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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Someone I had sex with has an STI but I don't have any symptoms. Should I still get tested?

Yes, you should get tested. However, the chance of being infected does partly depend on whether you used protection and the type of STI the person you had sex with has.

Explanation

Some STIs, such as gonorrhoea and HIV, are not as likely to be passed between individuals if you used a condom and you are sure it didn't split and it was worn properly. Genital warts and genital herpes may still be passed even if you did use a condom as they may be on areas not covered by the condom. So if the person you had sex with has an infection like this, you may have it even if you did use a condom.

Sometimes you won't have any symptoms if you have an STI and you may not know that you have it.

You should get tested. It will ensure that you get treatment if you have an STI or it can reassure you that you haven't got the STI in question or any other. If you don't go and you do have an infection, it may get worse and lead to complications. You could also pass it to someone else.

Further information

Sources

  • I think I might have a sexually transmitted infection. Family Planning Association (FPA). www.fpa.org.uk, accessed 4 September 2008
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Are the tests painful?

No, but you may feel some discomfort.

Explanation

Swabs (samples) may be taken from the penis in men and can also be taken from the urethra (where you pass urine) in women. Afterwards you may feel a slight discomfort when you pass urine but this will go away. Swabs are also taken from the vagina and cervix in women and are similar to those taken during a smear test. Finally, swabs might also be taken from the rectum or even throat if you had anal or oral sex. Again, you may feel uncomfortable but this won't be painful.

Often blood is also taken and you may be asked to provide a sample of urine.

Further information

Sources

  • Pattman R SM, Handy P, Sankar K N, Elawad B. Oxford Handbook of Genitourinary Medicine, HIV and AIDS. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005
  • Simon C, Everitt H, and Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005
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I am too embarrassed to go to a GUM clinic. Are there home-testing kits available?

There aren't any home tests that can be used to diagnose yourself like a pregnancy test. There are some testing services to which you can send a sample from home; for chlamydia for example. You have to pay for these services. Most people go to a clinic to get tested. HIV home-testing kits are illegal in the UK.

Explanation

Sexual health can be a sensitive subject but it doesn't have to be. It may seem embarrassing to you to go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic but the people who work there will be used to dealing with this. The health professionals will be able to provide advice and can test for infections and give treatments if you have one. You might also have more than one infection so it's important to be tested for different types of STI.

Your health includes your sexual health. You need to be responsible and deal with this pro-actively by overcoming your embarrassment and getting tested at a clinic.

Further information

Sources

  • Testing for HIV. Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). www.tht.org.uk, accessed 3 September 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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