Private Sexual Health Clinic London

Yes, it is possible to contract some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without engaging in sexual intercourse. Certain STIs, such as herpes, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing or oral sex.

Some infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can be passed on through close genital contact, even without penetration.

It's important to remember that STIs can be transmitted through various sexual activities, not just penetrative sex.

The time it takes to receive STI test results can vary depending on the specific test being conducted. In many cases, results for common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis can be available on the same day.

No, thrush, also known as candidiasis, is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. It is a common fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of a yeast called Candida. Thrush can occur in both men and women and is not necessarily linked to sexual activity.

However, sexual partners can sometimes pass the infection back and forth, so it is advisable to seek treatment if you suspect you have thrush.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases or infections vary and some infected individuals do not develop any symptoms at all.

To ensure you do not have an STI or STD, we recommend you and your partner get tested every six months before you become intimate with any new partner.

Common symptoms of STIs include:

• abnormal discharge
• pain during urination or sex
• swelling or redness in or near the penis or vagina

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please seek the help of your GP or a sexual health clinic as soon as you can.

If you have had unprotected sex, whether vaginal, anal or oral, with a new partner, we recommend you have a sexual health screen at least 14 days after exposure for a reliable result.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms before 14 days or after you have been tested, we recommend you get retested at your earliest convenience.

Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all; however, even with no symptoms, chlamydia can cause infertility or damage to your reproductive system if left untreated, while others may experience symptoms.

Symptoms of chlamydia in women may include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge or odour
• Itching or burning in or around your vagina
• Pain when urinating
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding between periods

Symptoms of chlamydia in men may include:

• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• White, cloudy or watery discharge from your penis
• Pain or inflammation in the testicles

If your results come back positive for chlamydia, you will likely be prescribed oral antibiotics to clear the infection and ask you to abstain from any type of sexual activity until the infection has cleared, and you have been retested for cure.

We will also recommend your partner be treated.

If your results come back positive for gonorrhoea, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection, this may be oral antibiotics a one-time injection of antibiotics, or both. While most patients choose to join one of our membership plans, you can still use all our services as a non-member and simply pay our list price (see fees guide).

Not all those infected with gonorrhoea will develop symptoms, with around 1 in 10 infected men and 5 in 10 infected women not experiencing symptoms. For those who do experience obvious symptoms, these will usually develop within two weeks of exposure.

Symptoms in women:

• Painful urination
• Abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pain or bleeding during or after sex

Symptoms in men:

• Clear, milky, yellow or green penile discharge
• Urge to urinate frequently.
• Itching, burning or pain during urination