Sexually transmitted infections
What is an STI?
A sexually transmitted infection (STI), is basically any kind of bacterial or viral infection that can be passed on through unprotected sexual contact. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve had sex or how many partners you’ve had; anyone can get an STI.
Protection from STIs
- Use male or female condoms every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
- If you have oral sex, cover the penis with a condom or the female genitals and male or female anus with a latex or polyurethane square.
- If you are not sure how to use condoms correctly see our information on external condoms and internal condoms.
- Avoid sharing sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.
Worried you might have an STI?
Sex without using a condom can put you at greater risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. Read about sexually transmitted infections, including symptoms, tests and treatment, at fpa.org.uk. You can also use their ‘Find a Clinic’ page to locate an STI testing and treatment unit near you.
Below are some common STI symptoms:
- Unusual Discharge
- Stinging, tingling, burning or itching
- Painful swelling of penis, testicles or foreskin
- Soreness or swelling of the vagina
- Pain, burning or increase in your weeing
- Irregular bleeding
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Pain or bleeding during sex
- A strong, unpleasant smell from vagina after sex
- Blisters or sores
- Black powder in your underwear
- Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair
- Sky-blue spots or very tiny specks of blood on the skin
Get a free chlamydia test
You can get a free, confidential chlamydia test at:
- a sexual health clinic
- a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic
- your GP surgery
- most contraceptive clinics
You can go to whichever place is the most comfortable and convenient for you.
Find your local sexual health clinic here.
- For young people in Hertfordshire https://www.sexualhealthhertfordshire.clch.nhs.uk/find-clinic
- For young people in Essex https://essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/clinic/
Further Advice and Guidance services
BROOK
Healthy lives for young people
Brook operates a number of sexual health and wellbeing services across the UK they are committed to supporting young people.
Here's what they can tell you about STIs.
SEXWISE
Let's talk about sex!
Sexwise is run by the national sexual health charity FPA and they can give you honest and informed advice about contraception, pregnancy, STIs, and pleasure.
Find out more about about about STIs symptoms, treatment and how to protect yourself by visiting their website here.
