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!

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which over time weakens the immune system and can make you vulnerable to getting infections. It is on the rise in the UK and everyone who is sexually active is at risk. However, there are groups who are more at risk than others and activities that might lead to a higher chance of getting the virus, they might include:

	Men who have sex with men		Unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive
	Sharing needles and equipment when injecting drugs		Having sex with someone who comes from a country where HIV is common including parts of Africa, South east Asia, India and the Caribbean
	Paying or being paid for sex		Receiving medical treatment (i.e. a blood transfusion) in one of the countries where HIV is common
	Having sex with someone who falls into the categories of one of the above points		It can also be passed from Mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding

People who have HIV might be healthy and have no symptoms for many years- so it is important to get a regular test, especially when you change sexual partners. Finding out if you have HIV can be scary but it’s better to find out sooner rather than later. The test for HIV is a blood test, which detects HIV antibodies.

But, it does take up to 3 months for HIV to show up in your system – so keep that in mind.

Whilst currently there is no cure it is important to know that HIV is treatable and it’s easier to manage if diagnosed early. You can get routine screening at any of the FRESH clinics, GUM clinic and some GP practices.



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!