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What is acute pelvic pain? Acute pelvic pain is soreness that’s felt in your lower stomach area. The pain may feel short, sharp, dull or fiery. It can be ongoing, or occasional. You might also notice bloating, nausea and other symptoms.  Acute pelvic pain can be mild or serious and...

What is chlamydia? Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection. It’s caused by bacteria. You get chlamydia by having unprotected sex with someone who already has it. You can also pass chlamydia to others by having unprotected sex. Chlamydia doesn’t always cause symptoms, so you may not know you have...

What is contact tracing? You’ve just found out you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). There’s a lot going through your mind – and, getting treated as soon as possible is vital. Besides getting healthy, you need to make sure everyone you’ve had sex with recently knows to get tested,...

What is emergency contraception? Emergency contraception is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is made for women. It usually comes in the form of a pill. This is sometimes called 'the morning after pill' or 'plan B'. There are two types of pill. The right...

What is epididymo-orchitis? Epididymo-orchitis is the painful swelling of the testes and the tubes attached to each testicle. It is a common infection in adults. It can be mild to severe and is mostly caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can also be caused by other germs. What...

What are genital ulcers? Genital ulcers are small sores on your penis, vagina or anus. They can be caused by infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but can also have many other causes. Your GP will ask you some questions and may perform tests to find out the cause of...

What is genital warts? Genital warts, or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is a sexually transmitted infection caused by strains of the human papillomavirus. The disease spreads through unprotected sex. Symptoms include small bumps on the genitals which can cause pain, discomfort and itching. Treatment helps to get rid of symptoms...

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Common symptoms include genital discharge, pain when urinating and eye infections. Many patients can have no symptoms. Infection spreads through unprotected sex and sexual contact. Gonorrhoea is treated effectively with antibiotics. It is important to get treated and...

What is herpes? Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. As many as one in eight people have herpes. Symptoms include recurring genital pain and sores. While there is no cure for herpes, treatment helps to manage symptoms. The infection spreads through unprotected sex....

What is HIV exposure? People can become exposed to HIV in several ways. This may be from unprotected sex, sharing needles or having a needlestick injury. A needlestick injury is when an unclean needle pricks you, such as accidentally stepping on one. If you think you may have been exposed...

What is HIV? Living with HIV is the term used to describe people who are HIV-positive. Over the last three decades, there’s been a lot of progress in the way HIV is managed and treated. With proper treatment, it’s now possible to live ‘well’ with HIV and reduce the risk...

What is mycoplasma genitalium? Mycoplasma genitalium is caused by bacteria. It can affect the cervix, urethra and rectum. It is a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can be spread by having sex without a condom. Many people have no symptoms. If you have a vagina, you may notice...

What is permanent contraception? Permanent contraception stops a person from being able to reproduce. There is an option for people with a uterus and for people with a penis. Both options work more than 99% of the time and involve a short hospital stay. Tubal ligation (for people with a...

What is pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)? Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that greatly reduces the risk of getting HIV. PrEP is recommended for people with an ongoing risk of acquiring HIV infection. For example, people who are: Having anal or vaginal sex (with no condom) with a partner who is...

What is sexual health? Sexual health is an important part of your health and wellbeing. Your physical, mental and emotional health can affect and be affected by your sexual health. Protecting yourself from sexually transmissible infections (STI) is an important part of good sexual health. Having good sexual health includes...

What is sexual health screening? Sexual health screening is testing for one or more sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You might need a screening test if your GP thinks there’s a risk you could have an STI. Not all STIs have symptoms. So, even if you’re feeling well, it’s important to...

What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. It’s a bacterial infection that spreads by having unprotected sex or through using unclean needles or an unscreened blood transfusion. Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test. The infection starts as a painless sore on the genitals, rectum or mouth. It...

What is being transgender? When you’re born, you are given a gender based on what you look like. This is written on your birth certificate. Some people grow up feeling like the gender they are given doesn’t match who they truly are on the inside. If you identify as a...

What is being transgender? When you’re born, you are given a gender based on what you look like. This is written on your birth certificate. Some people grow up feeling like the gender they are given doesn’t match who they truly are on the inside. This is called transgender (or...

What is trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis (also known as trich) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a parasite. You can pass on this STI during unprotected sex or from sharing a damp towel. The best way to prevent it is by having safe sex. If you have...

What is urethral discharge in males? Urethral discharge is when fluid leaks from the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis. It is often caused by germs from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can also be caused by other germs. You may also notice redness and swelling, pain,...