According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million people worldwide are infected with
(STIs) every day.According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million people worldwide are infected with
(STIs) every day.Knowing the facts about STIs can stop you from getting infected – and help you know when you might need to see a doctor or get treatment.
Not sure your STI knowledge is up to scratch? These frequently asked questions are a good place to brush up.
Both terms are used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing.
An STI is an infection – from a virus, bacteria or parasite – that passes from 1 person to another through sexual contact. You can pass on or get an STI through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Not every STI develops into a disease with signs and symptoms – if it does, it’s considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Think of it this way: infection happens first and is sometimes followed by disease.
No. In fact, many people don’t get symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you think you might have an STI.
Depending on the STI, symptoms can appear within a few days or weeks. In some cases, they don’t appear until months or years after infection.
If you have any of these symptoms, visit your doctor:
Some tests may feel uncomfortable briefly – some won’t hurt at all.
Depending on the type of test you need, you may be asked for:
Yes, for some STIs – like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and HIV – you can use home testing kits. Some kits are available online, but it’s better to speak to a health professional, like a pharmacist, to get advice on which kit is best and how to use it.
No. Only STIs caused by the
(HPV) are cleared by the body for most people, without causing any problems. However, for some, certain types of HPV can lead to genital warts or .Leaving STIs untreated can lead to long-term health and fertility problems, so it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor as soon as you think you might have an STI.
These STIs caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics:
Trichomoniasis – an STI caused by a parasite – is also treated with antibiotics.
While some STIs can be cured with antibiotics, there is no complete cure for these viral infections – though antiviral medications can help treat symptoms:
Safe and effective vaccines are available for HPV and hepatitis B.
The
can help you identify STI symptoms and let you know when you need to get medical treatment – once you've downloaded the app, just start chatting to DOT about your symptoms (assessments are anonymous).Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.