Sexually transmitted infections

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is passed from person to person through having sex and sexual contact. You can get an STI from a male or a female partner, so it's important that you stay safe and look after your sexual health.

protecting yourself

Having sex without contraception means there's a chance you could catch an STI (sometimes called a Sexually Transmitted Disease, or STD). Even if you are completely healthy, the person you're having sex with might not be.

Condoms help stop infections being spread during sex. And it's really easy to get them for free at sexual health clinics. You can use these with other contraception to stop you getting pregnant.

If you've had sex without using a condom, it's important to get a sexual health test. This means a professional can test if you have an STI and give you treatment if you need it. Find out about sexual health tests.

How to protect yourself from an STI:

  • always use contraception
  • you can get free condoms at GP surgeries and sexual health clinics
  • get advice from a Brook centre.

You can visit your doctor or GUM clinic if you're worried you might have an STI or come into sexual contact who has one. 

types of infections

hiv: what you need to know

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and can be passed on through unprotected sex. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

If someone has HIV, they may experience symptoms including a fever, rash and severe sore throat all at once. This can occur anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks after being infected.

You can...
Get HIV during unprotected sex – for example, if you have sex without using a condom and your partner is already infected. HIV infection can also be passed between drug users who inject and share needles.

You can't...
Get HIV by things such as coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing a toilet seat, swimming pools, sweat or tears.

what to do if you think you have an sti

If you're worried that you might have an STI, you can go to your doctor, nurse, family-planning clinic, or your nearest sexual-health clinic (also known as a GUM Clinic). They'll be able to check for any infections and offer you treatment.

It can be embarrassing talking to a doctor, but we have advice that can help with those difficult conversations.

And remember, you can always talk to a counsellor about what's going on for you. They're there to listen and support you, never to judge.