged, our team is here to support you through the next steps.

Many STIs can be fully cured with the right treatment. Bacterial infections including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are typically treated with antibiotics. Viral infections such as herpes, HIV, and HPV cannot be cured but are manageable with treatment, allowing people to live healthy, normal lives. In general, the sooner an infection is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Please do not hesistate to book an appointment if you suspect that you could have been exposed to an STI.

Any appointment booked, tests ordered and test results stay fully confidential between you and your doctor, however it is strongly advisable to inform any current or recent sexual partners if you test positive for an STI, so they can get tested and treated if necessary. If you find this difficult, our team can discuss partner notification options with you in a way that protects your confidentiality where possible. There are several methods to anonymously contact sexual partners in the case that you test positive.

Yes. Several STIs including herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HPV can be transmitted through oral sex. Using barrier protection such as condoms or dental dams reduces but does not eliminate the risk. If you have had unprotected oral sex and are concerned, speak to our team about which tests are appropriate.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency course of medication that can prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of potential exposure. It must be started as soon as possible. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, contact us or go to your nearest emergency department immediately without delay.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to significantly reduce their risk of contracting HIV. It is highly effective when taken correctly and is an important tool for people at higher risk of HIV exposure. Speak to our clinician if you would like to discuss whether PrEP is appropriate for you.

We will discuss your preferred method of receiving results at your appointment. Results can be provided by phone, email or discussed in a follow-up consultation. We handle all results discreetly and confidentially.