Anyone who has had sex without using a condom may be at risk of contracting an STI, and some types of STI can even be picked up if you’ve used a condom, such as Pubic Lice (Crabs) and Genital Warts. Most STI’s are caused by viruses or bacteria and can be passed on during Oral, Vaginal or Anal Sex. The most common STI’s amongst young people are Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Genital Warts and Herpes.
Many STI’s have only mild symptoms, or sometimes no symptoms atall so you really can’t tell who might have an STI just by looking! Although some STI’s might have symptoms such as genital itching, a discharge from the penis or vagina, or a burning sensation when you pee, these symptoms may clear up without treatment, or you may have none of them!
Anyone who has had sex can contract an STI ! Boys and girls are just as likely to contract an STI, but you are at more risk if you have had unprotected sex (that is, sex without using a condom), have several partners at the same time and change partners frequently.
If you have had unprotected sex you should always go and get tested, because left untreated many STI’s can go on to cause serious problems which may become painful and/or cause infertility and other reproductive problems. If you have an STI but don’t know it you could be passing it on to other sexual partners, and that’s not going to be very good for your relationships or your reputation!
If you go to get tested for an STI you will be asked for some basic information, such as your name, age etc, and then some questions about your sex life……but remember this information is completely confidential and will not be shared with anyone, even if you are under 16. Some people may find it a bit embarrassing to discuss their sex life with a stranger, but you really should tell them the truth so that they can help you, plus remember they talk to people about sex every day, so it would be pretty difficult to shock them!
Getting tested for most STI’s is quite straightforward with either a simple urine sample (you will be given a small pot to take to the toilets to pee in), or sometimes by taking a swab.
Taking a swab is done by using a small cotton tipped swab to collect a sample (for girls) from the vagina, cervix (neck of the womb) and Urethra (where you pee from), and for boys from the Urethra (the opening at the end of the penis where you pee from) and if necessary from your bottom and your throat depending on if you have had anal and/or oral sex.
Although the process of taking a swab may be a little embarrassing or uncomfortable, it really isn't painful, and the trick is to just try and relax and remind yourself that the Doctor/Nurse seeing you will have seen hundreds of other people that week !
If your feeling a bit nervous you can ask for your partner or a friend to come with you into the examining room, and the staff will explain exactly what they are going to do before they do it.
Sometimes the clinic will offer you treatment before your results come back, or they may ask you to telephone in to get your results in a few days or a week, depending on which STI's they have tested for. Many STI's can be treated with Oral medication, although some may need you to come back into the clinic for treatment. It is usual for them to ask you about your recent sexual partners and request that they can contact them on your behalf to ask them to come in to get tested also, as it is likely that if you test positive for an STI than any recent partners will also be infected.
You can get tested for STI's at:
You can also reqest an on-line Chlamydia Screening Postal Kit here. Go to Find a Service to find more details on services that provide STI screening in Kirklees.
There are many organisations that offer Sexual Health information and advice, confidentially, to young people. Go to Useful Links to find some of the places where you can access information on-line, or through a telephone helpline.