STIs
What is an STI?
- Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be passed from one person to another during sex or intimate contact
- Most STIs are passed between sexual partners through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex - especially if you don’t use a condom
- It is a good idea to get tested, especially if you have recently changed partners
- The only way to know if you have an infection is to have an STI test. Most infections can be cured
- It can take time for some STIs to show up in tests - learn when STIs show up in tests before you take one
- If you are diagnosed with an STI you should avoid having sex with anyone until you have completed treatment
- If you do have sex, the infection could be passed to your sexual partner.
General symptoms
STI symptoms vary from obvious itchiness, soreness, rashes or redness, to pain when passing urine, discharge from the penis or vagina, and lumps or sores on the genitals. Some symptoms may also be internal - for example, pain inside your stomach or groin.
Sometimes you will get no symptoms at all or the symptoms will take a long time to show. This means you could be passing infections on to other people without knowing it.
The only way to know you have an infection is to have an STI test.
Have I got an STI?
Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms.
STIs can pass from one person to another during sex, especially if you don’t use a condom.
It is a good idea to get tested, especially if you have recently changed partners. Most infections can be cured.
It can take time for some STIs to show up in tests - learn when STIs show up in tests before you take one.
Men who have sex with men
If you are a man who has sex with men then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide four samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing blood, urine, anal and oral samples.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Anal swab
Gonorrhoea is commonly passed on during anal sex. The SH:24 test kit includes a simple swab test. You will need to insert a small cotton swab into your anus about 4 cm. Follow this link to see instructions.
Oral swab
During oral sex it is possible to get infected with Gonorrhoea in your mouth and throat. This is tested with a cotton swab that you simply rub around your mouth for a few seconds.. Follow this link to see instructions.
Urine sample
Chlamydia is a bacteria that infects the tube inside your penis. SH:24 provides a very simple urine test, including a special urine collector and a small sample tube. Follow this link to see instructions.
Men who have sex with women
If you are a man who has sex with women then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood and urine sample.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Urine sample
Chlamydia is a bacteria that infects the tube inside your penis. SH:24 provides a very simple urine test, including a special urine collector and a small sample tube. Follow this link to see instructions.
Men who have sex with both men & women and/or trans*
If you are a man who has sex with men, women and/or trans* then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide four samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing blood, urine, anal and oral samples.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Anal swab
Gonorrhoea is commonly passed on during anal sex. The SH:24 test kit includes a simple swab test. You will need to insert a small cotton swab into your anus about 4 cm. Follow this link to see instructions.
Oral swab
During oral sex it is possible to get infected with Gonorrhoea in your mouth and throat. This is tested with a cotton swab that you simply rub around your mouth for a few seconds.. Follow this link to see instructions.
Urine sample
Chlamydia is a bacteria that infects the tube inside your penis. SH:24 provides a very simple urine test, including a special urine collector and a small sample tube. Follow this link to see instructions.
Women who have sex with men
If you are a woman who has sex with men then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood sample and a vaginal swab.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Vaginal swab
To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea you will need to complete a vaginal swab. The SH:24 test kit includes a small cotton bud swab for this test. Follow this link to see instructions.
Women who have sex with women
If you are a woman who has sex with women then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood sample and a vaginal swab.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Vaginal swab
To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea you will need to complete a vaginal swab. The SH:24 test kit includes a small cotton bud swab for this test. Follow this link to see instructions.
Women who have sex with both men & women and/or trans*
If you are a woman who has sex with men, women and/or trans* then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood sample and a vaginal swab.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Vaginal swab
To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea you will need to complete a vaginal swab. The SH:24 test kit includes a small cotton bud swab for this test. Follow this link to see instructions.
Trans* who have sex with men
If you are trans*, with a penis, and you have sex with men then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide four samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing blood, urine, anal and oral samples.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Anal swab
Gonorrhoea is commonly passed on during anal sex. The SH:24 test kit includes a simple swab test. You will need to insert a small cotton swab into your anus about 4 cm. Follow this link to see instructions.
Oral swab
During oral sex it is possible to get infected with Gonorrhoea in your mouth and throat. This is tested with a cotton swab that you simply rub around your mouth for a few seconds.. Follow this link to see instructions.
Urine sample
Chlamydia is a bacteria that infects the tube inside your penis. SH:24 provides a very simple urine test, including a special urine collector and a small sample tube. Follow this link to see instructions.
Trans* who have sex with women
If you are trans*, with a penis, and you have sex with women then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood and urine sample.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Urine sample
Chlamydia is a bacteria that infects the tube inside your penis. SH:24 provides a very simple urine test, including a special urine collector and a small sample tube. Follow this link to see instructions.
Trans* who have sex with men & women or trans*
If you are trans*, with a penis, and you have sex with men, women and/or trans* then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide four samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing blood, urine, anal and oral samples.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Anal swab
Gonorrhoea is commonly passed on during anal sex. The SH:24 test kit includes a simple swab test. You will need to insert a small cotton swab into your anus about 4 cm. Follow this link to see instructions.
Oral swab
During oral sex it is possible to get infected with Gonorrhoea in your mouth and throat. This is tested with a cotton swab that you simply rub around your mouth for a few seconds.. Follow this link to see instructions.
Urine sample
Chlamydia is a bacteria that infects the tube inside your penis. SH:24 provides a very simple urine test, including a special urine collector and a small sample tube. Follow this link to see instructions.
Trans* who have sex with men
If you are trans*, with a vagina, and you have sex with men then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood sample and a vaginal swab.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Vaginal swab
To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea you will need to complete a vaginal swab. The SH:24 test kit includes a small cotton bud swab for this test. Follow this link to see instructions.
Trans* who have sex with women
If you are trans*, with a vagina, and you have sex with women then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood sample and a vaginal swab.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Vaginal swab
To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea you will need to complete a vaginal swab. The SH:24 test kit includes a small cotton bud swab for this test. Follow this link to see instructions.
Trans* who have sex with men & women or trans*
If you are trans*, with a vagina, and you have sex with men, women and/or trans* then SH:24 can provide you with a simple way to get tested for four of the most common STIs.
To know when to test is really important. Use this diagram to find out how at risk you are.
You will need to provide two samples to test for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, HIV & Syphilis. This means providing a blood sample and a vaginal swab.
Blood sample
This is needed to test for Syphilis and HIV. The sample is drawn from a tiny puncture in the tip of your finger, made using a small lancet. You will need to collect about 15 drops of blood. Follow this link to see instructions.
Vaginal swab
To test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea you will need to complete a vaginal swab. The SH:24 test kit includes a small cotton bud swab for this test. Follow this link to see instructions.
Getting your test results
Every test kit has to be sent back to the lab for analysis. There’s a separate freepost laboratory return envelope included within your kit. Your details will not appear on any of the samples or the freepost envelope, as SH:24 is completely confidential.
We will keep you updated by text message. We will send a text when your test kit has been dispatched to you and when the lab receives your samples.
We will text you your test results as soon as possible - always within 7 days. If you do have an infection, we will advise you of how to get treatment and further support.
If our free service is not available in your area, STI test kits are available to purchase from our sister service Fettle.health.
How do I get treatment?
We will send you your results by text message. If you have an infection, SH:24 will advise you to visit your local clinic for treatment. In some cases, an NHS clinician may call you to offer additional advice.
Typically, treatment will include a course of antibiotics, and may require you to attend a clinic in person.
You can also find your nearest sexual health clinic at any time at sxt.org.uk