Useful Information About STI`s (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

STI`s (otherwise known as STDs 'Sexually Transmitted Diseases') are passed on through sexual intercourse. This can be vaginal, oral, or anal sex. There is a family of STI`s waiting to get onto and into your body if you have unprotected sex.

The following STI`s are carried by bacteria and the good news is you can get them treated and cured:

• Gonorrhoea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis

The following are viral in origin and are treatable. Though these viruses remain in your body, the symptoms will go. These symptoms can be unpleasant and sometimes reoccur however they are not serious infections:

• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts
• Trichomonas Vaginalis, often called TV, is caused by a parasite. Men in particular rarely get symptoms but, as with all STIs, it is important that they are treated if their female partner is told she has TV. It is treated with a course of antibiotics.
• HIV and Hepatitis A,B, and C are more serious infections however they are treatable. It is important that these infections are detected early as they are less likely to cause complications. For people who are particularly at risk, there is a vaccination available to prevent Hepatitis B.

If you are treated for a sexually transmitted infection it is very important that anyone who you have had sex with is also treated. They may not be aware that they need treatment and as long as they still have an infection, they can pass it on to someone else, or could pass it back to you, even if you have already been treated.

The following conditions are not sexually transmitted and can occur due to changes in the normal conditions of the vagina. They are completely curable with treatment:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (often called BV, occurs in women only)
• Thrush (women and men)

Pubic Lice is an infestation, not harmful, and is passed on by intimate contact with another person. Although it appears to be alone, if this infection gets onto your body, it will bring a WHOLE crew, which could make you feel like someone has put a pot of itching powder down your trousers!  

So, how do YOU know if you have acquired an STI?

You may have one of the following symptoms:

• Pain in your genitals
• Unusual discharge from penis or vagina
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Tenderness in your stomach or pelvis
• Irritation or discharge from the anus
• Or you may have no symptoms at all! 

Symptoms can be difficult to detect and in some cases take up to 3 months to show after infection. 

If not treated some STI`S can cause long term damage:

• Fertility problems-including blocked fallopian tubes
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Inflammation of testicles or prostate gland
• Rashes, bumps, blisters and ulcers - any of these!

A pregnant woman can pass a sexually transmitted infection onto her baby which can result in serious health problems for the baby. If you are pregnant, your partner is pregnant or you are thinking of trying for a baby, it is very important to get tested for STIs.

If you think you may have an STI or want to help someone else who may be worried about this, here are some useful places which can help you:

• CHYPS +
• City and Hackney Community Sexual Health Services
• Choices Clinic
• http://www.homerton.nhs.uk/our-services/sexual-health/
• Information from GMFA, the gay men's health charity

Come Correct scheme 

City & Hackney’s free condom scheme (the FreeDom scheme) has joined the London wide scheme called Come Correct.  Come Correct moves with you so wherever you see the Come Correct logo you can register or get your free condoms.

Free condoms are available to Under 25s in over 70 locations in City & Hackney and more across London. Click here to find your nearest access point or for more information.

For more information, visit the Come Correct site. 

Checkurself - free and confidential chlamydia testing

If you live in London and are between 16 and 24 years old, you can order a free chlamydia test kit online from www.checkurself.org.uk. If you test positive and need treatment, the site will tell you where to get tested/treated. Chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics, and treatment is FREE! The service is completely confidential.