STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. Some people also call it a sexually transmitted disease (STD). There are many different kinds of STIs.
How do you get an STI?
They are mostly passed from person to person through bodily fluids, like semen, vaginal fluid, or blood, or just by skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. Most STIs can be treated, but not all can be cured. If you have had unprotected sex, there is a risk that you could have an STI, and that you could pass it on to someone else.
How will I know I’ve got an STI?
There might be symptoms if you get an STI, but quite often there are none. Some, like HIV, can cause serious illness and even death. Others, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can cause infertility in both men and women (not able to get pregnant). You might not want a baby now, but this could change dramatically when you get older. The risk of developing serious health problems due to STIs can be reduced if the infection is diagnosed early.
The best way to know if you’ve got an STI is to get tested – if you’re worried, contact one of the services in the address book. Read on for info on how to protect yourself.
How can I protect myself and my partner?
What are the symptoms?
Where can you get tested?
STI: quick guide