If you think you may have symptoms of an STI

There are many symptoms that may or may not mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some STIs can be much more serious than others.

We concentrate on dealing with the more serious STIs, especially those where a delay in treatment could result in long term harm to health. These infections are HIV, syphilis and gonorrhoea.

At our services, testing and treatment is also provided for chlamydia, herpes, and genital warts but your GP will also usually be able to treat these conditions. If you have symptoms and are worried that you have an STI, book a phone consultation online. We will assess your problem by phone. We can send you a Home Sampling Kit (HSK) if needed, so you can take samples for testing yourself at home. If you need treatment, we can arrange for you to collect it at the Chalmers Centre, Whitburn Health Centre, or in some cases from a local pharmacy.

Sometimes the symptoms will not be due to an STI at all; for example many rashes that affect the genital area. 

Symptoms that worry us:

  • Single ulcers on the genitals
    Single ulcers (sores) on the penis make us worried about syphilis, especially if there is no pain. Painful ulcers may be due to herpes. Book a phone consultation online.
  • Pelvic pain (Mainly if an STI is more likely as a cause)
    There are many causes of pain in the lower stomach in women, for example diseases of the bowel, period pains and many gynaecological conditions. Some STIs such as gonorrhoea, or very occasionally chlamydia, can spread up into the fallopian tubes and cause lower stomach pain and/or deep pain during sex. If you have pain like this and think you have been at risk for an STI,  book a phone consultation online or phone for advice (0131 536 1070).
  • Discharge from the end of the penis with or without discomfort passing urine
    This usually means that you have an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Book a phone consultation online or phone for advice.
  • Possible epididymo-orchitis
    Gonorrhoea and chlamydia usually affect just the urethra in men, but sometimes infection can spread to the testicle and or epididymis (the small nobbly bit next to the testicle). This will cause painful swelling for which you should seek treatment urgently. Book a phone consultation online or phone for advice​​.

Symptoms that worry both you and us

  • Multiple painful genital ulcers
    This usually indicates genital herpes. Sometimes the ulcers are itchy before they become sore. Women tend to get pain on passing urine because this stings the ulcers. Milder cases can be treated by your GP. If you are getting significant problems, book a phone consultation online or phone for advice. 

Symptoms that worry you more than they worry us:

  • Spots or lumps on the genitals
    The most common cause of new spots or lumps on the genitals is warts. Another fairly common cause is molluscum. Sometimes, teenage men notice lumps that are completely normal. To see real pictures of what is normal and natural lumps and bumps, click here (please be aware that the link contains very explicit close-up photos of genitalia). 
  • If you think that the lumps you have noticed are likely to be genital warts they will resolve on their own. However, if you are keen for treatment which might speed up the process then you can attend your GP practice and they can prescribe it for you. 
  • Itching
    Genital skin is very sensitive, and itch is often a sign that you are doing something or using something that is irritating the skin. Itch in men is seldom related to an STI, with the rare exception of pubic lice (“crabs”). Itch in women if often due to thrush for which you can get treatment at a Chemists or your GP. The following links to Female and Male Washing Advice may be helpful.
  • Change in vaginal bleeding pattern
    If you have changed your method of contraception, you may notice a change in bleeding pattern. Chlamydia can sometimes cause a little bit of bleeding after sex or between periods, so get tested for this if you have had condomless sex with a new sexual partner. 

Symptoms that are not usually a sign of anything serious

  • Change in vaginal discharge
    Change in vaginal discharge is often due to changes in hormone levels, for example by using a new method of contraception or pregnancy. A sudden change may mean there is a minor infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush, for which you can easily get treatment over the counter at your local pharmacy or from your GP. We have leaflets on vaginal secretions and bacterial vaginosis and thrush. If it is a new or changed discharge and you have recently (in the last 3 months) had sex with a new partner, we would suggest you get tested for STIs including chlamydia and gonorrhoea. 
  • Painless rash on the genitals
    The skin of the genitals can be affected by “ordinary” skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis or minor fungal infections. You GP can usually diagnose and treat these.
  • Intermittent genital pain in men
    Sometimes men feel intermittent discomfort at the tip of the penis, in one or both testicles (without any swelling) or in the lower abdomen. This is quite common but very seldom caused by an STI.

West Lothian Drop-in Clinic

Howden+ Drop-In Service – Starting Friday, 2nd May 2025

A new drop-in service will be available every Friday morning at Howden Health Centre in Livingston from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. This is for anyone with an urgent sexual health issue. Some examples include:

  • New symptoms of an STI
  • Testing positive for an STI
  • Having had sex with someone who has tested positive for an STI
  • Need for emergency contraception

You don’t need an appointment—simply drop in during these times. Upon arrival, you’ll be triaged by a nurse. If we can’t address your issue during the drop-in, we may help you book an appointment for another day or guide you to your GP or pharmacy for further support.