Sexual Health Testing at Total Health West Berkshire
Sexual Health is something we tend to not like to think about or discuss. Yet it is important.
Whether you have had a risky encounter with someone, have been told by a partner that they have an STI or are starting a new relationship and just want to make sure that everything is ok, sexual health is something we want to keep private and confidential.
At Total Health West Berkshire we have teamed up with Your Sexual Health to give you access to fast, discrete, accurate and confidential sexual health testing.
To find out details about the tests they offer and how to book you can head over to their website,
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The symptoms of sexually transmitted infections vary from person to person and many people will notice no symptoms at all. If you don’t have symptoms, the STD can still cause you health problems and you can pass it on to others.
Common symptoms include: –
- Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
- Pain during sex or urination
- Sores, blisters, ulcers, warts or rashes in the genital area
- Itchiness or irritation usually localised to the urethra
- Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after having sex
- Pain in the scrotum or testicles
- Lumps and bumps on the genitals
- Swelling of the glands in your groin
Due to the fact that many people will notice no symptoms at all, the only way to truly know you have an STD is through testing.
STDs are very common and rates in the UK continue to rise for a number of reasons, most notably due to government budget cuts and closures to many public health services in the UK.
If you have unprotected sex with someone without using a condom, then you’re at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
Due to the fact that many STDs show no symptoms, it’s quite common for people to pass on a sexually transmitted infection without knowing they have one themselves.
For this reason it’s important to get tested regularly and always use a condom if you’re having sex with someone in a new relationship.
No STD test is accurate immediately after exposure to a sexually transmitted infection. Our tests require the virus or bacteria to multiply within your body to a detectable level or they require your body to create antibodies in response to the STD.
The time that this takes is known as the window period for testing. This period varies depending on the test that you’re taking with details displayed as ‘Accurate From’ on the test pages and cards.
The only exception to these times is if you have clear and obvious symptoms to an STD in your genital area. If you are unsure whether you can get tested yet, contact our customer services team on 0161 504 7902.
There are many reasons to get tested for an STD and each person has there own reasons, including: –
- Having symptoms that could be associated with an STD
- Starting a new relationship and want to make sure you’re all clear before having unprotected sex
- Routine testing to maintain good sexual health
- Having unprotected sex with someone for the first time or who you do not know
- If a previous sexual partner has let you know they have an STD
- STD testing for work or visa requirements
STD testing before beginning IVF or trying for a baby - If you’ve slept with a sex worker or you are a sex worker yourself
By testing with Your Sexual Health you’ll be guaranteed a more convenient service, with faster results than the NHS. Many of our tests are more comprehensive than those offered on the NHS, giving you a complete picture of your health.
For more frequently asked questions head over to the Your Sexual Health Website FAQS here