Sexually transmitted infections are infections that can be caught through sex & sexual activity (and yes that includes oral sex- so get your condoms and dental dams at the ready!). The best ways to avoid catching an STI are to always use a condom and to get regular STI tests done at your local clinic. If you are worried about anything in particular go and get it checked out! Remember the nurses and doctors who work in the sexual health clinics have seen it all before- So don’t be embarrassed!

Chlamydia is the most common STI; 1 in 10 young people have it, but many don’t know that they have it because up to ¾ of women and ½ of men have no symptoms at all. If it doesn’t get treated, Chlamydia can cause serious long term damage and can result in infertility in the future (not being able to have children).

If you do have symptoms, they could include:

	Increased or changed vaginal discharge		Discharge from the penis
	Pain when having a wee or pain during sex		Pain and/or burning when having a wee
	Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen		Painful swelling of the balls (testicles)
	Irregular bleeding between periods or after sex

The test for Chlamydia is very simple and you don’t need to be examined unless you have symptoms. Men pee in a pot and women do a self administered vaginal swab (not as scary as it sounds!!).

In Manchester all Chlamydia tests for under25s are processed by RUClear. They will get your results to you within 2 weeks of being tested. You can request the results to be sent to your personal mobile or email. Nothing will be sent home unless you request i t- and it will always be addressed to you- so it is all completely confidential.

If your test comes back positive, it is easy to treat with antibiotics, and you will be supported in telling recent sexual partners to get themselves tested and treated so that the infection is not passed back or onto a new partner.



If you have symptoms and are worried about one of the above infections (or any other sexually transmitted infection) it is always best to go to a GUM clinic. Often they will be able to start treatment on your first visit.

However, if you are being sensible and getting regular routine checks you can go to a FRESH clinic, GUM and most GP services.

When you come to a FRESH clinic the nurse or doctor will ask you a number of questions about your sexual activity- don’t be embarrassed we ask everyone the same questions! Sometimes, they might feel it is best to refer you to a GUM clinic as they have a more specialist sexual health service, whilst FRESH is a contraception specialist. However, if you are coming in to FRESH we offer a routine sexual health check- so take advantage of it!