Prevention
Cover up
Use a condom. Used correctly condoms (male and female) can go some way to protecting you from becoming infected with an STI.
Condoms are particularly good for preventing infections that are spread through penetrative vaginal, anal or oral sex (e.g HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea). However, in the case of infections like genital warts, genital herpes and syphilis, a condom may not be able to cover all the affected parts, and condoms give only minimal protection against conditions such as scabies, pubic lice and other infestations which are passed on by close skin to skin contact.
Always have a supply of condoms ready. Condoms are widely available. They can be purchased from pharmacists, garages, supermarkets, vending machines (often situated in pub and club toilets), or via mail order. They are available free from Family Planning Clinics and Sexual Health Clinics.
A large variety of condoms are available, so choose a variety that suits you. Quality is important so make sure you choose condoms that have the British Standards Institute (BSI) Kitemark or the European CE quality mark.
Prevention is better than cure!
Know it all
Read up about how sexually transmitted infections are spread, the different symptoms to watch out for, and where you can find help if you are worried.
Check it out
Go for a routine check up at a sexual health clinic - it won't cost you a thing. If you have symptoms which might be the signs of a sexually transmitted infections, seek advice before having sex again. If you think you might have an infection tell your partner, so they can get checked out and treated too. See the worried? section for more information.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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