STIs and HIV
At Essex Sexual Health Service, we understand the thought of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can seem daunting or scary.
STIs are common and can affect anyone – however they are becoming increasingly easy to treat, with many of the most common being curable.
Here you’ll be able to find more information on some of the most common, their symptoms, how to get tested and what treatment is available.
None of the information on this page is here to scare or stop you from having sex, it’s simply to encourage a healthy sexual lifestyle.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and one of the most common STIs in the UK – particularly amongst teenagers and young adults.
Things to know:
- Sometimes you can have chlamydia without showing any symptoms
- For some people (not all) it can cause pain, discharge and potentially lead to complications
- Chlamydia is usually very treatable with antibiotics
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection which can infect the urethra (the tube which you use to pass urine/wee), the womb, the rectum and can be passed to the throat or eyes.
Things to know:
- The most common symptom is a thick green or yellow discharge from the penis or vagina
- However, around 10% of born males and 50% of born females do not have any symptoms
- It is usually easily treated with a single antibiotic injection
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus which is spread through bodily fluids and can potentially cause a serious infection of the liver.
It can disappear, stay inside you without doing anything or create life-long illness.
Things to know:
- Symptoms will usually start to show 2-3 months after infection
- They may include flu-like symptoms, yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and stomach pain
- The treatment will depend on the length and severity of the infection
Herpes
Herpes (also known as genital herpes) is a virus which can be easily passed on even when no symptoms or visible signs of infection are present.
It is a lifelong condition which causes blisters around the genitals that clear up – but often return.
Things to know:
- Unfortunately, herpes doesn’t currently have a cure – but most people with the condition live a normal life and it doesn’t affect their everyday
- Outbreaks can return but often reduce in severity over time
- Antiviral treatment is available to reduce symptoms in severe cases