Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs are infections that are passed on through close, intimate contact - usually sex. They are very common and easy to catch as many cases do not present with symptoms.

While STIs aren’t life-threatening, they can have serious consequences if not treated promptly. If you have sex with multiple partners, you must get checked regularly for STIs to keep yourself and others safe from these potential risks.

Full list of STIs

This list covers some of the most common sexually transmitted infections, including bacterial, viral, parasitic and common conditions that are often mistaken for STIs.

The symptoms of STIs vary depending on what infection you have. However, many common bacterial infections have no symptoms at all.

This highlights the importance of getting tested regularly and using barrier methods of contraception (such as condoms) when engaging in sex with new partners.

Common STI symptoms

The following symptoms are common indications that you’ve caught an STI:

• a painful or burning sensation when urinating
• itching, burning or tingling around the genitals
• blisters, warts or sores around the genitals
• unusual bleeding or discharge
• unusual pain during sex

Bacterial STI symptoms

Symptoms vary between different kinds of sexual infections. Bacterial infections may cause:

• bleeding after sex or between periods
• pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• pain during sex or urination
• unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
• irritation, soreness or itching around your genital area

Bacterial STIs can be cured with antibiotic treatments such as Azithromycin or Doxycycline.

Viral STI symptoms

If you’ve contracted a viral STI, you will get symptoms eventually. However, they often don’t show up for weeks, months or even years.

Viral STI symptoms cannot be cured, but they can be managed with the right treatment. For most people, symptoms lie dormant for most of the time, with flare-ups occurring every few months or so.

Genital herpes symptoms include:

• tingling sensation around the genital area
• dark patches on skin
• sores around the penis, vagina, anus or groin area
• swollen glands
• abdominal pains

We offer 3 treatments for genital herpes: Valtrex, Famvir and Aciclovir.

Genital warts symptoms include:

• single or groups of small growths on and around the genitals
• disruption to your urine flow (if internal growths are present)

We offer 3 treatments for genital warts: Aldara, Condyline and Warticon.

Symptoms in men vs women

Generally, men are less likely to experience STI symptoms compared to women. However, it is still important to be aware of potential symptoms and the conditions they’re linked with.

If you experience any of the symptoms found in this table, visit a sexual health clinic and get tested at your earliest convenience. Avoid having any unprotected sex if you think you may have contracted an STI.

STIs are often highly contagious and can be found in semen, vaginal secretions, blood and occasionally saliva. In most cases, people catch STIs through penetrative vaginal or anal sex.

An infection can be spread as soon as sexual contact is made. You can catch an STI even if the man doesn’t ejaculate, or if the penis doesn’t fully enter the vagina. Skin-to-skin contact is enough.

STIs can also be passed on via unprotected oral sex and the sharing of sex toys. To practise safe sex, ensure that both parties are wearing either a condom or a dental dam, and wash sex toys in between uses.

Can you get an STI without having sex?

It is possible to catch some sexually transmitted infections without having sex.

STIs can be spread through blood (such as the sharing of needles), and pregnant women can also pass on an infection to their unborn child.

Can you get an STI by kissing?

Oral herpes (HSV-1) can be passed on through kissing, although cold sores are not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection.

In rare cases, someone who catches genital herpes (HSV-2) via oral sex may be able to pass the infection onto someone else by kissing. Both strains of the herpes virus can occur on both the face and genitals.

STIS can cause severe, life-long conditions if left untreated. This is the case even when an infection is asymptomatic.

Complications of an untreated STI include:

• infertility
• mother-to-child transmission
• chronic pain
• sexual dysfunction
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• increased chance of developing HIV
• bladder problems

Getting tested

As so many STI cases are asymptomatic, you must get regular sexual health screening if you are engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners. This prevents you from developing any serious conditions and protects others from catching possible infections.

Most sexually transmitted infections can be detected through urine or blood samples. Some specific conditions may require a swab from the inside of your mouth or your genitals.

To get screened for potential STIs, make an appointment with your local surgery or sexual health practice. Some practices offer drop-ins, so you don’t have to book in advance.

Bacterial STIs are usually treated with a round of antibiotics that help your body fight off the infection. These types of infections are entirely curable - but they can return if you don’t take your treatment as prescribed.

Viral STIs like genital herpes and HIV cannot be cured. But you can take medication that makes these conditions more manageable.

Yes, you can purchase treatments for many kinds of STIs online here at euroClinix. We currently provide medications for:

• genital warts
• chlamydia
• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• non-specific urethritis
• mycoplasma genitalium
• trichomonas vaginalis
• ureaplasma urealyticum

It is important to get a diagnosis for your STI before starting a certain treatment. Many STIs have similar symptoms and can be mistaken for one another. The easiest way to get a diagnosis is to get tested at a local sexual health practice.