Sexually Transmitted Infections

Women who are sexually active should get tested even if they feel fine, as many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not have any symptoms.

An STI can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. It’s important to get an STI check-up if you have had unprotected sex or think you might be at risk.

Many people do not experience any symptoms when they have an STI (e.g. most women with chlamydia).

Like any other infection, STIs can affect your health. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, speak to our women’s health specialist and get tested.

• pain when you pass urine (pee)
• itching, burning or tingling around the genitals
• blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus
• black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear – this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice
• yellow or green vaginal discharge
• discharge that smells
• bleeding between periods or after sex
• pain during sex
• lower abdominal pain

Untreated chlamydia can affect a women’s ability to get pregnant.

Gonorrhoea can also affect fertility. Around 50% of women with gonorrhoea do not have symptoms.

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection leads to progressive failure of the human immune system.

Syphilis affects many organs and systems of the human body. 

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C cause liver disease. 

Northway Clinic offers discreet, comprehensive sexual health screenings and private STI and STD testing including any advice and support you might need with your sexual health – from contraception to fertility. More information and prices can be found here: Women’s Sexual Health.