Manchester Community Health
Testing for
Sexually
Transmitted
Infections (STI’s)
Palatine Contraception
and Sexual Health Services
Patient Information
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Your questions
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Q. Why test for STI’s?
A. Many people who have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) will have no
symptoms (signs). Most infections are treatable, however if left untreated,
complications may develop later.
Q. What do we test for?
A. We routinely offer testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV
to everyone. If you do have signs/symptoms, or have been in contact with
someone with an STI, you may be referred to a Genitourinary medicine (GUM)
clinic by one of the clinical staff. Please note we will not do any tests unless we
have a reliable way of contacting you.
Q. What are the symptoms of Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea?
A. Women may notice a change in vaginal discharge, bleeding in between
periods or after sex, lower abdominal pain, or pain during sex. Men may notice
discharge from the penis and/or pain when passing urine, testicular pain/
swelling.
www.manchester.nhs.uk
If you have symptoms, you may be asked to contact a GUM clinic for an
appointment as they are able to offer more tests and can give you some results
on the day of attendance and may provide treatment on that day.
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Paying for or being paid for sex
Injecting drugs or sharing injection equipment
Being the sexual partner of any of the above
Receiving medical treatment (e.g. blood transfusion) in a ‘high risk’ country.
It can be passed form a mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA), Nurse or Doctor will ask you some questions to find out about your risk, and
may occasionally need to refer you to a GUM clinic.
Q. How can I reduce the risk of getting HIV?
A. Using condoms will reduce the risk of HIV being passed on and are available free in this service. Having fewer
sexual partners may also help.
Q. Why should I have an HIV test?
A. People with HIV may feel fit and healthy (often for many years) before they notice any signs or symptoms.
Treatment is now available for people with HIV and this works best if given before symptoms develop. Treatments
may reduce the risk of serious illness and the progression to AIDs. They can also reduce the risk of the infection
being passed on to others, including from a mother to her baby.
Q. What is Syphilis?
A. Syphilis is a STI caused by a bacterium. It is not common in heterosexuals but in Manchester there has been a
recent increase in cases seen. Treatment is with antibiotics usually by injection, but sometimes by mouth, and
will be done in a GUM clinic.
Q. How can I be tested for HIV & syphilis?
A. By a simple blood test.
Q. How long does it take for HIV and syphilis to show up in a blood test after a risk?
A. The HIV test measures antibodies to HIV, which may take up to 12 weeks to show in a blood test. A repeat test
may be needed if you have had any risk in the last 12 weeks. It is the same for syphilis.
Q. How can I be tested for Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea?
A. You will need either a swab or a urine test; the clinic staff will discuss which is
the right test for you.
Q. Will having an HIV test affect my chance of getting life insurance or mortgage?
A. Negative tests do not need reporting when writing insurance reports. Insurance companies should not ask
whether you have been tested for HIV, but ask only if you have HIV (HIV positive) People with HIV may find it
more difficult to get life or holiday insurance or some types of mortgages. The same applies to people with other
long term illnesses.
Q. What is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)?
A. HIV is a virus. The virus can weaken and damage the immune system which
means it can’t fight infections very well. There is no cure for HIV but most
people will keep well with treatment. In the event of a positive HIV test, it is
better for your health if you know about this.
Q. How will I get my results?
A. It depends, the staff will talk to you about this when you have your test. We will not do any tests unless we have a
reliable way of contacting you so at the time of the test you will be asked to provide your current contact details.
Q. How is HIV passed on (transmitted)?
A. HIV is passed through blood and body fluids;
Any form of unprotected sexual activity is a risk for HIV, but some activities
increase the risk. For example;
 Men who have sex with men or are bisexual
 Unprotected anal/vaginal sex with someone known to have HIV
 Having sex with somebody who comes from a country where HIV is common,
especially places in Africa, South East Asia, the Caribbean and India.
Q. What happens if my HIV or Syphilis result is positive?
A. After discussing the result, The nurse or doctor will refer you to a local GUM clinic for your care.
Q. What happens if my Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea result is positive?
A. You will be contacted to arrange an appointment for you to have treatment with antibiotics (by mouth)
Q. What happens if you can’t get in touch with me?
A. We will attempt to contact you in the way you said we can but if, despite our best efforts, we can’t contact you and
you have an infection that needs treatment we will contact your GP, so it is extremely important that you make
sure we have your up to date contact details.
Se e overleaf for useful telephone numbers
Useful telephone numbers:
GUM Clinics
Withington
0161 217 4939
Manchester Centre for Sexual Health at The Hathersage Centre
0161 276 5200
North Manchester, Bury, Oldham & Rochdale
0161 627 8753
Salford
0161 212 5717
Trafford
0161 746 2158
Tameside
0161 342 7101
Stockport
0161 419 5370
Other numbers
CASH advice line (Monday to Friday from 2.30pm -3.30pm)
RUCLEAR
NHS Direct
0161 217 3553 &
0161 901 1555
0800 046 1303
0845 46 47
Produced February 2011