Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain one of the most common health concerns worldwide. More than 1 million new infections occur every day, and two of the most widespread – chlamydia and gonorrhoea – are at the forefront of growing concerns about anticmicrobial resistance.
The good news? Both are treatable with the right antibiotics. But the sooner you are tested and treated, the better the outcomes – both for your health and for preventing transmission to others.
Why STI Testing Matters
Many STIs cause no obvious symptoms at first. Without testing, infections can easily go unnoticed and untreated, leading to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, pregnancy problems, and increased vulnerability to HIV.
Recognising the symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection is important, but since many cases are silent, proactive screening is essential. At OneMedicine we provide confidential, same-day tests for sexually transmitted infections in Birmingham, with rapid results – so you don’t have to wait.
Chlamydia: Common but Often Silent
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the UK. It is usually treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, and most cases clear quickly when treated early.
Symptoms of chlamydia (a common sexually transmitted infection) may include:
- Pain when passing urine
- Discharge from the vagina or penis
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
However, up to 70% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms, which is why tests for sexually transmitted infections are so important. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause long-term damage to fertility, but with prompt treatment, complications are avoided.
Gonorrhoea: The Superbug STI
Gonorrhoea (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) has a long history of adapting to antibiotics. It has already developed resistance to penicillin, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones.
At present, the main recommended treatment is an injection of ceftriaxone, which is highly effective when given promptly. However, antimicrobial resistant strains are emerging worldwide, raising concerns about the future.
Symptoms of gonorrhoea (a sexually transmitted infection) may include:
- Burning pain when urinating
- Yellow or green discharge from the vagina or penis
- Lower abdominal pain or testicular pain
- Irregular bleeding between periods
- Sore throat, rectal pain, or discharge (depending on infection site)
As with chlamydia, gonorrhoea can also be asymptomatic, especially in women. This is why routine tests for sexually transmitted infections remain the most reliable way to detect and treat it early.
What the Latest WHO Research Shows
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its global STI research priorities. The key findings include:
✔ The need for affordable, rapid point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis – including tests that can detect antibiotic resistance.
✔ Development of new antibiotics and vaccines, particularly for gonorrhoea.
✔ Better global data on STI patterns, treatment failures, and long-term complications such as infertility.
✔ Innovative approaches to partner management, stigma reduction, and self-testing.
In short: while new tools are on the horizon, the most effective step you can take today is early testing and treatment when there are symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection – or even if there are none.
Protecting Yourself and Others
- Get tested regularly if you have new or multiple partners.
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of infection.
- Complete your treatment as prescribed – even if symptoms improve.
- Encourage partners to be tested and treated to avoid reinfection.
STI Testing at OneMedicine
At OneMedicine in Edgbaston, Birmingham, we provide doctor-led tests for sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and a full panel of other conditions.
✔ Confidential, same-day appointments
✔ Rapid turnaround on results
✔ Safe, evidence-based treatment – both infections are treatable when caught early
✔ Advice on partner notification and prevention
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the first symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection?
The first symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection can vary depending on the type. Common early signs include pain when passing urine, unusual discharge, abdominal pain, or bleeding between periods. Many STIs have no symptoms, which makes regular testing vital.
2. Can I have an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Many people with chlamydia or gonorrhoea never notice any problems. This makes it possible to pass the infection to a partner without realising. Regular tests for sexually transmitted infections are recommended, even if you feel well.
3. How often should I get tested?
If you are under 25 and sexually active, a chlamydia test once a year – and whenever you have a new partner – is recommended. Anyone with multiple or casual partners should consider more frequent tests for sexually transmitted infections.
4. What happens if chlamydia or gonorrhoea is untreated?
Untreated infections can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, complications in pregnancy, and an increased risk of HIV. Early treatment greatly reduces these risks.
5. Are chlamydia and gonorrhoea treatable?
Yes. Both infections are treatable with antibiotics. For gonorrhoea, the correct antibiotic choice is essential due to resistance. The earlier treatment is given, the better the outcome.
6. Where can I get confidential STI testing in Birmingham?
At OneMedicine in Edgbaston, we offer confidential, doctor-led tests for sexually transmitted infections with same-day appointments and rapid results. If treatment is needed, it is provided safely and effectively by experienced doctors.
