Something doesn't feel right

Lots of things can cause these symptoms, and having one doesn't always mean an STI. But it's worth getting checked — most causes are easy to treat, especially early.

Common things people notice:

• Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum
• Burning or pain when you pee
• Sores, bumps, blisters, or a rash — on the genitals, mouth, or hands/feet
• Itching, pain, or bleeding — including bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pain during sex, or pain in the testicles or lower belly

What to do now

1. Book a visit — bring up your symptoms so the right tests and swabs are taken.
2. Hold off on sex until you've been checked, so you don't pass anything on.
3. Don't self-treat with leftover antibiotics — the wrong medicine can hide the problem or make it harder to treat.

When to seek care urgently

Get care the same day (or go to urgent care / emergency) if you have:

• Severe lower-belly or pelvic pain, especially with fever
• Painful, swollen testicles
• Feeling very unwell — high fever, spreading rash, or joint pain and swelling

These can be signs that an infection is spreading and needs prompt treatment.

Good news

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all curable, and HIV is very treatable. Getting checked early gives the best result — and protects your partners too. See "I want to get tested" for what a visit involves.

How to arrange this at AHC: you can book an appointment with your Ajax Harwood Clinic provider, or come to our after-hours clinic. AHC is a family practice with after-hours care — we are not a walk-in clinic for people who are not AHC patients, and we do not take outside referrals for STI care.