I Think I've Caught An STD. Where Can I Get Help?

You've made a wise decision to seek help before your STD exacerbates. Firstly you will need to think about how you caught the STD in the first place to try and identify the symptoms.

For example, unprotected intercourse (either heterosexual or homosexual) can trigger all sorts of infections and diseases, of which can be life threatening.

If you have indulged in unprotected intercourse recently and are now experiencing itching, pain or discomfort in the genital area you need to seek medical help quickly.

Try not to worry too much about your infection as most are very easily treated with a course of antibiotics. It is important to take your medication as left untreated; infections such as Chlamydia can lead to infertility if left dormant in your body. Remember also that some infections don't need to be making themselves known to you at all - indeed Chlamydia is one of the fastest spreading infections that regularly goes unnoticed.

If you are worried about catching more serious infections such as the HIV virus or Syphillis you will need to also get it checked out as soon as possible.

Although it can feel embarrassing and humilliating to have to talk to a stranger about your condition, the feeling of relief once you've got it treated is more than worth it.

Treatment and support is available by either visiting your GP, who will keep all information confidential - or you can book an appointment with your local GUM clinic (Genito Urinary Medicine). They are usually located within hospitals and are staffed with trained nurses and doctors who have seen plenty of patients with all sorts of infections.

Most clinics will test you for all possible infections; Chlamydia, Gonorrea, Herpes, HIV and Syphillis.

You will be asked to provide samples - for men this is usually a urine and blood sample; women will have swabs taken from the cervix and blood samples taken also.

Results are usually produced a week or so after your appointment. You will be given a time to call to get the results over the phone (which is all anonymous - you are identified by a number).

If any of the results show up positive - the clinic will happily help you with treatments and support.

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