References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Here are answers to the questions we’re asked most often about sexual health, STI testing, treatment and prevention. If your question isn’t here, our articles cover hundreds of topics in detail.
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Testing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often should I test? | At least annually; every 3 months if at higher risk |
| Is testing free? | Yes through NHS sexual health services |
| Is testing confidential? | Yes — records kept separate from GP |
| Can I test at home? | Yes — postal kits available free in many areas |
| How soon after sex can I test? | 1-2 weeks for chlamydia; 4 weeks for HIV |
STIs
- Can you have an STI without symptoms? Yes — most STIs are often silent
- Are all STIs curable? Bacterial ones yes; viral ones manageable but not always curable
- Can you catch STIs from toilet seats? No
- Can you catch STIs from kissing? Oral herpes (HSV-1) yes; most others no
- Does the pill protect against STIs? No — only condoms do
Treatment
- Is HIV treatable? Yes — near-normal life expectancy with modern ART
- Is hepatitis C curable? Yes — over 95% cure rate
- What’s the best antibiotic for chlamydia? Doxycycline 7 days
- Is herpes curable? No, but manageable with antiviral treatment
Prevention
- What’s PrEP? HIV prevention medication — over 99% effective
- What’s PEP? Emergency HIV medication within 72 hours of exposure
- Which STIs have vaccines? HPV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B
- What does U=U mean? Undetectable HIV viral load means no sexual transmission
Read more: How often to test | Are all STIs curable? | STI myths
Still Have Questions?
Browse our guides section or STI information pages for detailed articles on every topic.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
