In recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. The number of people diagnosed with chlamydia, the most common STI, tripled between 1995 and 2005.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) are usually passed on between people during sexual contact (although close contact may pass on some infections).
STI’s can fall into one of the following categories:
Some people with an STI will develop symptoms:
The following symptoms could indicate that you have an STI:
You may have an STI but have no symptoms.
It's important to be tested if you think you may be at risk of an STI. (IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT YOUR PARTNER/PARTNERS ARE ALSO TESTED) If untreated, STIs like gonorrhoea and Chlamydia may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can damage the fallopian tubes and cause pain, ectopic pregnancies and infertility. Men can also experience complications, such as inflammation in the testicles or prostate gland, and painful erections.
In females this may include abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding pattern during the menstrual cycle and deep discomfort during sexual intercourse and genital lesions. In males, urethral discharge, pain when passing urine, genital lesions, and occasionally testicular discomfort.
Others may have mild symptoms that disappear without treatment, but many will not have any symptoms at all.
It is therefore important that if someone is worried they may have been exposed to an STI that they should seek medical advice, as undiagnosed infections can lead to long-term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancies and epididimo-orchitis.
People concerned about STI’s can go to their GP or better still, a specialist sexual health service such as a Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) Department or Young Peoples services where testing and treatment is available. GUM Departments provide a confidential service and appointments can be made directly by phoning for an appointment.
It is also important that sexual partners of anyone treated for an STI also attend for treatment as otherwise the person will be re-infected with the same infection again. This is partner notification, and the GUM/sexual health service staff are trained to deal with this as sensitively as possible.
The following links can provide details on attendances at the local GUM services and give a breakdown of diagnosis for STI’s
As with everywhere else in the UK, the GUM Departments based in Cumbria and Lancashire have noted an increase in STI’s, especially among young adults. This has led to increased demand on services.
The most common sexually transmitted infections at present are chlamydia and genital warts. It is estimated up to 10% of sexually active young people may have chlamydia. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. For more information please see www.best2know.co.uk or see the separate Chlamydia page of this site.
The local GUM Department provides a confidential and non-judgemental service and people can self-refer by phoning directly for an appointment. Local GUM departments can be found at local hospitals for more information contact
Anyone concerned about their sexual health including those who think they may have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can visit your own GP. Any consultation with your GP is confidential you can just make an appointment in the usual way. However not all services are available at a GP practice, but the doctor will be able to refer as appropriate.
Local young peoples services provide services for the under 25’s, these include Sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing / support, sex sexuality and relationships information. They are free and confidential and you don’t need an appointment you can just drop-in
Log on to www.ruthinking.co.uk or visit the services section of this site for all your local providers