Brighton & Hove’s STI Testing Week from Monday, November 6 aims to encourage sexually active residents to get tested

Words by Terrence Higgins Trust 

Brighton & Hove’s STI Testing Week starts on Monday, November 6. The aim is to encourage sexually active residents to get tested. You can’t always tell if someone has an STI by looking at them, and people are often unaware they have an infection. Only by testing can you know for sure.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are easy to pass on but if you have condomless sex, with new or casual partners, you have a higher chance of catching an STI.

Left untreated STIs can develop into serious health problems. The good news is that by testing regularly, infections are detected sooner which means they can be treated sooner. Early treatment is good for you, meaning you get better quicker. Plus, it’s also good for your sexual partners as it’ll stop onward transmission.

We recommend testing for STIs between sexual partners. If you have frequent new or multiple partners, we recommend testing every three months.

Testing is easy. These days it can be done from the comfort of home. You can order a home test kit from SHAC (sexual health and contraception). The test kit involves taking your own samples, which might include blood and urine or a swab from affected areas. These are then posted to the lab for processing. You’ll get your results by text message. If it’s needed, treatment will be provided.

If you prefer a face-to-face consultation, you can get an appointment at Terrence Higgins Trust. In addition to getting tested, it’s an opportunity to talk about your sexual health and get more information about how to protect your health. Terrence Higgins Trust welcomes everyone over 18 years ago, especially LGBTQ+ people, people of colour, migrants, sex workers, and anyone else who feels uncomfortable going to a clinical space.

Rory Finn, Health Promotion Specialist at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “This Brighton STI Testing Week we’re encouraging people to quickly and easily get tested – because it’s the only way to know if you have an STI.

“Getting tested regularly should be something we’re all doing in order to protect ourselves. It’s quick and easy, and if your results come back positive, it’s always better to know. Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton can offer all the advice and information you need.

“Testing is nothing to be feared or embarrassed about. There is nothing embarrassing about making sure your sexual health is a priority.”

You can order your free home test kit directly from SHAC. More info HERE

Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton & Hove provides a range of HIV and sexual health services and is based at 61 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE. More info HERE or call 01273 764200.