What are the first signs of a STD?

STDs, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (also known as STIs, Sexually Transmitted Infections) are incredibly common in people who are sexually active.

The most important thing to bear in mind if you think you may have an STD/STI is to go and get it checked out as soon as you can.

You also shouldn’t have sex (or oral sex) again until you have it checked out as you may infect your partner.

Each STD has its own different symptoms, however they may include;

• Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
• Pain when urinating
• Lumps or growths on the skin around the genitals or anus
• Rashes, blisters and sores around the genitals or anus
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Itchy genitals or anus

Some STDs, like HIV, have no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. Medication and medical support are included if you test positive.

What are the most common STDs?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. The bacteria are usually spread through sex or contact with infected genital fluids (semen or vaginal fluid).

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria that are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid. This infection can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby. If you're pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, it's important to get tested as without treatment, gonorrhoea could cause permanent blindness in your baby.

Genital Warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).

Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. This can be particularly painful as small blisters can appear around your genitals, anus, thighs or backside that can burst, leaving red, open sores. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back.

Pubic Lice are sometimes known as crab lice or crabs, as they have 2 large front legs that look like the claws of a crab.

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that lay eggs in the skin, leaving silvery lines with a dot at 1 end. The rash can appear anywhere, but it often starts between the fingers. It then tends to spread across the whole body.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that's usually caught by having sex with someone who's infected and can cause serious problems if it's left untreated. It can usually be cured with a short course of antibiotics.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system that weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. There's currently no cure, but there’s highly effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a healthy life with a near-normal lifespan.

Benefits of testing at home

Order your test

All of the home collection kits and medication are delivered in a plain envelope with no reference of the contents, for a private testing experience.

Collect your sample

Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample free of charge using the prepaid shipping label provided.

Receive accurate results

Once your sample arrives in the laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.

Get support & treatment

If your results are positive, nurses will call you to explain your results and arrange for medication to be sent to your home, if suitable.

Get your kit now and save!