STIs

STIs are common & usually easily treated (except HIV & hepatitis). A few facts to remember:

• Cases of chlamydia have risen sharply in young people.

• You can’t tell by looking at a person whether they have an infection or not

• You may have an infection yourself and not know.

• You can become infected however many or few sexual partners you have, regardless of whether you are gay, straight or bisexual.

• Some STIs (herpes, for instance) can be passed on during oral sex.

• Some STIs can lead to infertility if not treated, particularly chlamydia.

• Cases of STIs have recently increased in young people: use condoms! If in doubt, get checked.

• Treatment is free and confidential.

• It’s a good idea to have a test for STIs after every incident of unprotected sex or if you change sexual partners.

If you notice any unusual discharge, sores or itching in your genital or anal area, or a burning sensation when you pee, you may have an infection that needs treatment. Even if the symptoms disappear by themselves the infection probably won’t have. The sooner you have it checked out, the easier it is to treat. Women often don’t have symptoms at all, so if your sexual partner has symptoms, don’t wait for yours to appear - you are very likely to be infected too, if you have not been using condoms.                     

To get checked for chlamydia you only have to provide a urine sample- you can do this at a range of sites see page 115.

In fact, if you have any worries, the staff at any Genito Urinary (G.U) clinic will offer you confidential advice, whatever your age. You can go to a G.U Clinic in any area – most hospitals have them. Just ring up for an appointment yourself.

One young person said ”If I’d realised how easy it was to catch STIs I’d have used condoms. Then I wouldn’t have got what I’ve got and maybe my ex-girlfriend wouldn’t be pregnant”.