In short: In the UK you can get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a free NHS sexual health clinic, with a free or paid home testing kit, or at a private clinic. All of these should be confidential. The best option depends on your symptoms, how quickly you want to be seen and which tests you need. Testing is only part of good sexual health: condoms, vaccination, PrEP and prompt PEP after a possible HIV exposure all help prevent infection.

This guide, reviewed by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, compares your testing options, explains how confidentiality works and sets out the main ways to protect yourself. For detail on which tests to have and when, see our companion guide to private STI testing.

Where can I get an STI test in the UK?

Option	Cost	Good for	Things to know
NHS sexual health clinic	Free	Symptoms, full screening, treatment, PrEP, PEP, vaccines, partner notification	No GP referral needed; many clinics require booking and availability varies
NHS home testing kit	Free in many areas	Routine screening without symptoms	Not suitable if you have symptoms; depends on local service
Private clinic	Self-funded	Choosing your appointment time, in-person testing and advice	Check which infections are covered and how positive results are confirmed and treated
Paid home kit	Self-funded	Convenience	Choose a UK-accredited lab; you still need a clinician for treatment

Whichever route you choose, if you have symptoms such as pain, unusual discharge, sores, ulcers or a rash, it is better to be seen by a clinician rather than relying on a home kit.

Is STI testing confidential?

Yes. NHS sexual health clinics do not need your GP details and will not share information with your GP or anyone else without your consent. You do not have to give your real name. Private clinics must also keep your information confidential under data protection law and professional standards; ask how results are shared with you and whether anything is sent to your GP (usually only with your permission).

Some infections, such as syphilis and HIV, are reported anonymously to public health bodies to monitor trends. This does not identify you.

What happens if I test positive?

Confirmation: a positive rapid (point-of-care) HIV or syphilis test should always be confirmed with a laboratory test before a diagnosis is made.
Treatment: most bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are treatable. A clinician will decide on the right treatment, which may differ depending on the infection and local resistance patterns.
Follow-up: some infections need a test of cure, for example gonorrhoea, and avoiding sex until treatment is complete.
Specialist care: HIV and some complex infections are managed by NHS specialist services, which are free and confidential.
Partner notification: current and recent partners need to know so they can get tested. Sexual health clinics can contact them anonymously on your behalf.

How can I reduce my risk of STIs?

Condoms and dental dams

Using a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex, and a dental dam for oral sex, greatly reduces the risk of most STIs. They are available free from many sexual health services.

Vaccination

HPV: offered in the NHS school programme, with catch-up for eligible people up to age 25, and for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) up to age 45 through sexual health clinics.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis A: offered by sexual health clinics to people at higher risk.
Mpox: offered by sexual health clinics to people at higher risk, mainly GBMSM.
Gonorrhoea: since 2025, England has offered a meningococcal B vaccine to GBMSM at increased risk of gonorrhoea through sexual health clinics. It gives partial protection (estimated at around 30 to 40%), so condoms are still important.

HIV PrEP and PEP

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medication taken before sex that is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as directed. It is available free from NHS sexual health clinics in England for people who could benefit, after an assessment and with regular monitoring.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) may be offered after a possible exposure to HIV. It must be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours. Go to a sexual health clinic or, out of hours, an A&E department.

Regular testing

Test after any new or casual partner, if a partner has an STI, or if you have symptoms. People with frequent partner changes may be advised to test more often, for example every three months. Under-25s in England can get free chlamydia screening through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral for STI testing?

No. You can go to an NHS sexual health clinic, order an NHS home kit where available, or book a private clinic directly.

Can I get tested without symptoms?

Yes. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV, often cause no symptoms, which is why routine testing matters.

How long after sex should I test?

It depends on the infection; some can be detected within about two weeks, while others take longer. The NHS advises that if you have no symptoms, waiting until 7 weeks after unprotected sex gives the most reliable results, but do not wait if you have symptoms or may need PEP. A clinician can advise on timing and whether a repeat test is needed.

Can a private clinic test for every STI?

Not always. Check which infections a panel covers. Some tests, such as herpes blood tests or routine Mycoplasma genitalium screening without symptoms, are not recommended in UK guidance because the results can be hard to interpret.

Key takeaways

You can test at an NHS sexual health clinic, with a home kit or at a private clinic.
STI testing is confidential, and NHS clinics do not need your GP details.
If you have symptoms, see a clinician rather than relying on a home kit.
Rapid positive HIV or syphilis results need laboratory confirmation.
Condoms, vaccination, PrEP and prompt PEP all help prevent STIs and HIV.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Ready Health offers a confidential, in-clinic sexual health screen for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea at our clinic in Standish, convenient for Wigan, Chorley, Bolton and Horwich. A clinician will discuss your results and any next steps with you, including referral to NHS services where appropriate.

Sexual Health Clinics in the UK: Testing Options, Confidentiality and Prevention