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!

Gonorrhoea is less common than Chlamydia but 1 in 100 young people still have it. 10% of men and 80% of women have absolutely no symptoms.

If you do have symptoms, they could include:

	Pain when having a wee		Pain/Stinging when having a wee
	Lower abdominal pain		Pain or tenderness in the testicles
	Increased or changed vaginal discharge		A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
	Bleeding/Spotting in between periods

In Manchester when you get tested for Chlamydia RUClear will automatically do a test for Gonorrhoea and vice versa. It is exactly the same test and you will be contacted if you have either Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia. Details are above, but if you want more information check out the RUClear website, which can be found on our links page.

If you have Gonorrhoea it is easily treated with antibiotics- so not as scary as it sounds! Like any treatment for an STI you receive at FRESH or GUM you will be supported in telling recent sexual partners to get themselves tested and treated.

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!