What are STIs?
An STI is a Sexually Transmissible Infection. These infections can be passed from person to person during sexual activity.
Sexual activity includes:
- Kissing
- Touching/ rubbing genitals
- Oral sex
- Intercourse
- Using sex toys
Common signs or symptoms of STIs
Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) usually show signs or symptoms around the genitals.
Genitals are:
- Penis
- Testicles
- Vagina
- Vulva
- Anus/ bottom
These signs or symptoms can include:
- Itching/ irritation in the genital area
- Rash
- Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus/ bottom
- Burning when you pee
- Sores, blisters, ulcers or breaks in the skin
- Bumps/ lumps on the skin
- Pain in the genitals or lower belly
Some STIs don’t have any symptoms, so you may have an STI without even knowing it. This can be a problem as you can pass the infection on to a sexual partner without knowing.
If the STI is not treated, you could also end up with long term health problems. Getting regular sexual health check ups is a good way to make sure you are treated for any STIs.
Common STIs
Some common STIs
- Chlamydia
- Genital warts/ HPV
- Herpes/ cold sores
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis A,B and C
- HIV
See Sexual Health Fact Sheets for more information about STIs and other sexual health conditions.