Sexually transmitted infections (known as STIs or STDs) can pass to another person through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, by genital contact and through sharing sex toys.

You can protect yourself against STIs through the following:

• Use a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex
• If you have oral sex, cover the penis with a condom or the female genitals and male or female anus with a latex or polyurethane square
• Avoid sharing sex toys. If you do share them, wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them

Not everyone who has a sexually transmitted infection has signs and/or symptoms2. Sometimes these don’t appear for weeks or months and sometimes they go away, but you can still have the infection and pass it on to someone else.

If you experience any of the following you should seek advice:

• discharge from the penis
• pain or burning when you pass urine
• itches, rashes, lumps or blisters around the genitals or anus
• pain in the testicles

Most sexually transmitted infections can be treated and it is usually best if treatment is started as soon as possible. While some infections such as HIV, genital warts and genital herpes never leave the body, there are drugs available that can reduce the symptoms. Drugs can also help prevent or delay the development of complications in HIV.

You can get all tests and treatments at a GUM or sexual health clinic. General practices, contraception clinics, young people’s services and some pharmacies may also provide testing for some infections. If they can’t provide what you need, they will be able to give you details of the nearest service that can.

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