Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) are diseases that can be
transmitted through body contact during sex. They are caused by
viruses, bacteria and parasites. They can also be known as Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) or by their old name, Venereal
Diseases (VD).
Anyone who is sexually active can be at risk from STI’s. Some STI’s
can have symptoms, such as genital discharge, pain when urinating,
genital swelling, inflammation and abnormal smells. If you think
you may have an STI, then you should consult your doctor or
clinic.
Many STI’s, such as chlamydia, can cause no noticeable symptoms,
but can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
If you think you have been at risk of catching an STI, then it is
advisable to have a sexual health check-up.
You can minimise the risk from STI’s by having protected sex with
condoms and getting yourself and your partner(s) tested.
The most common STI’s are: gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis,
trichomonas, human papillomavirus, genital herpes, hepatitis B and
C, and HIV. Click here to learn
more about these infections .