Question 1

How soon after unprotected sex can I get tested?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can usually be detected after 14 days. HIV requires at least 18–45 days for a reliable result using a 4th-generation test, with 90 days for complete certainty. Syphilis takes 21–90 days. Testing too early can produce a false negative — use our STI Testing Timeline for your specific exposure date.

Question 2

What is included in a standard STI screen?

Accepted Answer

A standard screen typically covers chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. Depending on the clinic and your risk factors, it may also include hepatitis B and C, herpes, and trichomonas. Different sites require different swabs — if you have had anal or oral sex, make sure to request swabs from those sites too, as infections at these locations are often missed without targeted testing.

Question 3

Can you have an STI with no symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is very common. Chlamydia has no symptoms in about 70–80% of people. Gonorrhoea is asymptomatic in roughly 50% of those with penises and a higher proportion of those with vaginas. HIV often causes only mild or unrecognised symptoms during early infection. This is why regular testing is recommended even when you feel completely well.

Question 4

What does a chlamydia or gonorrhoea discharge look like?

Accepted Answer

Chlamydia discharge is typically thin, watery, and may be white or cloudy. Gonorrhoea discharge is often thicker, more yellow or green, and can be more abundant. However, discharge appearance is not a reliable way to distinguish infections — a swab and urine test are required for accurate diagnosis.

Question 5

Can STIs cause pain when urinating?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Burning or stinging when urinating is a common symptom of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have had unprotected sex recently, request an STI screen alongside a urine culture to cover both possibilities.

Question 6

Can I get an STI through oral sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, and HPV can all be transmitted through oral sex. The risk is generally lower than for penetrative sex, but it is not zero. Gonorrhoea of the throat (pharyngeal gonorrhoea) is often asymptomatic and requires a dedicated throat swab — it is frequently missed when only genital swabs are taken.

Question 7

Are all STIs curable?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial STIs — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas — are curable with antibiotics. Viral STIs — HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C — are not curable but are highly manageable. HIV is controlled with antiretroviral therapy; herpes is managed with antiviral medication to suppress outbreaks; hepatitis C can now be cured with direct-acting antiviral treatment in most cases.

Question 8

What happens if gonorrhoea is untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with uteruses — which can lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. In people with testes, it can cause epididymo-orchitis. Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, so early treatment with ceftriaxone injection (current UK first-line) is important.

Gonorrhoea

Common questions about Gonorrhoea