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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be passed from one person to another during sex or intimate contact. Most STIs are passed between sexual partners through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex.

It is a good idea to get tested, especially if you have recently changed partners.

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Order your free STI kit in Brent, Ealing, and Harrow

If you’re worried you might have an STI but you don’t have symptoms, you may be able to get a free testing kit sent to your home.

If you live in Brent, Ealing, or Harrow, Sexual Health London can send you a home testing kit.

Send your test back to the lab and the results will be with you in just a few days.

Get your free testing kit in Brent, Ealing, and Harrow

100% free and confidential

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Order an STI testing kit in Hillingdon

If you’re worried you might have an STI but you don’t have symptoms, you may be able to get a free testing kit sent to your home.

If you live in Hillingdon, SH:24 can send you a home testing kit for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV.

Order online, test at home, get your results by text.

Get your free testing kit in Hillingdon

100% free and confidential

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Symptoms

STI symptoms may vary and sometimes there are no symptoms at all or they develop after some time.  The only way to avoid passing infections on to other people is to have an STI test.

Some symptoms that you may experience:

  • Itchiness
  • Soreness
  • Redness or a Rash
  • Lumps or sores on the genitals
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Discharge from the penis or vagina
  • Stomach pain
  • Pain in the groin
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Testing

The only way to know if you have an infection is to have an STI test.

It can take time for some STIs to show up in tests, but most infections can be cured.

If you’re diagnosed with an STI you should avoid having sex with anyone until you have completed treatment. 

If you do have sex, the infection could be passed to your sexual partner.