STIs

What is an STI?

  • Many people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no symptoms
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that can be passed from one person to another during sex or intimate contact
  • Most STIs are passed between sexual partners through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex - especially if you don’t use a condom
  • It is a good idea to get tested, especially if you have recently changed partners
  • The only way to know if you have an infection is to have an STI test. Most infections can be cured
  • It can take time for some STIs to show up in tests - learn when STIs show up in tests before you take one
  • If you are diagnosed with an STI you should avoid having sex with anyone until you have completed treatment
  • If you do have sex, the infection could be passed to your sexual partner.

General symptoms

STI symptoms vary from obvious itchiness, soreness, rashes or redness, to pain when passing urine, discharge from the penis or vagina, and lumps or sores on the genitals. Some symptoms may also be internal - for example, pain inside your stomach or groin.

Sometimes you will get no symptoms at all or the symptoms will take a long time to show. This means you could be passing infections on to other people without knowing it.

The only way to know you have an infection is to have an STI test.

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.