Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other genital infections

What is an STI?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is any kind of bacterial or viral infection that can be passed on through unprotected sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal or oral sex, sharing sex toys without condoms, and sometimes through skin to skin contact.

You don’t need to have lots of partners, anyone can get an STI, and most are easily treated. Getting tested is free and confidential. Most people in Norfolk test regularly; it’s part of looking after your sexual health.

There is no reason to be embarrassed or guilty about getting an STI. These feelings may stop you from getting tested and treated, making it more likely that STIs will impact your sexual health and be passed on to your partners.

Protection against sexually transmitted infections

Nothing will provide 100% protection as some STIs are spread via bodily contact with any sores, rashes or blisters present.

There’s no single right choice. You may decide to use different prevention methods at various times in your life.

Condoms and lube

Using condoms correctly and consistently with your partner(s), and on your sex toys if you share them, will provide you with the best level of protection against STIs.

Use external (male) or internal (female) condoms every time you have penetrative sex, either vaginal/frontal or anal sex.
Avoid sharing sex toys unless they are covered with a new condom before the other person uses them.

Using water-based or silicone-based lube helps to:

make sex more comfortable and safer
prevent condoms breaking

Free condoms by post

Free condoms by post are available to most people who live in Norfolk.

This is to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can order a pack once a month.

To be eligible, you must:

be aged 16 or over
live at an address within Norfolk postcodes
have not ordered condoms from us in the last month

Any other orders will not be processed.

Order free condoms by post

HIV PrEP

DoxyPEP

Vaccinations

Symptoms

Most people won’t have or show any signs or symptoms of an STI so it’s important to test regularly and after each new sexual partner. If you have an STI and don’t know it, you can pass on the infection unknowingly.

Sometimes symptoms don’t appear for weeks or months, and may go away, although you can still have the infection. If left untreated, some STIs can be painful or uncomfortable, and can permanently damage your health and fertility. This is why it is important to be tested regularly.

These are the most common signs of an STI; if you experience any of the following, you should seek advice:

Unusual discharge from the vagina
Discharge from the penis
Pain or burning when you pass urine (pee)
Itches, rashes, lumps or blisters, mainly around the genitals or anus (back passage), but can be on other parts of the body
Pain and/or bleeding during sex
Bleeding between periods (including using hormonal contraception)
Bleeding after sex
Pain in the testicles
Pain in the lower abdomen (belly)

However, if you don’t recognise any of these symptoms and notice or experience something that isn’t normal for you or doesn’t feel right, please contact your local iCaSH Norfolk clinic.

Testing and treatments

If you think you have an STI but aren’t showing any symptoms:

Aged 16 and over, order an Express Test, to get an STI postal kit to test yourself at home.
Aged between 16 and 24, pick up a postal testing kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea from a chlamydia screening outlet.

If you have symptoms, contact your local iCaSH Norfolk clinic to get tested and treated.

All testing, treatments, advice and information is free for everyone, although if you use your GP and need medication you may have to pay a prescription charge.

Sexually active people should generally test once a year. Always test every time you change partner or notice any symptoms.