Sexually Transmitted Infections
There are many types of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and people can be affected in different ways. Please use the section menu to discover more about specific sexually transmitted infections.
How do I catch an STI?
Any type of sexual contact. This can include vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, rimming and mutual masturbation/ fingering.
What do I do if I think I have an infection?
Get checked out. The sooner an STI is diagnosed, the sooner you can get treated. This means that you are less likely to pass it on to other people and less likely to do you any long-term harm.
How do I keep myself safe?
Using condoms and practising safe sex reduces your risk of many infections. Having regular sexual health check ups. Encouraging new partners to have a sexual health check before having sex.
Are STIs curable?
Most STIs can be cured and those that can’t can be managed with medication so that you can remain healthy and live a normal life.
How will I know I have an STI?
The symptoms of STIs can include;
- no symptoms at all
- unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- unusual bleeding
- discomfort or irritation
- pain passing urine
- abdominal pain or painful sex
STIs may have long-term effects on your health, including your ability to have children (infertility).
For more information on STIs please see the FPA Sexwise page