Private Sexual Health Clinic in Reading & Berkshire

Each STD presents different symptoms, and those symptoms may vary from person to person. The only way to know for certain if you have a sexually transmitted infection is to be tested. However, some common symptoms can include:

• Pain during sex or whilst urinating
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the genitals
• Painful sores or blisters
• Spotting or bleeding in between periods
• Abdominal pain

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we have mentioned above, get in touch with a member of our team who will be able to advise on the best course of action and which test to take. To find out more about the timeframe that symptoms start showing up, read our recent blog post.

Yes, you can still get tested for possible STDs while menstruating. Unfortunately, we can’t take vaginal swabs whilst you are on your period, but there are other ways we can test for STDs. Other methods include drawing blood from your arm, or collecting a urine sample. Find out more in one of our blog posts.

Testing for STDs not only gives you peace of mind, but it also means you won’t unknowingly pass potentially dangerous infections onto others. You may also benefit from STD testing if:

• Someone that you’ve slept with has notified you that they have an STD
• You’ve had a one night stand with someone and you want to get checked
• You’ve just started a new relationship and you want to make sure you’re clear
• You’ve noticed symptoms that you think could be connected to an STI
• You’re trying for a baby and want to make sure you are clear of any STIs that could affect your pregnancy (if this is the case, take a look at our Comprehensive IVF Screen)

You need to get tested as part of a job application or visa application (take a look at our HIV Test & Visa Certificate or the Complete Travel Test & Visa Certificate)

Even if you have no symptoms, you could still carry an STD. If you are having sex with only one partner, you should get a ‘sexual health MOT’ every six months to be on the safe side. Tests every six months should include HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. If you have regular sexual contact with new people, you should get tested before each new partner, to ensure you don’t unknowingly pass on an STD.

There are a number of STDs that never present with symptoms, meaning that you could unknowingly have an STD, and be unwillingly passing it on to partners. For more information on which STDs don’t always present symptoms, read our recent blog post ‘Are there any STDs with no symptoms?’

Your Sexual Health offers a private sexual health screening service that is based on your schedule and needs. With Your Sexual Health, you can:

• Find seven clinics located across Reading and Berkshire which means you’ll be able to find the most suitable option for you
• Get discreet Home Testing Kits delivered straight to your door
• Receive screening results instantly with our Instant Testing service
• Get tested for multiple STDs from the same sample with our Profile Tests
• Keep your test results secret, which means they won’t go on your NHS records unless you specifically request it