Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other genital infections

What is an STI?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that can be passed from one person to another. This can happen through unprotected sex or sexual contact.

STIs can be passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Some can also be passed on by sharing sex toys without using a condom, or through skin-to-skin contact.

Anyone can get an STI. You do not need to have lots of sexual partners. Most STIs can be treated easily.

STI testing is free and confidential. Regular testing is an important part of looking after your sexual health.

There is no need to feel embarrassed or guilty if you have an STI. These feelings can stop you from getting tested or treated. This can make it easier for an STI to affect your health or be passed on to your sexual partners.

Protection against sexually transmitted infections

No method gives 100% protection. Some STIs can spread through skin-to-skin contact with sores, rashes or blisters.

There’s no single right choice. You may choose different prevention methods at different times in your life.

Condoms and lube

Using condoms correctly every time you have sex, and on shared sex toys, gives you the best protection against STIs.

Use an external or internal condom every time you have vaginal 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 from breaking

Free condoms by post

Most people who live in Norfolk can get free condoms sent to them by post.

Condoms can help prevent pregnancy and protect you from 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 STIs do not cause any signs or symptoms. It is important to get tested regularly, especially after having sex with a new partner. If you have an STI and do not know it, you can pass on the infection unknowingly.

STI symptoms may not appear for weeks or months. They may also go away, but you can still have an STI.

If an STI is not treated, it can sometimes cause pain or other health problems. Some STIs can also affect your fertility.

This is why it is important to get 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)
Itching, 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)

If you have any changes that are not normal for you, or something does not feel right, 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.