Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are most commonly transmitted by blood, semen or fluid from one person's body entering another person's body.
Anybody who is having sex is at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, or number of sexual partners.
There are a variety of STIs, the most serious being Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV). Go to the STI info section for information about the different types of STIs.
Even if you and your partner have been faithful for a long time, it is still possible that one of you might develop an infection that has been lying dormant for some time. And, if you and your partner haven't been together very long, or are uncertain in anyway about each other's sexual history, you need to make sure you are protected against sexually transmitted infections. Go to the prevention section to learn more.
As long as the infection is caught early, most (but not all) STIs can be sorted out with a course of antibiotics or other simple treatment - however, this is not the case for STIs such as HIV or genital herpes. And, many STIs if left untreated can be painful and uncomfortable, or at worst can cause permanent damage to your health and fertility.
Perhaps you are concerned you may have a Sexually Transmitted Infection, or that you might have put yourself at risk. Many people wonder how they will know if they are infected with an STI? It is important to be alert. Check out the symptoms sections for more information.
If you notice anything, your partner notices anything, or even if you have no symptoms but are concerned that you have put yourself at risk of getting an STI, you need to get it checked out. Check out the worried? section if you want to know more.
