STD/STI
What is an STD/STI?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are commonly spread by sex, especially through vaginal, anal and oral sex.
STDs may also be called sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and venereal diseases (VD).
STDs may also be called sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and venereal diseases (VD).
How do we contract STD/STI?
An STD/STI is contracted by unprotected sex with a potentially high-risk person, such as a new sexual partner, a stranger, or a partner who has multiple sexual partners.
The consistent use of barrier methods (such as condoms) can be an effective way to protect against STD/STI, but it is not 100% effective. Furthermore, many infections may be asymptomatic (i.e., have no symptoms) but the infected person is still infectious and can pass their infection to their sexual partners.
It is advisable to do testing:
• After casual sex with a stranger
• After ending a sexual relationship where the other partner was unfaithful
• If your partner tests positive for an STD/STI
• When starting a new sexual relationship or before starting unprotected sex in a new relationship
• When there are multiple sexual partners; at the minimum, yearly screening is recommended
• If symptoms of STD/STI are present (see below)
The most well-documented risks of transmission are:
The consistent use of barrier methods (such as condoms) can be an effective way to protect against STD/STI, but it is not 100% effective. Furthermore, many infections may be asymptomatic (i.e., have no symptoms) but the infected person is still infectious and can pass their infection to their sexual partners.
It is advisable to do testing:
• After casual sex with a stranger
• After ending a sexual relationship where the other partner was unfaithful
• If your partner tests positive for an STD/STI
• When starting a new sexual relationship or before starting unprotected sex in a new relationship
• When there are multiple sexual partners; at the minimum, yearly screening is recommended
• If symptoms of STD/STI are present (see below)
The most well-documented risks of transmission are:
| Sexual activity | STD/STI transmitted |
| Vaginal intercourse | Chlamydia Crabs Scabies Gonorrhoea Hepatitis B Herpes HIV HPV Mycoplasma hominis infection Syphilis Trichomoniasis Ureaplasma infection |
| Anal intercourse | Chlamydia Crabs Scabies Gonorrhoea Hepatitis B Herpes HIV HPV Syphilis |
| Oral intercourse | Throat chlamydia Throat Gonorrhoea Herpes Syphilis |
How can we tell that we may have STD/STI?
Common symptoms include:
- Vaginal discharge
- Penile discharge
- Pain during urination
- Rashes, including blisters, ulcers and sores on or around the genitals and mouth
- Painful or painless lymph nodes
How do we prevent infection and re-infection?
- Avoiding high risk sex, including commercial sex workers, casual sex and multiple sex partners
- Using condoms, including during oral sex
- Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for HIV and other STD/STI.