Guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections

Just met someone new and want to know when you can safely ditch the condoms? Worried you've caught something you shouldn't have? The GP mentioned chlamydia - what is it?

Sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections are any diseases that are passed from one person to another by sexual contact. This includes all forms of penetrative sex (oral, vaginal and anal) as well as some forms of foreplay such as genital touching.

Some STIs can be passed through skin-to-skin contact; others require contact with infected body fluids such as blood, saliva, vaginal secretions or semen. Some STIs can be passed from mother to child during birth.

STIs can be caused by viruses (for instance the HIV virus that causes AIDS), bacteria (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea), while others can be caused by parasites such a pubic lice.

Many STIs (such as the more common ones like chlamydia) are known as the Silent Infections, because you may be infected but not have any symptoms such as genital sores. Because you may not know whether you or your partner has an STI, it is best to use barrier methods eg male or female condoms and dams (for safer oral sex),* and to have regular check-ups at your doctor or family planning clinic.

If left untreated STIs can cause infertility, poor health, problems in having a healthy baby and, in some cases, can lead to cancer.

*For more information, you can read about male and female condoms, located on the FPV publications and pamphlets page.