I think I might have caught something!
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are very common.
They are passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex with someone who is already infected.
If you have had sex without a condom and think you may have picked up an STI it is important to get tested and treated even if you have no symptoms.
Most STIs are easily tested for and treated at your local sexual health clinic or GUM (genitor-urinary medicine) clinic.
Whilst there is no cure for HIV, SH clinics can offer testing, advice, and treatments.
Although most STIs have no clear symptoms, some do and warning signs might be:
- Pain when you pee
- Unusual discharge from your vagina or penis
- Rashes or sore around your vagina or penis
How do you get these infections?
- Unprotected sex (without condoms)
- Not using of condoms properly
- Sharing sex toys
- Touching / kissing infected genitals or areas
- Can be infected anywhere: anus, vagina, penis, eyes, nose, mouth, throat by contact with Infected semen (cum), vaginal / anal mucus, bloods
How else?
You don't just get these infections by sexual transmission. Other routes include:
- Intravenous drug use / sharing of equipment
- Blood transfusions (rare in this country)
- Mother to child
- Biting – breaking skin (by an infected person)
- Needle injuries (accidentally pricking yourself with a used needle from someone else with an infection)
Fact: You often hear horrendous stories about 'umbrella' treatment for sexually transmitted infections. That's just what these are, stories. There not true! No one is going to scrape down your willie with an umbrella instrument to test for STIs. If you do need an internal swab, it'll be taken using an ultra slim instrument which looks more like a thin coffee stirrer. It is a quick and simple test, and certainly not worth risking your health to avoid.