Symptoms of any STI can vary from obvious itchiness, soreness, rashes, to pain when passing urine or opening your bowels, discharge from the penis or vagina, and lumps or sores on the genitals. Symptoms may also include pain in your stomach or groin.
81
People
Number of people in A&E department
1:01
Hours
Average wait to be seen by a clinician
2:20
Hours
Average time in the department
Sexual Health Clinics and Services
Our sexual health services include:
- Sexual Health Screening - including testing for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. For those at risk additional testing for Hepatitis B and C.
- Testing and treatment for those with STI-related symptoms.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophalaxis)
- Vaccination for HPV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis A in communities at greater risk.
- PEP (Post Exposure Prophylanxis) - if you've been exposed to HIV in last 72 hours then please visit the clinic or Emergency Department.
- Bacterial Vaginosis and Thrush.
Walk In Clinic Opening Times
Sexual health services for people of all ages (including emergency contraception) and contraception services for women 25 years and under. Please note some contraception methods may require a second visit for fitting or insertion. We will arrange any additional appointments but please be aware this maybe at a different location.
Please note, once any of our walk-in clinica reach capacity you may be turned away.
Florey Clinic (Reading) - 21a Craven Road, RG1 5LE
Wednesdays - 1.30pm to 4pm
First, third and fifth Saturday each month (except bank holiday weekends) - 9am to midday.
West Berkshire Community Hospital (Thatcham) - London Road, Benham Hill, RG18 3AS
Mondays (except bank holidays) - 4pm to 7pm
Second and fourth Saturday of every month (except bank holiday weekends) - 9am to midday.
There is no Doctor or microscopy at our Monday clinic therefore you may be asked to attend Reading or the walk in on Saturday to better meet your needs.
Whitley Health and Social Services Building (Reading) - Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA
Contraception clinic and STI screening for all ages
Wednesdays - 8.30am to 11am
Wokingham Hospital (Wokingham) - 41 Barkham Road, Wokingham, RG41 2RE
Contraception clinic and STI screening for under 26 only
Thursdays - 3pm to 5pm
When taken correctly, PrEP greatly reduces the risk of HIV sexual transmission. If you are HIV negative and at high risk of HIV and don't always use condoms, then PrEP can stop your risk of HIV.
Please speak to our clinic staff about how these risks affect you and if you want to discuss starting PrEP you can book an appointment or attend a walk in service.
PrEP is a very effective method of preventing HIV and can be taken by Men and Women who are at risk of HIV infection.
For more information on how to take and please call us to book a telephone call back and also visit i.base.info, for their PrEP guide.
If you think you have Thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis, we recommend that you speak to the pharmacist about self-medication and order self testing kit to rule out STI (sexually transmitted infection). If your symptoms then persist you can book yourself an appointment for review via Lilie Hub.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. It can cause you to have an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy odour, particularly after sexual intercourse. You may also experience a change to the colour and consistency of our discharge, i.e. it becomes thin, greyish-white and watery.
This can happen if:
- You are sexually active (however you can get BV if you are not sexually active.
- You have had a change of partner
- You have an Intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD)
- You use perfumed products in or around your vagina.
- You are more likely to get a Sexually transmitted infection if you have bacterial vaginosis. This may be because it makes your vagina less acidic and reduces your natural defences against infection.
Bacterial vaginosis treatment
You can reduce your risk of Bacterial Vaginosis if you:
- Have showers instead of baths.
- Don't use perfumed soaps, bubble bath, shampoo, or shower gel in the bath.
- Don't use vaginal deodorants, washes, or douches.
- Don't use antiseptic liquids in the bath.
- Don't use strong detergents to wash your underwear.
- Don't smoke.
You can get vaginal gels from the pharmacist to correct the bacterial balance in your vagina
Thrush
Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection, but it can be triggered by sex or less often, passed on during sex. Thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida that is normally harmless. It tends to grow in warm moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes. It can cause a thick creamy discharge the consistency of cottage cheese, can cause irritation and can have a musty odour.
This can happen if:
- Your skin is irritated or damaged.
- You’re taking antibiotics.
- Have poorly controlled diabetes.
- You have a weakened immune system (for example because of HIV or chemotherapy)
- You are having hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- You are pregnant.
Thrush treatment
You will usually need an antifungal medicine to treat thrush, this can be in the form of an oral tablet, vaginal tablet (pessary) or a cream to relieve the irritation. This can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy, when you are self-medicating it can take 7-14 days to clear the infection. Your partner does not need to be treated unless they have symptoms.