Many individuals with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) do not experience any symptoms, therefore we recommend you to have a sexual health screen anytime you have unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex with a new partner.
When STIs are left untreated they can cause issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause a significant amount of pain and potentially lead to issues such as infertility or other serious health problems.
STI ROUTINE
The most common STI routine screen
URINE:
BLOOD:
STI 10-PLEX
Urine screen for 10 of the most common STIs
URINE:
STI COMPLETE
Comprehensive urine and blood screen for 14 STIs
URINE:
BLOOD:
If you are planning an IVF treatment or surgery abroad, you might need to book a test for 4 common blood borne pathogens (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) which costs £110.
Instant tests cost £100 per test (one STI) and can be booked by calling us on 020 3405 0860.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of an STI or have a higher risk of contracting an STI (see FAQs below for more details) you will need to book a Sexual Health consultation with one of our experienced doctors. Depending on your sexual history, symptoms and other factors, the doctor will be able to help you choose the most suitable STI test package for you.
If you have no symptoms and would like to have a routine STI test, then you can book an STI test without a consultation from the list below. If you would like to book instant testing or prefer to pay in the clinic (cash or card), please call us on 02034050860
Following your booking, you will receive a link to a questionnaire and tips on how to prepare for your appointment. It’s important to complete this prior to your appointment so the GP has any relevant information provided (e.g. your address and DOB for prescription). We would ask that you avoid urinating for at least 2 hours before your test.
Depending on your risk factors and symptoms, your doctor may recommend specific tests for STIs. Common tests include blood tests, urine tests, or swabs of the genital, throat, or rectal areas, along with a physical examination. The tests may vary based on your gender, sexual history, and symptoms. If you have pre-booked a routine STI screen with no consultation, you will visit our Sexual Health clinic, where you will give a urine and blood sample. Please note that urine STI tests may not detect infection in the rectum or throat.
You will receive your test results quickly and efficiently, and if needed, we can assist in referring you to the appropriate care provider for any treatment that you need. Test results will be emailed to you the next working day (delays are possible). If you test positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, you will be offered treatment at Northway Clinic. If you test positive for HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis, a doctor will contact you and refer you to a specialised NHS Sexual Health Clinic for treatment. For other infections, you may receive an instant e-prescription.
It is important to appreciate that certain infections may not become detectable immediately after sexual activity. To get accurate test results it is important for a window period to pass.
For routine testing, our recommended waiting times for the most common STIs:
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: Wait for at least 2 weeks before testing
Syphilis and HIV: It is advisable to wait for 4-6 weeks before testing. That said, our HIV test measures blood levels of HIV p24 antigen (along with antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2) which can be high in the first few weeks after infection, meaning the test can detect infection in the earliest stages. In some cases, an additional test may be needed in 3 months.
If you have any symptoms of infection, please book a Sexual Health appointment above where we will most likely offer immediate testing.
It is important to recognise that many people do not experience any symptoms when they have an STI, which is why we recommend regular testing.
The main symptoms of STI include:
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have an STI, but it’s worth seeing a doctor so you can find out what’s causing the symptoms and get treatment.
Men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexually active men who engage in sexual activity with men or transgender individuals, even if they also have sexual encounters with women,
Individuals who engage in drug use during sexual activities, known as chemsex. People who consume mood-altering and behaviour-modifying drugs (referred to as “chems”) that lead to increased sexual risk-taking.
Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) and their clientele. Individuals (both male and female) involved in either paying for sex or receiving payment for sexual services.
People who have recently visited countries with a higher prevalence of STIs, and/or individuals born in or who have engaged in sexual activity with someone from countries with a significant number of new STI cases.
Those with multiple or concurrent sexual partners. Individuals who maintain a high number of sexual partners, particularly when there is overlap or group sex involved.
Intravenous drug users. Sharing needles or drug paraphernalia presents a substantial risk for various blood-borne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Individuals with sexual partners who fall into any of the aforementioned groups. Sexual partners of individuals belonging to the aforementioned risk categories also face an increased likelihood of contracting STIs.
Yes, we can offer instant tests at our private Sexual Clinic in London. They cost £100 per test (one STI).
Available ST instant tests at our London Clinic:
Hepatitis C Instant Test | £100 |
Hepatitis B Instant Test | £100 |
Herpes Simplex 1 – HSV1 IgG/IgM Instant Test | £100 |
Herpes Simplex 2 – HSV2 IgG/IgM Instant Test | £100 |
CRP Semi-Quantitative Rapid Test | £100 |
Strep A Instant Test | £100 |
HIV Combo Instant Test (HIV1/2Ab+HIV+p24Ag) | £100 |
Syphilis Instant Test | £100 |
Gonorrhoea Instant Test | £100 |
Chlamydia Instant Test | £100 |
Excluded £15 blood taking fees. If you would like to book an instant test, please call us on 020 3405 0860 or send an online request.
Depending on your symptoms and requirements, we can offer a range of blood tests including:
– Antibodies to Syphilis (IgG/IgM)
– HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 including group O and HIV-2 (HIV1&2/p24Ag)
– Hepatitis C Antibodies (Anti-HCV)
– Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
– Antibodies to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV1 and HSV2)
There are a number of reasons why people may choose to see a private STI clinic rather than an NHS sexual health clinic.
If you are considering visiting a private STI clinic, it is important to compare the cost and services of different clinics before you make a decision.
If you test positive for an STI, one of our Sexual Health specialists will contact you to explain all of the treatment options available to you. Most STIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics or other medications. However, some STIs, such as HIV, cannot be cured. However, there are effective treatments available that allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
If you cannot access a specialist Sexual Health or Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic within a reasonable time then you may prefer to get your treatment at Northway Clinic.
In particular, we can offer same or next day treatment for:
Gonorrhoea: IM injection Treatment cost– £50. If your doctor thinks you should also be treated for Chlamydia at the same time, you will be given antibiotic tablets for this at no extra cost.
Chlamydia: Usually treated with tablets. This treatment cost is £50.
We recommend that should have a repeat test at least 2 weeks after treatment to check the infection has been cured.
You must tell all recent sexual partners if you have a positive test result and you should avoid having sex (even with a condom) until you have completed the treatment, or as advised by your doctor.
If left untreated, STIs can cause an increased risk of serious health problems, such as:
Our Sexual Health services are available to all people aged 18 or over.
If you cancel your appointment more than 24 hours before it starts, then you will get a full refund (£10 admin fees apply). If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before it starts or do not attend, then you will have to pay the total consultation/test cost as per our T&Cs. You can read them in full here.
Our Sexual Health services are available to people aged 18 or over.
Northway Clinic should NOT be used in cases of potential medical emergencies. If you think that your situation, or someone else’s, is or might become an emergency, you should IMMEDIATELY call 999 or 111, or go to your local Emergency Department.
Examples are: Severe chest pain, Difficulty breathing, Active or severe bleeding, Loss of consciousness, Slurred speech, Facial Drooping, Inability to move an arm or leg, Acute confused state, Fits/seizures, Major trauma, a rash that doesn’t disappear under a glass tumbler being pressed against it, Possible stroke or heart attack, Swallowing a foreign object such as a battery, Sudden loss of vision or hearing.