Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment

A sexually transmitted infection, commonly referred to as a STI, can be either a bacterial or viral infection that’s spread through direct contact during sexual activities. Most STIs are preventable when you take proactive steps to protect yourself by practising safer sex.

The most common STIs arechlamydia, HPV, genital warts, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, and pubic lice. Being mindful of sexual health and using protection can greatly reduce your risk of contracting a STI.

The best way to protect your sexual health is to understand what STIs are. In this article, you will learn about STIs, the symptoms, and the treatment.

Effective Sexual Health Practices to Prevent STIs

If you are sexually active, you can prevent STIs and protect your sexual health by following a few simple steps.

These include:

·Using condoms during sexual intercourse

·Using barriers such as dental dams or condoms for oral sex

·Maintain open communication with your partner(s) about past sexual history and/or past or current STIs.

Symptoms Of the Most Common STIs

Most STI symptoms are similar, for example you may notice pain when you urinate, discharge from your vagina or penis as well as itching or irritation. However, some types of STIs (like HPV) don’t show any symptoms until weeks or even months (or longer) after exposure.

That’s why it’s so important to practise safe sex by using barriers and getting regular sexual health checkups at Pearl Chemist Group. We have Sexual Health Clinics in Banstead, Merton, Earlsfield, and Epsom with professional and compassionate clinicians that provide full confidentiality for all visits.

Pearl Chemist Group Sexual Health Services in Epsom for Treatment of STIs

Our Sexual Health Services in Epsom and at each of our 22+ branches in South London offer STI testing and treatment. STI treatment typically requires a prescription medication like antibiotics or antivirals. What medication you are prescribed will depend on the STI you have.

Antibiotics (given by tablet or injection) should alleviate your symptoms within a week and cure bacterial infections so you can’t spread it. Viral infections, on the other hand, cannot be cured – but symptoms can be managed with antiviral and other medication.

Visit Pearl Chemist Group Sexual Health Clinic in Banstead

At our Pearl Chemist Group Sexual Health Clinic in Banstead we provide routine sexual health checkups and testing. You can also schedule a private consultation with any of our sexual health experts to get answers to any questions you may have. These services are available at each of our branches.