STDs & STIs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be spread when you've had sex without a condom. This section will break down what the different types are, what the symptoms are and how they can be treated.

Facts

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an STD caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Niesseria gonorrhoeae. It's very contagious. It can infect your throat, urethra, vagina, and anus.

Candida (yeast infections)

Candida is a fungal infection. It’s also known as yeast infection, candidiasis, thrush, or genital candidosis.

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacterium called Treponema palliduium. It’s known as the ‘great imitator’ because its symptoms are hard to distinguish from other STDs.

HIV

HIV is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which causes AIDS. AIDS is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) generally affects women. It’s when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted by an increase of more ‘harmful’ bacteria.

Scabies

Scabies is a very itchy, contagious skin infection caused by the scabies mite.

Pubic lice

Pubic lice are also known as ‘crabs’. Pubic lice are small parasites that dig underneath your skin, and feed on your blood.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is also known as ‘trich’. It’s an STD that affects both women and men, but women are more likely to have symptoms.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Water warts

Water warts are caused by a virus called molluscum contagiosum. It’s a common viral infection that affects the skin and causes fluid-filled blisters.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is an STD caused by two different types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). It looks like a cold sore or blister.

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s one of the most common STDs worldwide.