Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases that are spread by having sex with someone who has an STI.
You can get an STI from any sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina or penis. They are serious illnesses that require treatment and some – such as HIV - cannot currently be cured and can be fatal.
Types of STI include:
What are the symptoms of STIs?
There may be no symptoms, and so someone with an STI may not be aware they are at risk of infecting others.
If symptoms are present, these may include:
- a discharge from the penis or vagina that may not smell very nice
- swelling, itching or redness - or lumps, sores, or warts - near the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina
- skin rashes
- painful urination
- weight loss
- loose stools
- night sweats
- aches, pains, and a fever
- yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- bleeding from the vagina other than during a monthly period
- painful sex
How do I know if I have an STI?
Talk to your doctor. He or she can examine you and perform tests to determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease.
If you think that you have an STI, it's important to see your doctor, but if you are embarrassed there are local genitourinary medicine clinics (GUM clinics) in your area that you can attend without having to inform your GP and treatment is free.
Treatment can cure most STIs and prevent the spread of further infection.
How are STIs treated?
Most STIs are treated with antibiotics and it is important that you take all of your medicine, even if the symptoms go away quickly.
To help protect against STIs (and not having sex is the only guaranteed way to prevent STIs), always use a latex condom every time you have sex and if you use a lubricant, make sure it is water-based.
Try to limit the number of sexual partners you have - the more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STI.
Don't have sex with someone whom you suspect may have an STI, and if in doubt, get checked for STIs.
After any STI treatment, don't start having sex again until your doctor or GUM specialist says it's okay to and make sure that any sexual partners are also treated.
Other people also read:
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Here you'll find a number of conditions that are currently being seen by NHS genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in the UK.
Chlamydia infections: Chlamydia is now the most common STI in the UK. It affects both sexes, although women are more at risk.
Safe sex: In this first decade of the 21st century the various risks connected with having sex have increased.