Expert, evidence-based articles on STIs, testing, prevention, and sexual wellbeing. Written by UK sexual health experts.
Herpes sores can be painful, disruptive, and recurring—but effective treatment can significantly reduce discomfort and speed up healing. This guide explains how to treat herpes sores quickly, recognise early warning signs, manage outbreaks with antiviral medication, and use supportive home care and dietary strategies.
Mycoplasma and ureaplasma are often-missed sexually transmitted infections that can cause persistent urogenital symptoms and long-term complications if untreated. This guide explains how these infections are transmitted, symptoms in men and women, why they are frequently excluded from routine screening, how they are diagnosed, and which antibiotics are effective. It also outlines prevention strategies and when private STI testing is recommended.
Chlamydia is often described as a "dormant" infection, but in reality it is usually asymptomatic rather than inactive. Learn about incubation periods, silent transmission, and why testing is essential.
STI symptoms do not always appear immediately after sexual intercourse. This guide explains how long after sex STI symptoms may develop, outlines incubation periods for common infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, herpes, and syphilis, and clarifies when testing is most reliable. It also covers why some STIs remain asymptomatic, how symptoms may be confused with UTIs, and when private STI testing is recommended to avoid false-negative results.
Herpes meningitis is a rare but serious complication caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), leading to inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This guide explains what herpes meningitis is, how it differs from sexually transmitted infections, common symptoms, diagnostic methods such as PCR testing, treatment options, potential complications, and when to seek urgent medical care.
Herpes can look very different depending on where it appears on the body. Learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of herpes on the mouth, genitals, fingers, eyes, and other areas—plus what's often mistaken for herpes and when to seek testing.
Blue Waffle Disease is one of the most searched and misunderstood terms online. This article separates fact from fiction and explains when genuine STI testing is necessary.
Many people assume STIs only spread through penetrative sex, but several infections can transmit through skin-to-skin contact, kissing, blood exposure, and more. Learn the facts and when to get tested.
A noticeable or persistent vaginal odour can sometimes indicate an underlying sexually transmitted infection. This guide explains what STDs can cause vaginal smell, why infections alter vaginal odour, and how to distinguish natural changes from signs of infection.
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