What sort of symptoms do you have?

Discharge from the penis

 A small amount of clear (see-through), colourless liquid can be normal from the penis from to time to time - it is also called pre-ejaculate.
This commonly happens when you are sexually aroused and may vary with age, your hydration and how long you have been aroused.

 

When is discharge a sign of infection?

If you get a new discharge or a change to your usual pre-ejaculate then this often means there is an infection.
ou should get this checked out at a Sexual Health Clinic especially if:

  • It is cloudy
  • It is watery
  • It happens with pain or itchiness inside your urethra (penis tube)

Please book an appointment online stating in the comments your reason for attendance. 

Pain when peeing

chilli Pain when peeing, or an uncomfortable itchy feeling in the urethra (penis tube) is commonly due to a bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). 

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can also cause pain on peeing, but are much less common in men under 35 who are sexually active and in otherwise good health.

You should consider seeing your GP about a UTI if:

  • You have not been sexually active in a long time (more than 6 months)
  • You have other background medical conditions e.g. diabetes or prostate problems

If you are sexually active, then a Sexual Health Clinic should be your first stop for while-you-wait tests to see if treatment can be given straight away.

Please book an appointment online stating your reason for attending in the comments. 

Pain in the Scrotum (balls)

IMPORTANT QUESTION: Did the pain come on suddenly?


Sudden intense pain can mean that a testicle has twisted - This is an emergency and you need to seek help straight away from the Emergency Department

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Gradual onset pain? 
Slow onset pain can be due to an infection in the tubes behind the testicle (epididymis). This is called epididymitis and requires medical attention including antibiotics.

  • Epididymitis in older men with more background medical conditions may not be due to an STI, but will still need help which the GP can provide.
  • Epididymitis, in young sexually active men is more likely to be caused by a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). So you should go to a Sexual Health Clinic.
  • If you have had any sexual contact in the last few months, then a trip to the Sexual Health Clinic may still be the best option.

 

 

More information on epididymitis

Rash or skin changes (includes change in colour or texture of your genital skin)

strawberry There are many reasons why the skin on and around your genitals may change:

  • Sometimes it is simply due to dry skin, friction or a contact reaction with a new soap or washing detergent
  • Sometimes it is a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
  • Sometimes it is due to general medical or general skin condition (dermatological)

 

Ra sh or Skin changes: What to look for…

Checking for certain symptoms can help you decide what to do and where to go. Click on the causes below to find out more:

 
Symptoms Possible Cause
 Painless lumps that are growing on the skin  Genital Warts
 Painful blisters, cuts or breaks in the skin  Genital Herpes
 Painless bump (or bumps) that hasn’t changed for many years  Simple skin condition
 Areas of skin change with or without pain or itch or, anything else  Medical skin condition (dermatological)

 

Syphilis is an STI that often has no symptoms, but it can mimic almost any skin condition. The best test for syphilis is a blood test that you can get at your GP or by ordering a self-test kit here