Each sexually transmitted infection, or STI, is listed below, along with other genital infections that are not sexually transmitted.
For types of tests, screening, and prices, please go to the STD testing page for more information.
BV / Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina that is associated with a pH, or acid-alkali imbalance. The bacteria that cause this overgrowth include Gardnerella, anaerobes, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma. BV produces a watery discharge and an odour that is often described as fishy. However, women understandably seek treatment, which involves simple antibiotics that may be combined with a pH vaginal gel. Book a bacterial vaginosis test today at a SameDayDoctor clinic to get the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast results.
Candida / Thrush / Yeast
Candida, or thrush, is NOT an STD. It is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. This causes a thick white, yellow, or grey discharge, as well as an itchy, sore vulva and vagina. It is not harmful. Antifungal medication is the treatment. Book a Candida or thrush test today at a SameDayDoctor clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast results.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a very common STD that does not always cause symptoms, and more than half of those who have it will not have any warning signs. In men, it may cause pain when passing urine and possibly a discharge. In women, it may cause vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, painful sex, irregular bleeding, or bleeding after sex but may go unnoticed. Doctors treat it with antibiotics. Book a Chlamydia test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast same-day or next-day results.
Epididymitis / orchitis / epididymo-orchitis
Epididymitis, orchitis, or epididymal-orchitis means inflammation of the testes or scrotum, resulting in pain and swelling. It is often caused by an STD, and testing is recommended. It is important to exclude other causes, such as torsion or twisting of the testis, and so you should be examined urgently by a doctor or specialist nurse if you have these symptoms. Book an appointment today at a SameDayDoctor clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an examination, fast test results, and treatment. We can also arrange a testicular ultrasound scan if necessary.
Genital Warts / HPV human papilloma virus
Genital warts: Genital warts look much the same as other types of warts, but they are localised to the genitals and may be less hard and rough than on other parts of the body. Direct skin-to-skin contact spreads them from person to person, and condoms only offer limited protection. If you have any lumps or bumps on the genital area, then book an appointment today at a SameDayDoctor clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an examination, fast test results, and treatment.
HPV and cancer: Viruses called human papillomavirus (HPV) cause both genital warts and certain cancers, including cervical cancer. However, the types of HPV that cause warts are different from those that cause cancer, so having warts does not increase the risk of cancer. It is important for women to undergo regular smear tests to detect cell changes that could indicate an increased risk of future cervical cancer. If any abnormality is found on a smear test, then this is followed up automatically with testing for the types of HPV that carry a high risk of cervical cancer, commonly types 16 and 18, to determine the type of treatment offered. The types of HPV that cause genital warts, in contrast, are normally types 6 and 11. SameDayDoctor can test specifically for a broad range of HPV types in men and women using brush or swab samples.
HPV vaccination protects against four types of viruses, including those responsible for 70% of cervical cancer and those responsible for 90% of genital warts. Book now for vaccination, available to women and men, and see the SameDayDoctor A-Z of vaccines for more information.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is an STD that, in men, usually causes pain when you pass urine and may cause a discharge. It causes vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, painful sex, irregular bleeding, or bleeding after sex in women, but it may go unnoticed. For people who have anal sex, it can cause rectal or anal pain and discharge. Antibiotics are used by doctors. Today, book a gonorrhoea test in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast same-day or next-day results.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an STD: People can catch Hepatitis B not only from sex but also from needles during IV drug use, piercings, or tattoos. It may cause jaundice (yellow skin) and feeling unwell, but sometimes there are no symptoms. It is more common in certain parts of the world, such as the Far East and Africa. Book a hepatitis B test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast same-day or next-day results.
Hepatitis C
People mostly contract Hepatitis C from needles used during IV drug use, piercings, or tattoos, but it can also be transmitted through sexual contact. It may cause jaundice (yellow skin) and feeling unwell, but sometimes there are no symptoms. Book a hepatitis C test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast same-day or next-day results.
Herpes
The Herpes simplex virus, or HSV, causes herpes. This also causes cold sores in the mouth. The symptoms are normally painful genital skin, and it may be possible to see little blisters and later painful ‘ulcers’ or holes in the genital skin. An ‘episode’ or ‘outbreak’ will typically last about 5 to 14 days, and the skin will then go completely back to normal. The symptoms can keep recurring unpredictably, and medicines called ‘antivirals’ are used both to reduce the severity of the first episode and the severity and frequency of recurrences.
