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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Being sexually active increases your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The more partners you have, the higher the risk of getting an STI.

If you are worried that you may have put yourself at risk of an STI after unprotected sex, it is important and easy to get tested. If you are aged 16 or over, order a test to do at home.

Remember - you or your partner may not have any symptoms, but could still pass an STI on to someone else.

Contact your local team on 0300 790 0245 (East Kent) or 0300 373 0709  (West Kent) to book a phone triage appointment, to identify the most appropriate service for your needs.

In this section

  • Gonorrhoea

    Symptoms include genital discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. Often symptomless, left undetected it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.

  • Syphilis

    Symptoms include sores in the mouth or genitals followed by a sore throat, rash or swollen lymph glands. However, you may not have any symptoms.

  • Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is often symptomless, you may not know you have it. Left undetected, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or prevent you from having children.

  • HIV

    Symptoms include a high temperature, sore throat and a rash followed by a period of no symptoms. However, it's possible that you may not have any symptoms.

  • Genital Warts

    Symptoms include warts that appear on the genitals weeks or even months after sexual contact.

  • Genital Herpes

    Symptoms include soreness leading to painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding areas.

  • Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    Read about some less common STIs.

  • Get tested for STIs

    Order and return an STI testing kit for a range of STIs and HIV.

  • Notify a partner about a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

    It’s important to tell your sexual partner that you have an STI, so that they can be tested and treated, our nurses are here to support you.

  • Treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

    How to get treatment if you have an STI.

  • Get protected, use condoms

    Protect yourself against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections by using a condom every time you have sex.

  • Emergency HIV treatment

    If you think you may have been exposed to HIV you need to visit a clinic within 72 hours.

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