Expert, evidence-based articles on STIs, testing, prevention, and sexual wellbeing. Written by UK sexual health experts.
Shigella is a highly infectious bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact, particularly oral-anal contact. Understanding the rise of gut-based STIs and when testing may help can provide clarity.
STI anxiety while waiting for results is extremely common and understandable. Practical coping strategies, understanding what to expect, and knowing when to seek advice can help manage the wait.
Rimming, also known as anilingus, carries recognised risks for certain infections including herpes, HPV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and hepatitis A. Understanding the STI risks and when to test can provide reassurance.
If you have recently taken doxycycline after a potential exposure, you may be wondering whether your test results could be affected. Understanding the relationship between doxy-PEP and STI testing is important because taking antibiotics around the time of testing can influence the accuracy of results.
HIV PCR testing is a method of early detection that can identify the virus sooner than standard antibody-based tests. By detecting the genetic material of HIV itself, PCR testing can significantly reduce the window period.
Understanding which infections can realistically be detected with rapid, point-of-care tests — and which require laboratory analysis — helps set clear expectations before attending an appointment.
For London-based travellers, questions about pre-travel STI screening and post-holiday STI testing are increasingly common and entirely reasonable. Testing may provide reassurance and clarity.
The seven most commonly diagnosed STIs in the UK are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, HIV, and trichomoniasis. Understanding which infections are most prevalent can help individuals make informed decisions about testing.
Being treated for one STI does not automatically protect you against contracting another. Each sexually transmitted infection is caused by a different organism, and treatment for one does not create immunity against others.
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