Sexual health

This section has information about STIs and genital health.

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STIs

Chlamydia

A common bacterial infection that is easy to treat with antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea

A common bacterial infection that requires stronger antibiotics to treat.

Syphilis

A bacterial infection that has three stages. It can be treated with antibiotics.

HIV

A viral infection that attacks the body’s immune system. There is no cure, but there are treatments that enable most people to live a long and healthy life.

Hepatitis B

A virus that can infect and damage the liver. An NHS Hepatitis B vaccine is available for people who are at risk of infection.

Hepatitis C

A virus that can infect and damage the liver. There is no vaccination for Hepatitis C, but it can be treated with antiviral medicines designed to stop the virus damaging the liver.

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes is a common STI caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Genital Warts

Small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes on or around the genital or anal area or throat, they are the result of a viral infection.

Trichomoniasis

An infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV).

Trichomoniasis

An infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV).

Scabies

A contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow and lay eggs in the skin.

Thrush

A common yeast infection. Thrush can sometimes be passed on during sex.

Thrush

A common yeast infection. Thrush can sometimes be passed on during sex.

Cystitis

An inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial bladder infection.

Cystitis

An inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial bladder infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

A common condition which happens when the balance of bacteria inside the vagina becomes disrupted, it can cause unusual vaginal discharge with a strong ‘fishy’ odour.

Genital health

Sexuality

No one knows what makes people gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight. Our sexuality is normal and unique to us.

Period problems

While most period problems are not serious, they can cause pain and heavy bleeding that may impact on normal activities.

Cervical screening

Also known as a ‘smear’ test, and previously ‘PAP’ test. The NHS Cervical Screening programme aims to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells early.

Fertility

There are many things that might affect your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to full term, and there are various options for treatment or assisted conception.

Menopause

When a woman's oestrogen levels decrease and her ovaries stop producing an egg every month. She no longer has monthly periods and is unlikely to become pregnant.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes, which link the ovaries to the womb (uterus). This means a woman's eggs cannot meet sperm, and fertilisation cannot happen.

Genital care

Good vaginal health can protect you against some infections.

Erectile dysfunction

The inability to get and then maintain an erection, also known as impotence.

Premature ejaculation

When a man ejaculates (comes) too quickly during sexual intercourse. There is no defined time but it usually refers to ejaculation in under two minutes.

Vasectomy

Cutting and sealing or tying the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. Your semen will not contain sperm, so you cannot fertilise your partner’s egg.

Genital care

Taking care of your penis and genital area can help prevent infection and help you spot unusual lumps or swellings.

Sexuality

No one knows what makes people gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight. Our sexuality is normal and unique to us.