Sexual Health Assessment and STI Testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and often cause no symptoms. They can spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and many infections are passed on unknowingly.

If you have had a new partner, a potential high-risk exposure, or are experiencing symptoms, testing provides clarity and protects both your health and your partners. We offer discreet, evidence-based sexual health screening tailored to your individual risk.

Gay Men’s Sexual Health

Men who have sex with men (MSM) often require site-specific testing, as infections may be present in the throat, rectum, or urethra without causing symptoms.

Regular screening is particularly important if you have new or multiple partners, or if chemsex is involved. Tailored testing ensures infections are not missed.

STI Prevention

Reducing risk involves a combination of barrier protection, vaccination, and regular screening.

Condoms significantly reduce transmission risk. Vaccines such as HPV, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B protect against some of the most important viral infections. Planning ahead, particularly when alcohol or recreational drugs are involved, and screening around new partners further lowers risk.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is very common and frequently asymptomatic. If untreated, it can lead to fertility problems and pelvic or testicular complications.

Testing is simple, and treatment with antibiotics is usually straightforward.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea can infect the genitals, rectum, or throat. It may cause discharge and pain, or no symptoms at all.

Antibiotic resistance is increasing, making accurate testing, appropriate treatment, and partner notification especially important.

Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium can cause persistent urethritis or cervicitis, particularly when symptoms do not respond to standard treatments.

It requires specific testing and often targeted antibiotics, as resistance is common.

Ureaplasma Urealyticum

Ureaplasma can sometimes be part of the normal genital flora. Treatment decisions are based on symptoms and clinical context rather than a test result alone.

Ongoing irritation or discharge should be assessed as part of a tailored sexual health screen.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is extremely common. Most infections clear naturally, but certain strains cause genital warts, and others are associated with cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.

Vaccination and appropriate screening offer the best protection.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains. They are treatable but may recur for a period of time.

Clinic-based treatments can clear lesions more quickly, and vaccination may reduce future risk.

Molluscum Contagiosum, Pubic Lice and Scabies

These lice and scabies infections spread through close skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.

They may cause bumps, itching, or rash. Diagnosing and treating close contacts helps prevent reinfection and ongoing transmission.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

Herpes may cause painful blisters or sores, though some people have very mild or unrecognised symptoms.

Antiviral treatment can shorten outbreaks and reduce transmission risk, but the virus remains in the body long-term.

Syphilis

Syphilis may begin with a painless sore and later cause rashes or flu-like symptoms.

It is fully treatable with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term complications. Testing is essential if there has been any potential exposure.

HIV

Modern HIV treatment allows individuals to live long, healthy lives. When viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot be transmitted sexually (U=U).

Testing depends on timing after exposure, and PrEP is highly effective for ongoing prevention in those at risk.

Hepatitis A, B and C

Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination. Hepatitis B can be sexually transmitted.

Hepatitis C is primarily blood-borne but may be sexually transmitted in certain contexts. It is now curable with modern antiviral treatment.

Urethritis

Urethritis causes burning, discharge, irritation, or urinary symptoms. It may result from STIs or non-infectious irritation.

Testing guides appropriate treatment, and sexual activity should be avoided until results are available and treatment is completed.

Thrush, Bacterial Vaginosis and Balanitis

Genital discomfort or discharge is frequently caused by conditions such as thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or balanitis. While these are not always sexually transmitted, sexual activity can trigger or worsen symptoms.

If symptoms recur, it is crucial to rule out STIs and address underlying factors such as irritation, recent antibiotics, hygiene practices, or conditions like diabetes.

Clear, Confidential Care

Sexual health is an important part of overall well-being. Regular screening, early treatment, and open discussion reduce long-term complications and transmission risk. If you are unsure whether testing is needed, a confidential consultation can help determine the most appropriate next steps.