Although it doesn’t cause a life-threatening or dangerous health problem, some people with herpes can find it psychologically difficult to deal with. Testing for herpes is not a simple ‘yes or no’ test. Swabs can only be done when there are symptoms, and blood tests cannot tell if someone has herpes or cold sores, as type 1 and type 2 could cause either. If you think you might have herpes, want to get tested, need antiviral medication, or need to talk to someone, then book a SameDayDoctor appointment today or arrange a phone or email consultation.
HIV
HIV: Of all the STDs, HIV is the one that people worry about the most, which is understandable, as, unlike almost all the others, it is not possible to cure someone of HIV. However, it is now possible for someone with HIV to live a normal life with a normal life expectancy. It does mean taking medicines daily once they are started and changing sexual behaviour to avoid passing the virus on to someone else. HIV testing is quick and easy, and everyone having sex should test regularly unless you only have sex with one person who has also tested negative and you can be certain hasn’t had sex with anyone else.
HIV test: Visit any SameDayDoctor clinic or walk-in clinic where HIV testing is available to book an appointment today. For information on available tests and the recommended testing timeline after exposure, please contact us.
HIV risk. Your risk of HIV from sex depends on who you have had sex with, where they are from, how many times you had sex, whether you used a condom, and the type of sex you had. If you are worried, then come for a test today at a SameDayDoctor clinic, walk-in where advertised, or arrange a phone or email consultation to talk about your concerns.
HIV symptoms. People who contract HIV may not have any symptoms or may experience a flu-like illness about 2–6 weeks after exposure. This does not mean a ‘cold,’ so please don’t worry if you have a runny nose, sneezing, etc. The seroconversion illness normally consists of a high temperature or fever, a rash all over the body, swollen glands or lymph nodes, and aching all over. Vague aches and pains, a dry throat, an upset tummy, and tingling fingers are much more likely to be due to anxiety about HIV than HIV infection itself. If you are worried, then come for a test today at a SameDayDoctor clinic, walk in where advertised, or arrange a phone or email consultation to talk about your concerns.
HIV health monitoring – Living with HIV, HIV treatment, and antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV is a chronic condition that can be managed with daily medication, allowing those living with it to lead a relatively normal life, and life expectancy is not shortened for those who start treatment early enough. Some people compare it to living with diabetes in terms of the health implications. After diagnosis, healthcare providers typically monitor individuals with blood tests until treatment initiation, which is determined by the immune system’s behaviour as indicated by the test results. Our specialist, Dr. Chris Scott, can offer overall private care and treatment or can be consulted when needed by those who have their main management elsewhere.
HPV, smear or PAP tests and cervical cancer risk
Smear tests: HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, is a group of viruses in which some strains cause genital warts (see above section on genital warts), and other strains can cause cervical cancer in women. To avoid cervical cancer, women should have a smear test or pap smear every 3 years from age 25 to 49 and every 5 years from 50 to 64. Some women opt to have a private smear every year. The purpose of the smear test is to try to pick up abnormalities in the cells that may lead to cervical cancer and treat these cells to stop cancer from developing. You can book a smear test at a SameDayDoctor clinic today, choose a female doctor or nurse if you wish, and have your results in about 1 week. If we find any abnormalities, we will automatically test to determine if the strain of HPV causing these abnormalities is high- or low-risk, and we can arrange further treatment if needed. Find out about smear tests.
HPV vaccination: For information about vaccination against HPV, view our list of A-Z vaccines.
