Sexual health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections or STIs for short, are very infectious and very common. People don't usually pass them on deliberately - they pass them on through ignorance because they don't often realise they have an infection. In other words, they may not have any signs or symptoms that there is something wrong or they don't spot them.

It is important to know what to look out for if you have put yourself at risk. To avoid getting an STI it is important to practise safer sex! The easiest way to do that is to make sure you use condoms properly every time you have sex.

Chlamydia

About one in 10 sexually-active young people in the UK have chlamydia. Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pain and infertility in both men and women. Often, a person who has chlamydia will not have any symptoms and will not be aware of their infection. Using condoms for penetrative sex can reduce the risk of chlamydia being passed from one partner to the other. Chlamydia can be cleared up quickly with antibiotic tablets.

HIV

HIV is the virus that can cause AIDS. It is most commonly passed from one person to another during unprotected sexual intercourse (sex without using a condom). Using condoms for anal or vaginal sex can reduce the risk of HIV being passed from one partner to the other.

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, there are drug treatments that help people with HIV to stay well if they are taken soon enough. For this reason people who may have been at risk are encouraged to be tested frequently.

Sexual health screening and advice

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV or any other sexually transmitted infection, contact the sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Details of your nearest services can be found on the right-hand side of this page.