AKA: STIs, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs.
What are they?
STIs are passed on through bodily fluids, like saliva, blood and sexual fluids (eg. sperm). You catch an STI by having sex or oral sex with someone who's infected.
Most (but not all) are treatable, but can cause lasting damage if left untreated. There is no cure for
HIV
infection.
How can I make sure I don’t get an STI?
Using a condom every time you have sex is a good way of protecting yourself from most STIs, including HIV. But you’ll only know you’re totally safe by getting yourself and your partner checked out by a doctor or sexual health clinic to make sure you’re not infected before you have sex.
How will I know if I’ve caught an STI?
Remember that STIs can be silent. This means that you or your partner may have one and know nothing about it.
This doesn’t mean you can’t pass it on. And it doesn’t mean it’s not doing you harm inside. If in doubt, ask a doctor for a sexual health screen.
The symptoms of the most common ones are:
• Chlamydia & gonorrhoea: Unusual discharge from the genitals (penis or vagina), pain urinating (weeing), pain in the lower abdomen. However, about 80% of women who have Chlamydia get no symptoms at all.
• Genital warts: Flat or cauliflower-like bumps around the genitals.
• Genital herpes: Painful blisters or ulcers on the mouth or genitals. Flu-like symptoms like headachea or swollen glands.
• Syphilis: Ulcers (which are often painless) on the genitals. Rashes, flu-like symptoms.
• Pubic lice: Itching around the genitals, black powder found in underwear, white specks in pubic hair.
• For info on
HIV and Aids
see the factfile.
What if I think I might have one?
See your doctor or sexual health clinic. Most STIs can be cured with a simple course of antibiotic pills or cream, but if left untreated they can cause more serious health problems.
Further help and advice
• Type in your postcode and find help in your area at ruthinking.co.uk
• fpa.org.uk
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