Cervical Screening
Cervical screening test (previously known as a smear test) is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina. Detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer. Cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer; it’s a test to check the health of […]
Safe sex between women
If you’re using sex toys, always remember to use a condom and to change it for a new one for each partner or between penetrations of different orifices. Sex toys should be washed after each use with warm water and soap. Avoid oral sex if there are open wounds or sores on your mouth. If […]
Safe sex between men
Safe sex between men Men who have sex with men is often known as MSM. Some MSM, gay and bisexual men can be at higher risk of picking up STI’s. Generally, not only are MSM, gay and bisexual men possibly at higher risk of STIs, but they also face issues such as discrimination, judgement and […]
Chemsex
This is the use of recreational drugs taken for the purposes of enhancing sexual activity. Chemsex is mainly used by gay men with drugs such as: GHB, GBL and mephedrone. The idea is usually to allow sex sessions to last several hours and occasionally with several partners. Here in London we are seeing more and […]
Lesbian and bisexual women’s sexual health
Lesbian and bisexual women are also at risk of STIs, but quite often don’t realise. There are a lot of myths out there about lesbians and bisexual women not needing testing, but this is not the case. Lesbian and bisexual women experience thrush and bacterial vaginosis which can cause vaginal discharge. Although these infections are […]
Warts
Genital warts are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area. They are a very common condition. In England, they are the second most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) after chlamydia. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection caused by the […]
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that’s usually caught by having sex with someone who’s infected. It’s important to get tested and treated as soon as possible if you think you might have syphilis, as it can cause serious problems if it’s left untreated. It can usually be cured with a short course of antibiotics. However […]
Pubic lice
Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair. They are yellow-grey and about 2mm long. Due to their crab-like appearance, they were given the nickname ‘crabs’. The eggs appear as brownish dots fixed to coarse body hair. Pubic lice are different from the head lice which some […]
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female upper genital tract, including the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. PID is a common condition, although it’s not clear how many women are affected in the UK. It mostly affects sexually active women aged 15 to 24. Please click here for more information on pelvic inflammatory disease. […]
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a form of the common sexually transmitted infection chlamydia. It is caused by specific strains of the chlamydia bacteria and is more invasive (i.e. gets into the tissue of the body) than more common types of chlamydia. The number of cases of LGV in the UK has been rising steadily, and […]
