Infections
Infections which are sexually transmitted (Sexually transmitted infections / STIs) or which affect your sexual health are a major cause of ill-health, causing a wide-range of symptoms in men and women, with possibility of severe complications.
> How to obtain treatment for your infection
> Chlamydia
> Genital Herpes
> Genital Warts (HPV)
> Gonorrhoea
> Syphilis
> Pubic Lice
>
Hepatitis
> Trichomonas
> Thrush
> Bacterial Vaginosis
> HIV / AIDS
What to do if you think you have an STI
If you think you have a sexually transmitted infection, please contact either a genito-urinary medicine clinic, your GP or one of the other providers below. If you would prefer to be seen at a clinic outside Birmingham, you can find the details of clinics further afield here.
Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinics (GUM Clinics) Also known as Departments of Sexual Health and HIV, Sexual Medicine, STI Clinics (Sexually Transmitted Infections) or STD Clinics (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). In Birmingham you should contact the Heart of England Clinic, Whittal Street Clinic or the North Birmingham Sexual Health Clinic.
These Clinics specialise in Sexual Health problems (particularly infections) and have a full range of facilities for these problems. Most commonly you will need to phone and make an appointment but in some clinics there are "walk in" sessions which can be attended without a prior appointment or registration in advance.
Heart of England (Heartlands) Hospital GUM Clinics 0121 424 3300
These clinics, run in a variety of locations by the Heartlands GU Medicine team offer many services, including the following: screening, diagnosis, and treatment of all sexually transmitted infections,
counselling and testing for HIV/AIDS.
This is an open access, self-referral service, with no prescription charges, confidential service, providing advice and information via telephone or in person.
Hawthorn House Clinics (Department of Sexual Medicine,
Hawthorn House, Bordesley Green,
B9 5SS):
Monday: 9am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday: 9am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4.30pm
Wednesday: 9am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4.30pm
Thursday: 9am - 12.30pm
Friday: 9am - 12.30pm, 2pm - 4.30pm
Outreach Clinics
Monday (2pm-5pm): Brook Clinic (59-65 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BL)
A clinic is run with Brook to screen for STIs- please contact them to book.
Wednesday (9.30am-5.00pm): Birmingham Chest Clinic (Great Charles Street)
A walk-in clinic is put on, providing STI testing.
Thursday (2pm-4pm): Hawthorn House (in Heartlands)
A
clinic for the under 20s is provided.
Whittall Street GUM Clinic Appointments: 0121 237 5701/02 Cancellations: 0121 237 5700
The Whittall Street clinic offers advice, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of all sexually transmitted infections,
Hepatitis B testing and vaccination, HIV results available the same day.
Male and female staff
offer emergency contraception, family planning advice either by phone or drop-in. Both STI screening and contraception are always on offer, and HIV testing is provided on Tuesday afternoons (in the THT clinic).
A
clinic for the under 20s is provided. Disabled facilities are available and interpreters can be arranged with prior notice. The clinic can be found at the following address: Whittall Street, Birmingham B4 6DH (map)
Mon, Wed, Thurs: 8.45am-6pm
Tuesday: 10am-1pm
Friday: 8.45pm-3pm
North Birmingham Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) SHC Erdington: 0794 725 5740 SHC Great Barr: 07951 920 941
All aspects of sexual health are covered from two sites, with emphasis being placed upon sexual infection testing. Clients can self-refer to either site or go through the GP. All consultations are conducted in complete confidentiality by experienced doctors and nurses from two different GP surgeries.
The service is available for anyone: who is concerned they have been at risk of infection, who has been informed of possible infection by a partner or ex-partner, who is symptomatic, who is concerned about HIV, syphilis or hepatitis B, who requires emergency contraception, or who has gay sexual issues.
