What to do if you think you have an STI

If you think you’ve got a sexually transmitted infection (STI), here’s a 5-step guide on what to do next

Fear not, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common and usually very treatable. There’s a lot of stigma around having an STI, so it’s common to feel worried or panicked if you think you have an STI. The most important thing to do, is to do something about it. Nobody wins from waiting.

Here’s a 5-step guide of what to do:

👨‍⚕️ Don’t ignore it!

While it might be nothing, it also might be something. So, don’t bury your head in the sand and continue having sex with people, in case you’re passing on an infection to them. Most STIs are easily treatable with antibiotics, but won’t go away without them.

👨‍⚕️ Diagnose it

Get yourself to a sexual health clinic or your GP. Try to resist googling it! The internet is not the most reliable place for accurate information or support with sexual health issues. Depending on where you are, you might be able to order a home test kit. It’s very understandable to feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable about seeing a healthcare professional, but try to remember that this is all normal for them. They see people with STIs all the time. They’re just interested in getting you the right treatment.

👨‍⚕️ Get it treated

Treatment will vary depending on the STI, so make sure you’re taking the right treatment – and properly! If it’s a course of antibiotics, take the whole course. It’s important not to have any sex while you’re taking the meds. That goes for any type of sexual activity or touching: vaginal, anal, and oral.

👨‍⚕️ Be responsible and let your sexual partner(s) know

If you are diagnosed with an STI, your sexual partner(s) need to know about it. They need to get tested too. This may feel really difficult (again, that STI stigma!), but this is a part of having sex and being responsible about it. Most sexual health services can do this anonymously, no names mentioned, if that feels easier.

👨‍⚕️ Safe sex!

Once you’ve been given the ‘all clear’, you can get back to having sex. But be safe about it! Remember, the only contraception that protects you against STIs are condoms and dental dams.