Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Anyone who is having sex can get a sexually transmitted infection, whether they are young or old, male or female, straight, gay or lesbian. There are a number of sexually transmitted infections such as:

Chlamydia - This is one of the most common STIs in the UK and you can carry it for months, even years feeling perfectly healthy possibly with no signs. Possible symptoms may include:

• Vaginal or penile discharge
• Discomfort passing urine
• Irregular periods
• Abdominal pain and painful sex in women

If untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which may damage the fallopian tubes and lead to difficulties in getting pregnant. In men it can lead to painful inflammation of the testicles, which may lead to infertility.

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Gonorrhoea - Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection and the symptoms include:

In women

• Vaginal discharge
• Painful or burning feeling which passing urine
• Sore anus and may have discharge

In men

• Discharge
• Painful testicles
• Discomfort passing urine

If untreated can lead to inflammation of the testicles (men) or the fallopian tubes (women) increasing the risk of infertility.

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Herpes Simplex

Herpes Simples can come in two types

• Type 1 Cold sores around the mouth and nose
• Type 2 Cold sores in the genital and anal area

You may notice small blisters/ulcers and become unwell with flu like symptoms. The herpes virus can be treated with a course of anti-viral tablets.

Remember the best way to avoid an infection during sex is to use a condom.