Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Anyone who is having sex with another person is at risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. Guys can get it from having sex with girls as well as with other guys. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor or old or very young if you have sex you are still at risk.
Many people who have sexually transmitted infections do not even know that they have them. Many people don’t show any symptoms and don’t know how or where to get tested for an STI if they do. The best protection against STIs is still a condom and water-based lube. If you suspect that you have an STI, you can chat to your local doctor and tell him/her that you don’t want anyone else to know. They know that they should keep it a secret between the two of you if that’s what you want. Nurses at your nearby clinic can also help you if you want to know how to test for an STI.
Whatever you do, don’t just leave it. Some STIs can cause permanent damage if they are not treated, and they can also make you more at risk of getting HIV if you have unprotected (without a condom) sex.
Most STIs are caused by a bacterial infection, which can be treated easily with antibiotics, but some are viral infections (caused by a virus), and these can’t be treated by antibiotics.
You might have an STI if you had sex without a condom and have noticed that your private parts around your penis and testicles as well as your bum, feel or look different to how they usually do. If you notice any sores, lumps or bumps, or if you are constantly itchy down there, you should chat to a nurse or a doctor.
Here’s a list of some STIs and a short explanation of what their symptoms are. You can Google any one of these if you want to know more information about them.
HIV
HIV is a sexually transmitted infection, which stands for “Human Immunodeficiency Virus”. For more detailed info about HIV check out the section called HIV in the previous menu.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterial infection. Most people who have it don’t show any symptoms. When they do get symptoms, it can take a few weeks to show. Symptoms include burning with urination, a discharge (unusual fluid) from the penis and pain and swelling of one or both testicles.
Chlamydia can be spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Most people carrying herpes don’t know that they have been infected, but others can have an outbreak of blisters like cold sores on their penis, testicles or anus. There isn’t a cure for herpes but over time symptoms get milder and outbreaks happen less and less. These sores or blisters can appear 4 to 6 days after having condomless sex.
Genital warts
These are warts that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and they appear on the penis and around or inside the anus (bum). They are transmitted through unprotected sex and can even be transmitted through the rubbing of exposed skin.
Some people are carriers (with no symptoms). Early treatment with medication usually solves the problem, but if they are too large, warts do need to be removed surgically.
Treatment is important, as warts can cause complications. See your doctor or clinic for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have warts.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STIs) easily spread through anal or vaginal sex without a condom and oral sex.
You can also get gonorrhoea in your throat from oral sex, in your anus or your penis from having sex without a condom.
The germs that cause gonorrhoea can live in someone’s throat, their urethra (pee tube) or anus and are present in their semen (cum) if they are infected.
Hepatitis
There are a few types of hepatitis, but generally what it means is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, B and C are all caused by a virus and can be transmitted sexually are spread through blood, semen (cum) or other body fluids and can be spread through unprotected sex, oral sex or by sharing needles to inject drugs. Hepatitis A is spread through minute traces of faeces (poo) entering your body, which may occur during oral sex.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that t is easily spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Someone who has syphilis will get a sore at the place where they have been infected. This could be on the penis, where they might see it, or around or inside the anus or vagina, where they won’t see it. Syphilis sore is not painful and will go away by itself, but the person is still infected with syphilis. If you get syphilis, it is easier for you to get infected with HIV. Many people have syphilis without knowing they have it and can spread it to others if they don’t use a condom during sex. Never do oral sex on a penis that has a sore on it; you can also get syphilis in your throat. Always use a condom during sex.
Some signs you may have syphilis is a sore developing between one and two weeks after the germ has entered your body. The sore will heal by itself, but you are still infected.
Between two and six months after the sore has healed, you might feel sick (as if you have flu), or develop a rash (spots on your skin) on your upper body and maybe on the palms of your hands. You should go and see a doctor, nurse or visit a clinic as soon as you discover any of these symptoms.