Two clinics are run in Biringham at the following addreseses: SHC Erdington Streetly Road Surgery, 160 Streetly Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B23 7BD (map) / SHC Great Barr The Oaks Medical Practice, 669 Kings Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B44 9HU (map)
General Practice You can consult your GP (or a special sexual health GP with whom you are not registered - use our GP locator to find sexual health services near you) in confidence about your suspected infection and they will advise you on the best course of action, carry out tests if these are required, and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Chlamydia Screening Programme : BeeSure Chlamydia Screening If you think you have chlamydia and are under 25, you can obtain a screening kit from a GP surgery, Birmingham Walk in Centre or by phoning 1021 465 3700. If the test is positive, the screening team will contact you and organise treatment. If you are worried about any other infections or problems then you should see your GP or go to a GUM /STI/Sexual Health clinic
Sexual Health Line 0800 567 123 (24/7)
This 24 hour helpline service offers advice on all sexual health issues. It is run by the Department of Health.
Disease Information
Below are some overviews of commonly found infections. Please follow the 'read more' links to find more information about each topic, such as causes, detailed symptoms and treatment options.
Health First Sexually Transmitted Infection Information Leaflets
These very informative NHS leaflets are available for download here.
Chlamydia
This is one of the most commonly found STIs and is thought to affect around 1 in 10 sexually active young people. Chlamydia is a tiny bacterium which can have major effects. Most people do not have symptoms. Men may have a discharge from the end of the penis or burning when peeing. Women may have lower abdominal pain or bleeding after sex or between periods. It can lead to complications, which can be both painful and serious, and sometime lead to infertility in both men and women by causing inflammation in the testicles or tubes (more info). Information about Birmingham's Chlamydia Screening Programme can be found here.
BeeSure Chlamydia testing 0121 465 3700
Chlamydia is a big deal because approximately 1 in 10 sexually active young people have chlamydia. The problem is that most have no signs or symptoms. So must won't know that they have it. If left untreated, it can damage your health. People infected with Chlamydia might notice unusual discharge, pain when peeing or having sex, bleeding after sex or between periods, lower abdominal pain or painful testicles.
To get a free, confidential test, call BeeSure on 0121 465 3700. If BeeSure find you have chlamydia, you will receive free antibiotic tablets to sort it out. You can reduce the risk of infection by using condoms every time you have sex.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is usually a sexually transmitted infection. Many people who are infected with this virus never have symptoms, but can still pass on the infection to others. If symptoms occur, they can range from a mild soreness to painful blisters on the genitals (vulva or penis) and surrounding area. A first episode of symptoms can last 2-3 weeks, but may be shorter. Recurrent episodes of symptoms then develop in some cases from time to time, but are usually less severe than the first episode. Antiviral medication can ease symptoms when they develop. Some people who have frequent recurrences of symptoms take antiviral medication each day to prevent symptoms from developing (more info).
Genital Warts (HPV)
Genital warts may appear as small, flesh-coloured bumps or cauliflower like groups. Caused by a viral infection of HPV (human papillomavirus), warts can be passed on in oral, vaginal and anal sex. (more info)
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection which is passed on mainly through sexual contact (though mothers can pass it on in childbirth) and is commonly found in young people particularly in inner city areas. Around 50% of people infected suffer no symptoms (at least at first). When it cause symptoms these are similar to Chlamydia but develop more quickly. Men may have a discharge from the end of the penis or burning when peeing. Women may have a discharge and/or lower abdominal pain, bleeding after sex or between periods. It can lead to complications, which can be both painful and serious, and sometime lead to infertility in both men and women by causing inflammation in the testicles or fallopian tubes. (more info)
Syphilis
Syphilis is an infection which is usually passed on through sexual contact with another infected person. Its symptoms vary in different people and over time, but often include a hard painless ulcer, sores, rashes, fever and fatigue. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective, though if left untreated, serious health problems can result. (more info)
Pubic Lice (crabs)
In infected individuals, these six-legged creatures are found in the hair in the pubic area. Symptoms often include itchiness which can worsen at night as the lice become more active. Lice bites can become infected and scratching the area may cause it to become sore. Sexual contact is the main but not the only cause of spread between adults. People with crabs are “at risk for other sexually transmitted infections and should have a “check up” for other infections. (more info)
Hepatitis A, B, C
These infections of the liver are caused by viruses. Hepatitis A is a gut infection which is spread by poor hygiene or by some sexual practices. Hepatitis A and C are transmitted through sexual contact and infected blood, semen and vaginal secretions. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B and is recommended for certain groups e.g. gay or bisexual men and drug users. Symptoms vary but some patients will suffer jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and flu-like symptoms. Hepatitis B and C can cause serious Liver failure although this may take some years to occur.(More info)
Trichomonas
This infection is caused by tiny bug (bigger than a bacteria) which infects the vagina and urethra and leads to vaginal inflammation and discharge. Men usually have no symptoms but re-infect women. This condition (whilst not too serious in itself) is often associated with gonorrhoea and can indicate more serious infection. (more info)
Thrush
This infection is caused by a yeast (Candida albicans). It is not transmitted sexually but can be sexually triggered. Symptoms in women involve a thick, white vaginal discharge, soreness, itching and pain when passing urine; whilst in men the penis may becomes inflamed, sore and itchy. Candida in the vagina only needs to be treated if it is causing symptoms. (more info)
Bacterial Vaginosis (B.V.)
