Looking after sexual health is self-care - STI Awareness Day
13 January 2026
STI Awareness Day is an opportunity to talk openly about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), challenge stigma, and remind people that looking after your sexual health is an important part of self-care and overall wellbeing.
STIs are common, and many people who have one don’t experience any symptoms at all. Regular testing helps protect your health and the health of others, and treatment is often simple and effective when infections are detected early.
What are STIs?
STIs are infections that can be passed on through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, herpes and genital warts.
Some STIs can cause symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain, itching or sores, but many cause no symptoms, which is why testing is important even if you feel well.
Why testing matters
You can have an STI without knowing
- Early treatment can prevent long-term health problems
- Testing helps stop infections being passed on to partners
- Most tests are quick, confidential and straightforward
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Getting tested is about care, not judgement.
How to lower your risk?
What causes STI's?
Who can get STI's?
Anyone who engages in sexual activity (vaginal, anal, oral sex, or genital contact) can get a (STI), regardless of age, gender, or number of partners, as STIs spread through bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact during sex, and some can even spread through kissing or sharing sex toys, emphasizing that condoms and protection are key.
Our sexual health services
- Free and confidential
- Open to everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or background
- Delivered by friendly, non-judgemental professionals
We offer:
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STI testing and treatment
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HIV testing and care
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Contraception and emergency contraception
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Advice and support around sexual health and relationships
How to access testing
You can access our services by:
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Attending one of our sexual health clinics
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Using our online self-sampling kits (where available)
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Speaking to our teams for advice if you’re unsure what you need
If something doesn’t feel right, or if you’ve had unprotected sex or a change in partners, it’s always okay to get checked.
Visit our Sexual health website or Sexual health London to order a kit.
If you live in Surrey
The Surrey Sexual Health Team have a dedicated page to order home testing kits There are two types of kits available for use at home. One for over 18s (this includes a test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis) and a chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test for under 25s.
If you live in London
You can order a home testing kit online from Sexual Health London – visit the Sexual health London website to order a kit.
If you need to see a clinician because you have symptoms or are a contact of a sexually transmitted infection, please visit www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk for more information on booking an appointment in one of our sexual health clinics in London and Surrey.