STIs can have a major impact on your health regardless of your age, gender or sexual  orientation. The best way to reduce your risk of an infection is to use a condom consistently and correctly with new or casual partners.

If you think you have an STI, it’s important to been seen quickly by a qualified professional.  The NHS provides free, confidential STI testing to detect any potential infections and prevent you passing them on to others.

For further information see the sexual health web pages of Kent County Council that provides a wealth of information about sexual health, testing and services in the area, what going for a check-up is like and ordering of self-test kits. The Gate Clinic based at Kent & Canterbury Hospital offer bookable appointments throughout the week.

For Medway area contact the NHS Clover Street sexual health hub including services specifically for under 25s.

Unboxing at home STI self-testing kit