HPV tests for women: Testing for HPV is routinely done for any woman with an abnormal smear test, and if your smear is normal, then testing for HPV is unlikely to be helpful. This is because if an HPV test is carried out on a woman, the sample is only taken from the cervix and not the whole genital area. There is no treatment unless there are visible warts or an abnormal smear test. Our private doctors and nurses are very happy to discuss HPV testing if you wish. Book an appointment today at a SameDayDoctor clinic to receive the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
HPV tests for men: Testing for HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, in men can be useful in certain situations. For example, if a man has a new partner and their previous partner had an abnormal smear or treatment to prevent cervical cancer, the man may be carrying a high-risk strain of the virus, and knowing this might result in the new partner deciding to have the HPV vaccine and the couple using condoms for longer. Healthcare providers rub a moist swab over the genital skin to collect skin cells for testing. It is not a perfect test, as not every genital skin cell can be tested, and so it is possible to miss the presence of HPV. It is also important to realise that HPV is so common that anyone sexually active will probably have had some strain at some point, so positive tests are common and the immune system clears the virus from the skin in time. If HPV is found, there is no treatment, and we simply have to wait for the body to clear it. Testing for HPV, therefore, has significant limitations. Book an appointment today at a SameDayDoctor clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, or if you can’t make it to a clinic, arrange a phone or email consultation to discuss your worries.
LGV Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphoganuloma Venereum, or LGV, is an STD that is rare in the UK but does occur. Most cases so far have involved gay men. It is caused by a chlamydia organism, but a different strain from the common chlamydia. Symptoms differ from chlamydia and usually involve a primary genital lesion followed by swelling of the groin lymph nodes or inflammation of the rectum, causing pain and discharge, often with blood. As the standard chlamydia test also detects LGV, chlamydia testing on urine, throat, or rectal swabs will also detect LGV. The treatment is antibiotics. Book a test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast results.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin virus that causes little bumps anywhere on the body and is passed from person to person through direct skin contact. As sex involves skin-to-skin contact, these are often passed during sex, found on the genitals, and often taken for genital warts, but they are not an STD. Most people have already been exposed to molluscum as children through skin contact during play. Treatment involves removing the bumps or freezing them, or if left, they will eventually disappear spontaneously. If you have any genital bumps, then book a SameDayDoctor appointment today or walk in where advertised.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
Mycoplasma genitalium is a little-known STD similar to chlamydia, which in men usually causes pain when you pass urine and maybe a discharge; in women, pelvic pain, painful sex, irregular bleeding, or bleeding after sex are treated with antibiotics. Book a test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast results.
NSU non specific urethritis
NSU, or non-specific urethritis, occurs in men and causes pain when you pass urine. Antibiotics can easily treat it. It is often, but not always, caused by an STD. You will need to get STD tests. Book a test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast same-day or next-day results.
Pelvic inflammatory disease PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, means inflammation in the pelvis resulting in lower abdominal pain, painful sex, and irregular vaginal bleeding. It is often caused by an STD, so you should get yourself tested for STDs. Diagnosis is made by being examined by a doctor or specialist nurse, and it is treated with antibiotics. Book an appointment today at a SameDayDoctor clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an examination, fast test results, and treatment.
Pubic lice (Crabs)
Pubic lice (crabs) are an STD that causes intense pubic itching. Book an appointment today at a SameDayDoctor clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, examination, and treatment. If you really can’t make it to a clinic, arrange a phone or email consultation to discuss your symptoms.
Scabies
Scabies are an infection that causes intense itching of the whole body except the head. Book an appointment in the clinic today for an examination and treatment if needed.
Syphilis
Syphilis is still relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, but it is spreading. You are more likely to contract syphilis if you have gay sex, if you pay for sex, or if you have sex with someone from a less developed part of the world. Syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex. Most people with syphilis don’t notice any symptoms., but symptoms may include a primary ‘chancre’ or ulcerated lesions with raised edges on the genitals, mouth, or anus. Several weeks later, some people develop a flu-like illness with a fever, rash all over the body, and swollen glands or lymph nodes. If you are worried about syphilis, you should see a doctor quickly for an examination, testing, and the treatment you need.
Book a test today at a SameDayDoctor clinic or walk in where advertised for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast results.
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Trichomonas vaginalis is a less common STD in the UK. In men, it usually causes pain when passing urine and maybe a discharge; in women, it causes an intensely itching vagina and a vaginal discharge. It’s easily treated with antibiotics. Book a test today in the clinic for the expertise of a doctor or nurse practitioner, an optional examination, and fast results.
Ureaplasma
Ureaplasma is a little-known infection of uncertain significance. We know that many people have it quite harmlessly in their genitals, so testing and treating it is rarely indicated. There is some evidence that it may contribute to NSU, or non-specific urethritis. I would not recommend testing unless your doctor has suggested it because of specific symptoms.
Please contact us for more information about STD screening, types of STD tests, and prices.