B.V. is an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. The usual bacteria (lactobacilli) die off and are replaced by a mixture of bacteria which may cause a fishy-smelling discharge. Like thrush it can be sexually triggered but is not sexually transmitted. Treatment is only necessary if there are symptoms. (more info)
HIV / AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus which leads to AIDS. It can be passed from one person to another in infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) usually occurs several years later (during which time the infected person is well). AIDS is a collection of specific illnesses which can only occur in people with a very damaged immune system. (more info)
AB PLUS 0121 622 6471 (10am-4pm)
AB plus is a drop-in centre (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm: 29-30 Lower Essex St. , Birmingham , B5 6SN)
offering support for people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. They provide walk-in HIV/Hep B/ Syphilis testing service on Tuesdays between 1pm and 3pm, as well as a computer learning course on Wednesday afternoons, a youth group, a religious group, an African women's group and complementary therapies. Interpreters can be arranged.
Adcare Support Housing 0121 445 8024 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
A project run by Adullam Housing Association, Adcare offers supported housing with furnished accommodation for people with HIV & AIDS, and their families. A 'floating support service' is available to help people with HIV in their homes. Disabled facilities are provided and interpreters are available with notice.
Freshwinds 0121 415 6670 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)
A charity offering care for people with HIV/AIDS based at Prospect Hall in Selly Oak (disabled facilities are provided).
NAZ Project 020 8741 1879 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
This primarily London-based project offers HIV / AIDs advice. NAZ specialise in South Asian, Middle Eastern, Horn of Africa and Latin American communities. English, Spanish and Portuguese are spoken, and disabled facilities are provided.
Positively Women 020 7713 0222 (Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm )
Offering advice to HIV positive women from HIV positive women. The biggest women only national HIV support group in the UK, with support groups which meet in London.
Safe Project (HOB tPCT) 0121 440 6655 (Mon-Fri 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm )
Promoting sexual health in Birmingham's female sex industry workers. Service on street, in saunas, at home. Clinic is on Mondays 10.30am-4pm.
S.O.F.A.H 0121 212 3855 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
The Banardo's Service Organised for Families Affected by HIV/AIDS, supporting children and families infected and affected by HIV & AIDS. They offer individual service, group activities and can provide interpreters given notice.
Steps 2 Health 0121 446 1088 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Providing support and information aimed mainly at African Communities on the subject of HIV and personal risk assessment.
Terrence Higgins Trust General: 0121 694 6440 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm)
Helpline: 0845 12 21 200 (Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Weekends 12pm-6pm)
Offering advice on a number of issues for people living with or affected by HIV, including counselling courses, financial support services, information services, prevention advice for people living with HIV, support groups and specific advice for the african community. Working to promote health in gay community, working against homophobia, and also offering free condoms by post (send requests to Gay Men's Tem, THT, Unit G7, The Arch, 48-52 Floodgate Street, Birmingham, B5 5SL).
