Syphilis used to be a Sexually Transmitted Infection that was rare in the UK. However, over recent years this infection has become more common in the UK. It can cause vague symptoms in its early stages and a simple blood test can help diagnose the infection. It is an infection which can be treated. Untreated it can cause long-term health problems and complications during pregnancy. If you think you are at risk we advise you are tested.

Men and women who have Chlamydial infections often won’t have any symptoms and it is only picked up because they decide to get tested for Sexually Transmitted infections. Getting tested is the most essential step, as once it is detected it can be treated by doctors. Undetected Chlamydia can go on to cause complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and infertility. If you are worried about Chlamydia getting tested is not as bad as you may think, a simple fresh urine sample may be all you need to do to be screened.

Gardasil is a vaccine intended to protect against diseases caused by Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) types 6,11, 16 and 18. These diseases include pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix, vulva, genitals and genital warts in males and females. Vaccination aims to reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Call in confidence with enquiries.

Following a trial in London, research has shown that PrEP (pre-exposure Prophylaxis) for HIV can reduce the chance of transmission of HIV in men having sex with men. It involves reliably taking a daily tablet, Truvada, for best results. Before starting PrEP and whilst taking it, it is important to have blood tests to monitor how the medication may affect your body. A review by a doctor is highly recommended to ensure Truvada is working for you and to check your sexual health in general.

|There are plenty of common myths about STD’s which are untrue. Some of these include:

‘You can get STD from having oral sex’.

Not true. Oral sex can transmit STD. The skin inside the mouth is softer and not as tough as skin on the outside of our body, so its easier for infections to be transmitted.

‘You can’t get a STD if you only have sex once’.

This is not true. Having sex once is definitely enough to transmit STD’s.

‘He/she didn’t seem to have a y sign of anything being wrong, so they can’t have a STD’.

This is not true. Many people can have STD without knowing it and can have no sign of infection and may not have a symptoms.

‘You can only get the same STD once’.

This is not always true. If you have HIV or herpes, by continuing to have unprotected sex, you can still catch other strains of these viruses. Also having a bacterial STD e.g. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, before does not make you immune to the infection again.

‘You can only catch herpes when the other person has an outbreak’.

This is not true as studies have shown that people are still shedding the herpes virus after sores and symptoms have gone. They can still transmit it to a new partner

We can help answer any further questions you may have, offer testing and treatment. Call us confidentially on 0845 868 4480 or 07531194797 or email on enquiries@theprivatesticlinic.co.uk

The most recent report of the number of Sexually transmitted infections in Wales has been published. It is clear that the number people with Chlamydia and Herpes has dramatically increased and it can be seen that many of these cases continue to be in people over 24 years old. Increasingly there is a trend for people aged 40-65 being at risk of STI’s when they have new sexual partners. If you are new to the dating scene and of this age or older, have you considered Chlamydia, Herpes or even HIV? If you think you are at risk of having a STI we recommend you get tested. Tests often just involve a urine sample and our results can be back the following day or in clinic. Call us confidentially with enquiries on 07531 194 797 or 0845 868 4480.

Most people with a HIV infection do not know that they have it. HIV infection can cause few symptoms and often in early infection these are general e.g. fever, feeling unwell, swollen glands. Testing for HIV is the only way to know your status. HIV tests can be confusing, there are different types and which is best for you and your situation. We offer quality care and advice you can trust. Confidentiality, no queues, instant or overnight results, doctor-led care and quality testing will all be of benefit to you.