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STI Question Day or STIQ Day, held annually on 14 January, serves as a reminder of the importance of sexual health awareness, breaking down the stigma surrounding sexual health conversations, and encouraging people to take proactive measures to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The importance of STI awareness cannot be overstated. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that in 2022 alone, there were over 400,000 diagnoses of STIs in England.
This included a 24% year on year increase in gonorrhoea, and an 8% increase in syphilis.
These figures highlight an ongoing public health challenge, particularly as some infections can go undiagnosed due to lack of symptoms, delayed testing, or stigma associated with sexual health care.
Why is good sexual health important?
The stigma surrounding sexual health often deters people from getting tested for STIs – also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs – or from seeking treatment.
However, if you are sexually active, it’s important to get tested regularly, especially if you are having sexual contact with multiple partners.
This is because untreated or undiagnosed STIs can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Infertility or ectopic pregnancies (infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Long-term damage to the reproductive system
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV
- Neurological and cardiovascular issues, particularly with untreated syphilis
Learn more: What is the difference between an STI and an STD?
The role of regular STI testing
It’s a common misconception that STI testing is only necessary for people with symptoms or high-risk lifestyles.
In reality, regular STI testing is a cornerstone of good sexual health. Benefits of routine STI testing include:
- Diagnosing asymptomatic infections: Many STIs, including common infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, show no symptoms. This means that without testing, individuals can unknowingly carry and transmit these infections to others.
- Early detection: Identifying and treating STIs early can prevent serious complications, such as infertility or long-term damage to internal organs.
- Protecting partners: Regular testing means not only taking responsibility for your own sexual health, but also the health of your sexual partners.
- Reducing transmission rates: Routine screening and prompt treatment are critical to controlling the spread of STIs to other people.
How often should you get tested?
The frequency of STI testing depends on several factors including age, the type of sexual activity you’re engaging in, and whether you belong to a high-risk group.
An annual sexual health test is recommended for most sexually active individuals. However, those with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex should consider being tested more frequently (every 3-6 months).
It’s also advised to get tested before starting a new sexual relationship, to ensure you’re both healthy from the beginning.
STI testing is widely available across the UK including via:
- NHS services: Free STI testing is accessible via sexual health clinics and some GP surgeries, providing confidential support, including treatment and counselling.
- At-home testing: If you’re looking for a more convenient, private way to test, home STI testing kits – like those offered by AlphaBiolabs – allow you to collect your own samples in the comfort of your own home and return them to the laboratory for analysis.
Home STI testing has become more and more popular in recent years, especially among those who prefer not to visit a clinic in the first instance due to privacy concerns, or for people who may not be able to access face-to-face services easily .
However, it’s important to note that if you receive a positive result from an at-home STI test, you will still need to contact your GP or local sexual health clinic for confirmatory diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
Tips for protecting your sexual health
It’s easy to take control of your sexual health, by:
- Practising safe sex: When used correctly, barrier methods of contraception (condoms or dental dams) significantly reduce the risk of transmission during sexual activity.
- Staying up to date with vaccinations: For example, the HPV vaccine protects against certain strains of the virus linked to cervical cancer and genital warts. You can find out more about who should have the HPV vaccine, here.
- Communicating with sexual partners: Open discussions about sexual health and STI testing can help establish trust and reduce risk.
- Limiting risk factors: Minimise unprotected sex and avoid sharing sex toys with partners, unless they are properly cleaned.
By combining routine testing with safe sex practices, you can significantly reduce your chances of contracting or transmitting an STI, while also protecting your overall health and wellbeing.
STI testing you can trust
STIQ Day is an important reminder of the need for sexual health awareness and regular STI testing.
For those seeking a more discreet and convenient option for STI testing, AlphaBiolabs’ home testing kits provide a reliable way to monitor your sexual health in the privacy of your own home.
We offer a range of STI test to suit your needs, all of which adhere to BASHH, FSHR and MRHA guidelines.
- 7-panel STI test – tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomoniasis, and the urinary tract infections (UTIs) Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Only a vaginal swab or urine sample required, for results in 2 working days.*
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea test – tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, with only a vaginal swab or urine sample required. Results in 2 working days.*
- HIV test – test for the presence of HIV antibodies, with only a finger prick blood sample required, and same-day results provided.*
Please note: You must be at least 16 years of age to purchase a home STI test kit from AlphaBiolabs.
If you are experiencing symptoms causing severe pain or discomfort, or that require face-to-face examination, we advise you to contact your GP or local sexual health clinic as soon as possible.
It’s easy to order your STI test online now. Alternatively, call 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com for more information.
*From receipt of samples into our laboratory, before 10am.
