Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases (STIs / STDs)

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Sexually transmitted diseases, commonly called STDs, are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can get an STD from any kind of sexual activity that involves the mouth, anus, vagina or penis.

STDs are serious illnesses that need treatment. Some, like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cannot be cured and can be life-threatening without treatment.

Why you might need it

STIs are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral) or genital contact. They are fairly common in the UK, with around a half a million new cases recorded per year from UK sex medicine clinics. England alone had around 440,000 new diagnoses of STIs in 2014.

The main forms of STI are:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Herpes
• HIV and hepatitis
• Syphilis.
• Genital Warts
•  Trichomoniasis  

Symptoms of these can include:

• pain when urinating
• lower abdominal pain
• vaginal discharge
• discharge from the penis
• pain during sexual intercourse in women
• bleeding between periods in women
• testicular pain
• painful, swollen testicles
• painful bowel movements
• anal itching
• fever
• headache
• sore throat
• swollen lymph glands
• rash
• fatigue.

Do STDs cause complications?

STDs can cause lifelong complications if left untreated. Untreated HIV can lead to AIDS, which can be fatal. Untreated syphilis can progress to damage your organs and nervous system and infect an unborn child.

STD complications for women and anyone assigned female at birth include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Ectopic pregnancy.
• Infertility.
• Chronic pelvic pain.

What’s STD testing like?

The STD test you need depends on the type of STD you may have. Your consultant will talk to you about what tests you need. STD testing includes:

• Urine test.
• Cheek swab.
• Blood test.
• Exam of your genital area.
• Testing a fluid sample from sores.
• Testing discharge or cell samples from your body (usually the vagina, urethra, cervix, penis, anus or throat).

People who get an STD diagnosis may feel embarrassed or ashamed. But STDs can happen to anyone — millions of people have them. And most people will get an STD at least once in their life. If you’re experiencing anxiety or stress about the STD diagnosis, consider reaching out to a friend, loved one or mental health professional for support.

Most STIs are easily treatable, but HIV is more serious. There is no cure for this infection, though it can be treated and allow you to live a long and otherwise healthy life.