Over recent years, there has been a rise in the rates of STIs. Although diagnoses of STIs such as warts and chlamydia have decreased, perhaps from recent efforts to tackle these infections, syphilis and gonorrhoea have increased.
STI (or STD) stands for ‘sexually transmitted infection’. These infections are most commonly spread through sexual contact, but not always (for example, some types of hepatitis can be spread through sexual contact but also by other means).
They can be spread through contact with bodily fluids (blood, discharge, semen) or through skin-to-skin contact.
(You can visit our STI page for a rundown on the symptoms of specific infections)
The only contraception that protects against both pregnancy and infection is the condom. Both male and female condoms protect against most STIs, but for those that are spread through skin-to-skin contact, it’s possible the infection is present in skin not covered by the condom (this can include the groin area). In this case, although they lower the risk of transmission, they can’t completely get rid of it.
Aside from condoms, the HPV vaccine is effective in protecting against four types of HPV: 6, 11, 16 & 18. Around 90% of cases of genital warts are caused by types 6 and 11. The vaccine is offered to young girls of school age as they are less likely to have come into contact with the virus.
STIs are common and most of the sexually active population will come into contact with at least one in their lifetime. Luckily, treatment for most is available and there are places online to find more information. There is no more shame in having an STI than there is in having a cold or another illness. But, unlike colds, some infections have the potential to inflict lasting health problems so treatment should be taken as early as possible.
Make sure you stay protected, get tested and practise safe sex.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. More information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.