Guide on STD symptoms and different ways to get tested
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect anyone that is sexually active. The sexuality or sexual preference of the person does not matter; if you don’t take the right precautions and protection, everyone is vulnerable to STDs.
There often isn’t any way of knowing for sure that you have a sexually transmitted infection or disease without getting tested. Fortunately, the number of STI testing options has increased over time. Before we discuss some of these testing options, it’s important to highlight the symptoms of these STD’s.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which is found in your genital area and can be hard to detect during the early stages. The STD symptoms tend to appear 1-3 week after you have been exposed.
The common signs of this infection include:
- Testicular pain in men
- Discomfort when passing urine
- Women can experience virginal discharge
- Pains in the lower stomach area
- Women can bleed in-between periods
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse
For more information, please refer to our Chlamydia advice page.
Gonorrhoea Symptoms
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that commonly attacks the genital area. However, this STI can also grow in other parts of your body including the throat, eyes, and mouth. The first STD symptoms tend to appear in the first 10 days after exposure
The common signs of this infection include:
- Pains when passing urine
- Swollen testicles in men
- Discomforting bowel movements
- Anal irritation
- Dense discharge for both men or women
- Heavy bleeding during menstrual cycle
- Painful during sexual intercourse
Our Gonorrhoea advice page gives more information.
Trichomoniasis symptoms
This STI infection comes from a one-celled parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. The infection causes problems to the urinal tract for man and virginal area for women. The STD symptoms can vary from mild irritation to huge swelling, and can include:
- Green or yellow coloured discharge for women
- Strong virginal smell
- Irritation in the virginal area
- Problems passing urine
- Pains while performing intercourse
HIV Symptoms
HIV is an infection which decreases your ability to fight off viruses, fungi and bacteria. HIV can also lead to AIDS which is a chronic and potentially life threating disease.
Typical early symptoms of HIV include:
- Fever & Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sorethroat
- Rashes & skin irritation
- Fatigue
See our HIV advice page for more information.
STD testing options
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or have recently had sexual intercourse without the use of protection, then you should get tested as soon as possible. Our private STD clinics are completely confidential and are the preferred choice for many patients.
If it’s difficult for you to attend these clinics, you can order an STI home test or use our mobile clinic service. This is some of the testing options available at
The rise of the internet and other emerging technologies has given us the ability to share and increase the awareness of such an important point.
Furthermore, it has enabled people to get tested and if needed, treated quickly, while remaining completely anonymous. Here are some of the different STI testing kits available for your sexual health:
Postal Test Kit service
Your Sexual Health offers a 100% confidential postal testing service. You purchase the test or tests that you need. After you have made your selection we will send the specific testing kit along with a simple to follow but detailed instructions or you can watch the following video
Once you have collected the sample and sent it back via our paid postage pack, our laboratory team conduct the necessary testing, after which your results are communicated to you in whatever method of contact you prefer.
Home Visit testing service
Your Sexual Health also has a mobile team of health professionals that can visit you in a preferred address nationwide. You simply select and purchase the specific Home testing profile and our mobile team of health professionals will come to meet with you and collect your samples before sending them to our accredited laboratory. Once your samples have been analysed, we send you the results in whatever format of communication you prefer.
Private STI clinics
Your Sexual Health also has a nationwide network of private STD clinics across the length and breadth of the UK which can administer our extensive range of tests including; single tests for HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and syphilis to comprehensive multi-test profiles and much more. Find your closest testing centre today.
