STIs

Sexually transmitted infections - any infection that are passed from one person to another by sexual contact. This includes all forms of penetrative sex (oral, vaginal and anal) as well as some forms of foreplay such as genital touching.

Some STIs can be passed through skin-to-skin contact; others require contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal secretions or semen. Some STIs can be passed from mother to child during birth. There are at least 25 major causes of sexually transmitted infection. Some of these are bacterial (such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea), some viral (for instance the HIV virus that causes AIDS), while others can be caused by parasites such as scabies or pubic lice.

Many STIs are known as the Silent Infections, because people can become infected but do not necessarily get any symptoms. Because you cant tell by looking or asking whether a partner has an STI, it is recommended to use barrier method of contraception such as the male or female condoms for vaginal or anal sex and dental dams for safer oral sex and to have regular check-ups at your doctor, GUM or family planning clinic. If left untreated STIs can cause sexual dysfunction, infertility, problems in having a healthy baby, poor health and in some cases serious medical problems.

Click here for a list of the most common sexually transmitted infections, their causes, symptoms and treatments

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