All You Need to Know

• How might I catch an STI?

  If you have sex without using a condom, you're at much greater risk of catching an STI.

  Remember, you can also pass on an STI by using an unclean sex toy.

  It's wrong to think you have to have sex with lots of people to catch an STI - anyone who has sex could catch one.

• How do I prevent catching an STI?

  Using a condom every time you have sex - vaginal, anal or oral sex - makes it much safer. Choosing not to use a condom increases the risk a lot.

  If you have a regular sexual partner and are thinking about having sex without a condom, you should both get tested first.

• How do I know if I have an STI?

  You might not. There won't always be symptoms, so if there's a chance you could have an STI, you should take a test.

  Symptoms can take weeks or months to appear. If you have symptoms and they disappear by themselves, you could still have the infection, so it is important to get tested and treated.

  Symptoms of an STI can include:

  • An unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
  • Pain when peeing
  • Lumps or skin growths around the genitals or bottom (anus)
  • A rash
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding
  • Itchy genitals or anus
  • Blisters and sores around your genitals or anus
  • Tummy or testicular pain.

• When should I take a test?

  It's a good idea to test regularly and to get checked after every time you have sex with someone new.

  If you have sex with different people regularly, you should get checked at least every three months. You won't always have symptoms with an STI, so regular testing is the best way to know.

  If you have any symptoms that might be an STI (sores, inflammation or discharge) you should go to a clinic or your GP straight away.

• Where do I go?

  You can get tested at a sexual health clinic, or you could go to a GP. Some pharmacies also offer testing services. 

  You don't even have to visit a clinic - if you're aged 16 or over, you can order home testing kits through SH.UK, an online sexual health service.

  Order a home test kit

  The iCaSH (Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health) service provides help with all aspects of sexual health. In Norfolk, they have clinics in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn. They will be able to advise you on where to get testing or book appointments. They also have home kits available for people to collect. To make an appointment call 0300 300 3030.

  Find your nearest iCaSH clinic

  Young women and other people with a womb or ovaries (aged 16 to 24) can order a free chlamydia postal testing kit from the Terrence Higgins Trust as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).

  Order a chlamydia test kit

• Where can I get free condoms?

  If you are aged between 13-24, you can register for a C-Card which allows you to get free condoms, information and advice.

  If you are under 16, you will need to have a short chat with a trained practitioner to make sure you are safe and supported when it comes to having sex.

  All services are free and confidential and you don't need to give your name or address.

  Get a C-Card

• I'm too embarrassed or scared to take a test

  Don't be. No one wants to find out they have an infection, but it's always better to know if you have one and to get the treatment you need.

  Without treatment, STIs can lead to serious problems - and you can pass the infection on to someone else.

• I don't want my parents to know

  When you visit iCaSH no one else will know, even if you are under 16. The only time this is not the case is if you are thought to be in an unsafe situation, or they are worried about you - and even then it will be discussed with you before anyone is contacted. The same applies if you visit your GP.

  It's best to talk to a parent, carer or other adult about your visit if you can. It might feel embarrassing, but they should be able to help and support you.