Know Them Before You Engage Into It
There are several different types of sexually transmitted infections (infection you can only catch through having sex with a partner). Using a condom is not 100% guarantee of not catching a STI but it does offer good protection.
STI’s will not go away unless treated and some of them are easy to treat.
Sexually Transmitted Infections cannot always be recognised because some do not have any signs or symptoms. If you think you may be at risk of an STI you should seek advice. However, some general signs to look out for are:
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
Rashes around the genitals
Itchiness around the genitals
Sores around the genitals
Blisters and bumps around the genitals
Pain in the genital area
Burning sensation when peeing or having sex
Peeing more than usual
Commonly known STIs and other infections
Genital warts
Pubic lice (crabs)
Chlamydia
HIV
Gonorrhoea
Hepatitis A,B & C
Syphilis
Thrush
NSU (non-specific urethritis)
TV ( trichomonas vaginitis)
Genital herpes (HSV)
BV (bacterial vaginosis)
Where to go for help
Sexual health services e.g. genitourinary medicine clinic
Young people’s clinic e.g. Brook
Doctor
Family planning clinics
It is very important to get checked out if you think you might have an STI. If we leave some STI’s untreated we can seriously damage our health and may not be able to have children in future. Help and advice about STI’s can be found at the doctor’s surgery, from a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or sexual health clinic. All treatment is free and confidential.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE SIXTEEN TO GO TO A SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICE OR TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR HELP AND SUPPORT.
If you have an STI the doctor will help you tell anyone you’ve had sex with. They will also need to get checked out. People often do not have signs that they have an STI and only find out if their partner tells them they may have an infection.
By mindbodysoul.gov.uk
http://www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk/sexual/stis.html
