Testing regularly for sexually transmitted infections means that you can treat any infections you do have and avoid passing them on to other people. Some STIs will make you more ill the longer you have them, so testing often means you are protecting yourself and your sexual partners.

Some STI tests will involve taking urine samples or swabs from the vagina, anus or throat. You can usually do these swabs yourself in private, so you don’t need to worry about undressing in front of somebody else if you’re uncomfortable with this.

Some STI tests, including HIV, hepatitis and syphilis use a small blood sample to test, either from a fingertip or from your arm.