STIs - SEXUALLY TRANMISSIBLE INFECTIONS

1. What is an STI?

A Sexually Transmissible Infection.

There are a wide range of infections that a person can get through sexual contact with another person.

Some STIs are bacterial and can be treated with antibiotics. Other STIs are viral infections.

The only safe way to ever never be at risk of an STI is to never have sex. If you are going to have sex, and want to make it safer here are a few tips:

* every time you have sex, use a condom with water-based lubricant by following the instructions on the packet

* find out your partners sexual history and both have a sexual health check-up before you decide to have sex together.

Condoms used with a water-based lubricant are the most effective method of protection against STIs.

2. I keep getting thrush. I treat it and then about a month later it comes back. How can I get rid of it completely?

While it is possible that you are suffering from thrush, it is also possible that it is something similar and thrush treatment will not work. You will need to go to the doctor for diagnosis and correct treatment.

3. My partner told me that he/she once had Chlamydia but had it treated. How could that affect me?

Provided both partners have treatment at the same time, once treated, Chlamydia is completely gone. If your partner and their partner at the time were not treated together and continued having sex your partner may have been reinfected. If this was the case, you may be at risk if you are having sex without using a condom.

It is possible that the infection caused damage that could result in your partner's infertility. It really depends on how long your partner had it before treatment.

Head along to your local FPA Clinic, Sexual Health Service, Youth Health Centre or your own doctor for a sexual health check-up. You can arrange it so that you are both allowed to see each others results which is a good idea to remove any doubt. If you have had recent partners, you might want to wait 3-6 months and return for a second check-up as some STIs can take a while to show up in a test.

4. How do I know if I have an STI or if my partner does?

The only way to know for sure is to have a test and then check back for the results. There are a number of different STIs with a wide range of possible symptoms and lots of different treatments. Some STIs often have no symptoms (e.g. Chlamydia). Only a doctor can diagnose and treat them.

5. My new partner and I want to stop using condoms because we are going to use the pill instead. I was a virgin before but my partner has had sex with a few people before me. What should we do to make sure we are safe?

It doesn't matter if you or your partner are virgins or not, you should borth get an STI check up before you stop using protection. Some STIs can also be caught from skin to skin contract, so being a virgin doesn't necessarily mean you are safe. Condoms used with water-based lubricant offer the best method of protecting yourselves from STIs if you are sexually active.

Head along to your local FPA Clinic, Sexual Health Service, Youth Health Centre or your own doctor for a sexual health check-up. If you and your partner agree to this, you can request to see each others results. This is a good idea to remove any doubt either of you may be having. If you have had recent partners, you might want to wait 3-6 months and return for a second check up as some STIs can take a while to show up in a test.

6. I have a wart on my hands. Can I pass these warts on when I masturbate?

It is possible, but not likely. There are hundreds of different types of warts and each type prefers a particular part of the body.

7. I get cold sores. Can I pass these onto others as herpes if I give someone oral sex?

Yes. When the cold sore is the tingling stage before it appears and when in blister form, it can be passed on.

8. I have had many sexual partners and now I am worried that I may have caught HIV as I keep getting colds and flu all the time. How do you know if you have HIV?

The only way to know for sure is to have a test. The fact that you are worried about it now is a good enough reason to get checked out. Remember that HIV can take years before it shows any signs or symptoms. However you may be run down for another reason. It would be good to go along to an FPA clinic, Sexual Health Clinic or your own doctor for a sexual health check up.