Gynae health · 6 min read
STI testing: the grown-up guide
How often, where to go, what gets tested — and how to talk about it.
Who needs it
Anyone sexually active. The NHS recommends:
- A test when you start with a new partner
- An annual chlamydia test if you are under 25
- A full panel after unprotected sex with someone whose status you do not know
Where
- Sexual health clinic — free, walk-in, no GP letter
- GP — yes, awkward to ask, fine to do
- NHS home kit (sh24.org.uk, in many areas) — free, posted in plain packaging, results by text
What a "full panel" usually covers
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV. Herpes is only tested if you have symptoms.
Most STIs are silent
Most chlamydia infections have no symptoms — which is why "I feel fine" is not the same as "I am clear". Test, do not guess.
#STI#testing#sexual-health
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