STI Question Day is Sunday 14th January, so we've answered some of the most commonly asked STI related questions we get here at SASH!
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Q: I’ve just had unprotected sex, should I get tested for STIs now?
A: STIs and HIV can take time to show up on a test as the body first needs to respond to any infection and product antibodies. It is always worth checking with the clinic/home screening service you are using however these are common window periods: chlamydia/gonorrhoea - 2 weeks, HIV – 7 weeks, Hep B/Hep C/syphilis – 12 weeks. You may still be asked to test now just to get a baseline of your current sexual health and then to return to test again. If you had unprotected sex in the last 72 hours and feel you may be at risk of HIV, PEP is available from a sexual health clinic or A&E to try and prevent HIV infection.
Q: Can I tell someone has an STI by looking at them?
A: Sometimes STIs will have symptoms, such as an unusual discharge or bleeding, sores or growths around the genital area, pain during sex or when passing urine. However, the majority of people do not experience any symptoms with an STI, so it is important to access regular screening.
Q: My partner just told me they have an STI, does this mean they cheated on me?
A: STIs can live in the body for years without showing any obvious symptoms, so testing positive for an STI now does not necessarily mean they have had sex with someone else while with you. When in new sexual relationships, it’s always a good idea to talk about sexual health and attend screening.
Q: I have genital herpes, can I only pass it on if I have sores?
A: It can be a good idea not to have vaginal, oral or anal contact or sex when starting to feel the tingle of a new outbreak until the sores around the mouth, vagina or anus have fully healed. Genital herpes can also be spread when you don’t have any symptoms. Using condoms can also help prevent transmission.
Q: My partner and I both took medication for our STI, when can we have sex again?
A: This can depend on the type of STI you have been diagnosed with. With chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis or trichomoniasis, it is recommended that you complete your treatment and once completed to wait an additional 7 days before having sex again.
Q: I used my sex toy whilst I had an STI- does this mean I have to get a new one and throw this one away?
A: STIs can be transmitted through the use of sex toys and it is recommended to follow the instructions that came with your toy for any specific cleaning instructions (such as removing batteries), although in most cases a thorough clean with soap and hot water should be sufficient, while checking the toy for any scratches or grooves that could harbour infections. Whether diagnosed with an STI or not, it’s important to always thoroughly clean a sex toy before using on a different part of the body, such as vagina, anus or mouth, and to clean thoroughly if using with different sex partners. For penetrative sex toys, you might also consider covering with a condom as an additional measure to protect your sexual health.