Summer usually means more plans, more nights out, more festivals, more holidays – and for lots of people, more dating and sex too. But while we all try to remember our sunglasses, SPF and passports, sexual health often gets left off the list. But here’s the thing: our data shows that positivity rates for several sexually transmitted infections increased during the summer months, particularly across July and August 2025.
That’s why regular testing matters, especially if you’ve had sex with someone new.
The good news? Testing is easy.
With SHL.UK, if you live in London, you can order a free STI test online, take your samples at home, and get your results quickly and discreetly.
More than 145,000 at-home sexual health test kits were ordered through Sexual Health London during summer 2025, with more than 6,400 positive STI results identified, helping thousands of Londoners access timely treatment, care and support. Testing is free, easy and confidential.
SHL.UK is designed for people without symptoms who want routine sexual health testing from home. If you do have symptoms, it’s important to attend a sexual health clinic so you can receive the right care and any treatment you may need.
So… when should you test?
One thing lots of people don’t realise is that STIs don’t always show up on tests straight away.
Your body needs a little time before an infection can be picked up properly. Testing too soon after sex can sometimes mean an infection doesn’t show up yet – even if it’s there.
Here’s a simple guide for when to test, after you’ve had sex:
- Chlamydia: from 2 weeks
- Gonorrhoea: from 2 weeks
- HIV: from 45 days
- Syphilis: from 3 months
- Hepatitis B: from 3 months
- Hepatitis C: from 3 months
No symptoms? You should still test.
Most STIs don’t cause obvious symptoms, especially at first. You can feel completely fine and still have an infection without knowing it. Regular testing helps protect both you and your partners – and catching infections early means they can usually be treated quickly and easily.
A summer reminder
SHL.UK offers up to four free kits per person each year, so it’s worth timing your test carefully. This summer, make sexual health part of the routine – right alongside booking the train tickets and checking the weather forecast.
