STI Detection and Prevention What are sexually transmitted infections?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections you can get by having sex with someone who has an infection. These infections are usually passed by having vaginal intercourse, but they can also be passed through anal sex, oral sex or skin-to-skin contact. STIs can be caused by viruses or bacteria. STIs caused by viruses include hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and the human papilloma virus (HPV). STIs caused by bacteria include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Am I at risk for having an STI? If you've ever had sex, you may be at risk for having an STI. Your risk is higher if you have had many sex partners, have had sex with someone who has had many partners or have had sex without using condoms. Some common symptoms of STIs are listed in the box below. Common signs/symptoms of STIs
Should I be checked for STIs?
See your doctor if you're at risk for having an STI, if you have any of the symptoms listed above, or if you have concerns about whether you have one. STIs can cause serious healthy problems if left untreated. For example, chlamydia can lead to problems that can cause women not to be able to have children (infertility). HPV can lead to cancer of the cervix or penis, and syphilis can lead to paralysis, mental problems, heart damage, blindness and even death. How are STIs diagnosed? Most STIs can be diagnosed through an exam by your doctor, a culture of the secretions from your vagina or penis, or through a blood test.
What else should I do to prevent STIs? Using a condom – using a male condom is the most effective form of protection against STIs when having sexual intercourse. Female condoms are also available but these are not quite as effective. Make sure any condom you use is within its use-by date printed on the packet and that it is put on the penis properly. If you are not in a long term relationship be prepared, have condoms to hand and ready to use when you need them.
Do condoms prevent STIs?: Male latex condoms can reduce your risk of getting an STI if used correctly (see the box below). Be sure to use them every time you have sex. Female condoms aren't as effective as male condoms, but should be used when a man won't use a male condom.
Remember, though, that condoms aren't 100% safe and can't protect you from coming in contact with some sores (such as those that can occur with herpes) or warts (which can be caused by HPV infection).
Limit your number of partners – the less sexual partners you have the more you reduce your risk of contracting an STI. Remember that if your partner has sex with other people this will also increase your risk of contracting an STI. Look for signs of an STI in your sex partner. But remember that STIs don't always cause symptoms. Don't have sex if you or your partner are being treated for an STI. Be sensible – drinking alcohol or take other drugs it can cloud your judgement. You may make decisions that you regret the next day, that puts you at risk of contracting an STI. Leave out the intercourse – have fun in other ways with your partner. You can touch, cuddle, give each other massages and share your sexual fantasies all without having intercourse and being at risk of contracting an STI. Any kind of genital rubbing or oral sex still comes with a risk and some sort of barrier protection, such as a condom, should be used. Get tested - you can never be 100% sure that a prospective sexual partner does not have an STI, and the more sexual partners that you or they have had, the higher the risk of contracting an STI. If you have a new partner, it is always a good idea for you both to be tested for STIs before having sexual intercourse. Be aware - if you think that you may have contracted an STI, you should visit your local sexual health or genitourinary (GUM) clinic to have a check up. Should I use a spermicide to help prevent STIs? Related topics
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