STIs: what to know and testing

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an ordinary medical problem. They say nothing about a person's character or worth. You can catch one from a single partner, and in a first relationship.

Bacterial infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, which can usually be cured. Trichomoniasis is treatable too. Viral infections include genital herpes, HPV, HIV and hepatitis B. Some of these cannot be fully cured, but modern treatment keeps them well controlled. Vaccines protect against HPV and hepatitis B.

Often there are none at all. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• changes in the color, smell or amount of discharge;
• burning when you pass urine;
• sores, a rash or itching around the genitals;
• pain during sex or in the lower abdomen;
• bleeding between periods.

Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which may make it harder to get pregnant later.

Depending on the infection, you give a urine sample, a swab or blood. Some infections do not show up on tests right after contact, so check the timing with your doctor. Testing before a new relationship or after risky contact is a sensible step.

Finish your treatment and avoid sex for as long as your doctor advises. Your partner needs to know too, because they should be tested. Do not buy medicines on your own or stop antibiotics halfway through.

Condoms lower the risk a lot, but they do not fully protect against infections passed on through skin contact.