Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)

STIs are passed on through unprotected sex and some are more serious than others.

The types of STI that you may have heard of include:

• HIV/AIDS 
• chlamydia 
• gonorrhoea 
• herpes 
• syphilis 
• genital warts

Each STI has a range of different symptoms, some of which aren’t obvious meaning that you could have an infection without even being aware of it.

Wearing condoms can protect you against STIs. Although most of these infections can be treated easily if they’re discovered early, they can have serious consequences for your health if they’re left untreated.

If you think you may have caught an STI, you should visit your doctor or local sexual health clinic as soon as possible. For more information about local STI clinics click on this link: www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/get-help

Sexual health clinics

Although you can get contraception and sexual health advice from your regular GP, you may want to go to a different clinic for help and advice about sexual health. Staff who work at these clinics can give you tests and treatments for STIs and free contraception.

Remember that anything that you tell your GP or a sexual health nurse will be kept confidential and any treatment you may receive will not be added to your medical records.

For more information on STIs visit our website for young people www.likeitis.org

Or, download our likeitis booklet.