Health

Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections

You can't always tell if someone has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There aren't always obvious symptoms, but that doesn't mean they're not doing you harm. Most STIs are easily treated if discovered early on. So if you think you might have come into contact with an STI, get treatment as soon as possible.

A Guide To Sexually Transmitted Infections

  • STIs are infections passed from person to person during unprotected sexual contact, including intercourse and oral sex.
  • Some STIs do not cause any symptoms and people are often unaware that they have been infected.
  • Although most STIs can be treated and cured, some if left untreated can cause long term effects such as infertility (unable to have a child) and even death.
  • The most common STIs are Chlamydia, (Most people will show no symptoms at all) Genital Warts, (It may take up to a year for the warts to show up after infection) Gonorrhoea, (One of the most common which can be cured by a course of antibiotics) and Genital Herpes.(This is a virus which means you might be prone to outbreaks in the future).
  • The condom is the only form of contraception which helps protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections, Unwanted Pregnancies and HIV and AIDS.
  • If you think you may have been infected with an STI, see your doctor straight away. Alternatively visit the Genito Urinary Medicine Clinic. (G.U.M) This is the part of the hospital that deals specifically with S.T.Is and is completely confidential.
  • Remember, 90% of all Sexually Transmitted Infections can be cured. HIV and AIDS Human Immuno-Defeciency Virus (HIV) is the virus, which can damage the bodies defence system and so make it difficult to fight illnesses and infections. People become ill and develop Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV only survives in BLOOD, SEMEN, VAGINAL FLUIDS and BREAST MILK.
The main ways HIV is passed on is by:
  • Unprotected Sexual Intercourse with someone who is HIV positive.
  • Sharing of unsteralised drug injecting equipment.
  • From an Infected Mother to her Unborn Child (1 in 5). People with HIV may look perfectly well for many years. They may not know they are infected although they will remain infectious to others. As yet there is no cure for HIV or AIDS.

Further Information

Further information can be obtained from the following:

Bodywise - Wellingborough, Kettering and Corby 01536 493236

Sexwise - 0800 282930

Brook Advisory - 0800 0185 023

National AIDS Helpline - 0800 567 123

Pregnancy Advisory Service - 08457 30 40 30

Family Planning Association Helpline - 0845 310 1334

Emergency Contraception Helpline - 0800 494 847