The risk of contracting a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) is growing as cases in the UK continue to rise. Common STIs include Chlamydia, genital warts, herpes, syphilis and gonorrhoea and the 16-24 age group currently accounts for more than half of all new cases.
Sex without a condom will open you up to the risk of contracting an STI – a single sexual encounter can infect you and you can then pass the infection on to any new partners with whom you have unprotected sex. Some of the most common STIs have no visible symptoms so you will not know if you or your sexual partner is infected. It’s essential always to use a condom to protect you and any sexual partners you have against STIs. The risk of contracting an STI will increase with the number of sexual partners you have without using a condom.
Consult a doctor or go to a clinic for a sexual health check if you think you’ve been at risk because of unprotected sex. Seek medical help if you spot symptoms such as pain during sex, sores or rashes, an unusual discharge or irregular periods. You need to get treated for the infection as soon as possible.
You might be embarrassed about talking to your family doctor about these matters and if so, you can go to a sexual health clinic or a genitourinary medicine clinic (GUM). They can give you peace of mind by testing you for any infections and treating any present.
The most commonly diagnosed STI in the 16-24 age group is chlamydia. Chlamydia is often present without symptoms. Untreated, the infection can spread and cause long-term problems, including infertility.
A national programme to screen as many under 25s as possible for the infection is underway, meaning you can get tested at GP surgeries, contraceptive clinics and pharmacies, for example. All tests and results are confidential, and if you are infected, you will be offered antibiotic treatment to clear the infection. You should inform any partners when you test positive so they, too, can seek treatment.
Most STIs are curable. Others, such as HIV, have no cure but long-term treatments can stop the disease’s progress.
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