General information about
STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be viral (like HIV)
or bacterial (like Chlamydia). Some are transmitted
through body fluids such as semen or blood and some are passed on
simply by skin to skin contact. If you have unprotected sex
(that's sex without a condom or a dam) you can be at risk of
catching an STI. Some other common examples of STIs are
Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes and Genital
Warts.
STIs are more common than most people believe. It's estimated
that 1 in 10 sexually active people under the age of 25 have
Chlamydia. HIV infection has not gone away; in fact more people are
being diagnosed with it every year. There are now treatments but
still no cure for HIV; your quality of life is seriously impaired
by both the treatment side effects and the infection itself.
You are most at risk of STIs including HIV if you have
unprotected penetrative vaginal or anal sex. Oral sex is
also a risk.
Safer sex
Safer sex is a term used to describe sex with fewer risks or
where you take steps to protect yourself. Safer sex can mean
taking part in sexual activity other than intercourse, such as
kissing and fondling, and protecting yourself from STIs by always
using condoms. If you have safer sex you are far less likely to
pick up an STI, including HIV. For more on protecting yourself with
condoms and dams see the section on condoms, dams and
lube