WARNING: These pictures could give you nightmares

Sex, it's brilliant. But there can be a nasty side. Here's some Sexually Transmitted Infections you NEED to know about + how to protect yourself from them...

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Quite literally beasties that live in your pubes. As The Feeling might say, you'll never be lonely. But a puppy might be better company.

Let me see:Have a look, if you care.

How to catch them: Pubic lice are passed on through sexual contact, or through close physical contact.

How to prevent catching them: Always use a condom, but you also need to ask your partner if they've got an infection, and if they do make sure they get it treated.

How to treat them: Special shampoos, creams or lotions are used to kill the lice and their eggs.

Genital Warts

You know warts? Well these are special warts that appear on men and women's genital areas. Never a good look.

Let me see: If you've got a strong stomach, have a look at these pictures and then imagine it turning into a wart and attaching itself to your lady bits.

How to catch them: Genital warts are passed on by direct skin-to-skin genital contact with an infected person.

How to prevent catching them: Always use a condom, but you also need to ask your partner if they've got an infection, and if they do make sure they get it treated.

How to treat them: The two most common treatments are painting a liquid chemical or special cream onto the warts and washing it off later, or freezing the warts with a spray treatment.

Genital Herpes

A variation of the virus that gives you cold sores. Except the sores appear on your nether regions. Once you catch it, you've got it for good.

Let me see: Have a look at the close-up pictures of genital herpes here if you really want to. WARNING: the picture of the willy is nasty and we don't recommend it.

How you catch it: Through contact with anyone that has the virus - the sores and blisters are particularly infectious.

How to prevent catching it: Condoms may help protect against genital herpes, although their effectiveness is unclear as the virus is present on the skin, and the condom only covers the penis so it can't offer complete protection. Always use condoms though.

How to treat it: The virus always remains in the body and no treatment gets rid of it completely. Antiviral tablets can be taken during the first outbreak to ease symptoms and help clear it up.

Chlamydia

Sounds like a pretty name for a girl, but it's actually one of the most common and easily transmitted STIs.

Let me see: Chlamydia symptoms are really hard to spot, but you can see some Chlamydia cells here.

How you catch it: It spreads through unprotected sex or genital contact with an infected partner.

How to prevent catching it: You know the answer to this already - always use a condom.

How to treat it: Catch it early and it can usually be treated with antibiotics. Sexual partners need treatment too. If it's left untreated it can lead to infection of the uterus and infertility in women.

Scabies, Dust Mites

Aw, lickle Miss Scabies looks quite sweet really... But you won't be saying that when she's burrowing under your skin and laying her eggs.

Let me see: Get closer to Scabies here.

How you catch it: Close physical contact with an infected person. The little buggers literally march from one person onto a nice tasty new victim. The mites can also live for up to 72 hours away from a human body so you could get them from clothing, bedding or towels.

How to prevent catching it: Watch out for the telltale red marks on your partner, and make sure they treat Scabies if they get it. Keeping your living space clean could also prevent an infestation.

How to treat it: Treatment for scabies is simple and involves applying a special cream or lotion all over the body.

More Information

There's more information about STIs on the NHS Direct website.

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