Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs are infections you can get from sex. If someone you have had sex with tells you they have a STI, it is important you get a sexual health screen.

What might I notice if I have an STI?

You won’t always know if you have an STI so it is important to test if you have a new partner.

It can take 2 weeks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea to show up on a test after sex. This means if you want a test to check you have no infections after sex, you should wait 2 weeks (unless you have symptoms).

It can take 45 days for HIV to show up on a test and 12 weeks for syphilis to show up on a test.

There are different symptoms for different STIs. Some commons symptoms of STIs are:

If you have a penis, you may have tingling or pain when doing a wee or discharge (liquid) from the end of the penis.
If you have a vagina, you may have pain when doing a wee, pain during sex, tummy pain, bleeding between periods or an increase or change in vaginal discharge.
Other symptoms include rashes, sores or ulcers.

If you have symptoms of a STI, please give us a call. You can find our telephone number on our contact us page.

How do I get a test?

Self-test by post

If you live in Leeds, you can get a self-test posted to your home using DL.SH.UK. The questions you are asked will decide if you are offered a blood test to do at home too. If the tests are positive, you will be seen by Leeds Sexual Health for treatment.

Leeds Sexual Health appointment

If you have symptoms or want to speak to someone in clinic, call our Care Navigators. You can find our phone number on our contact us page. Or you can chat to us using our live chat (by clicking the ‘Chat now’ icon in the bottom left hand corner).

There are also extra options for men who have sex with men:

Rapid HIV test: Yorkshire MESMAC offer rapid HIV tests at their premises in the city centre at flexible times. Contact them on 0113 244 4209 or email leeds@mesmac.co.uk for more information.