Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
Sexually Transmitted Infections are infections that spread from one person to another through any type of sexual contact. Some types of sexual contact are:
- intimate skin- to-skin touching (genitals)
- oral sex
- vaginal sex
- anal sex
Anyone can get a Sexually Transmitted Infection. Many people have a Sexually Transmitted Infection and don’t know it. Without treatment, Sexually Transmitted Infections can cause serious health problems – even infertility. You can also spread the infection to your sexual partners. The only way to find out if you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (or not) is to get tested.
How Can I Protect Myself and My Partner?
Talk about Sexually Transmitted Infections and practice safer sex with every partner.
Get vaccinated for Hepatitis B and HPV (if you haven’t already).
Use condoms and/or oral dams every time you have sex.
If you find out you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection, let your partner(s) know so they can get tested and treated too.
Talk to a nurse at one of our Sexual Health Clinics. We are here to help you.
If you have questions, need help, or want to get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections, drop into a Sexual Health Clinic and talk to one of our nurses. All of our clinics are completely confidential.
Other Common Infections
There are some infections that can show some of the same symptoms as Sexually Transmitted Infections. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. Visit a Sexual Health Clinic in your community and speak with a public health nurse about testing.
Below is a list of common infections that can appear as Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Visit our Clinics & Classes page to find a Sexual Health Clinic near you.
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