Bringing up STI testing with a partner can feel uncomfortable, especially early in a relationship. But avoiding the subject doesn’t make the risks go away. And in most cases, your partner will appreciate the honesty. Whether you're newly dating, in...
A blood borne virus, often abbreviated to BBV, is exactly what it sounds like: a virus that is present in human blood and can be transmitted from one person to another when blood, or sometimes other bodily fluids, enter another...
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are often thought of as easy to spot. People expect clear signs - unusual discharge, rashes, discomfort. But that assumption can be misleading. Many STIs don't show symptoms at all, especially early on. They can be...
What is Mycoplasma genitalium? Mycoplasma genitalium, often shortened to MG or Mgen, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that many people haven’t even heard of. Despite being lesser-known than infections like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, it's increasingly recognised as a cause...
An itchy penis... we've all been there but it’s not exactly something most men want to talk about openly, but it’s surprisingly common. You notice a persistent itch around your penis and immediately your mind jumps to conclusions. Is it...
There’s a certain heaviness to the word "AIDS." It’s the kind of term that, for many, still carries shadows from the past - fear, uncertainty, stigma. Those early decades, where an HIV diagnosis often meant a ticking clock, changed public...
Discussions around sexual health often tiptoe around certain topics, and anal sex is frequently one of them. It’s not uncommon to feel unsure or even anxious about whether it’s safe, especially with conflicting information online. But with the right approach...
When most people think about sexually transmitted infections, their minds often go straight to penetrative sex. Vaginal sex tends to dominate the conversation, while oral sex gets somewhat overlooked. Perhaps it's because it's seen as a 'safer' option. Less risky....
Penile discharge isn’t something most people expect or feel particularly comfortable talking about. It's one of those symptoms that often gets pushed aside in the hope it’ll just disappear on its own. Sometimes it does, but honestly, more often than...
Pubic lice represent a parasitic infestation that affects the coarse hair of the human body, most notably in the pubic region. Known scientifically as Pthirus pubis, these insects are a relatively common issue and are not reflective of personal hygiene...
You might not think twice about a burning sensation when you urinate, maybe you’ve chalked it up to not drinking enough water or assumed it was something that would pass in a day or two. But sometimes, what seems minor...
Life doesn’t always give us the luxury of planning ahead. Sometimes events unfold in ways that leave us with questions and, in certain situations, a very real sense of urgency. Picture it: an unplanned sexual encounter without protection, a slip-up...
It’s odd to write about something that, frankly, most of us in the UK barely ever think about. Chancroid is so rare in the UK, almost like a medical mythology but it’s worth a glance, especially if you’re curious about...
When it comes to preventing HIV, timing is everything. But unlike Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which is taken after a possible exposure, there’s a way to protect yourself before you’re even at risk. That’s where Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) comes in. PrEP...