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Get it checked. Get it treated.If you are sexually active you may be at risk of catching an STI. Find out how to reduce the risk, and what to do if you have symptoms of an STI. |  |
Gonorrhoea
A bacterial infection that should be treated as it can lead to infertility.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common infection caused by bacteria. Treatment is easy but important.
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Genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can often go unrecognised.
Hepatitis
Find out about the different forms of Hepatitis, and how they are transmitted and treated.
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Non-specific urethritis
Inflammation of a man's urethra is easily treated. Find out more.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can cause serious problems in its later stages.
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Genital warts
Caused by a common STI, these are small fleshy lumps that can appear around the genitals or anus.
Pubic lice
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are tiny insects about the size of the head of a pin that live in pubic hair.
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Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
A previously rare STI that started to appear in the UK in 2004.
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What are STIs?
Anyone who has sex can be infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs can be passed on during any intimate physical contact as well as full sexual intercourse, including sexual foreplay and anal and oral sex.
Most conditions vary in their symptoms but you should visit your doctor or local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic if you experience itching, swelling or redness around your vagina or penis, unusual discharge from your vagina or penis, or pains in your lower abdomen.
The easiest and most effective precaution to take against most STIs is using a condom - find out more here.
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