Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are small growths or bumps that appear on or around the genital or anal area.  There are over 100 different types of HPV which can affect different parts of the body. About 30 different types of HPV can affect the genital skin, but 90% of genital warts are caused by two types of the virus – types 6 and 11.  The most common way for HPV to be passed on is through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. Genital warts can be passed on even if they are not visible. Most commonly, this is through sexual activity, such as vaginal, anal and oral sex, non-penetrative genital-to-genital contact, and sharing sex toys.   HPV is not passed on by casual contact such as kissing or hugging.  Symptoms  Genital warts are normally painless but, in some people, they can be itchy and become inflamed, which may cause a little bleeding. They can either appear on their own or in clusters. The most common places for them to appear are:  Around the opening of the vagina (vulva)  Around the cervix (the neck of the womb)  Inside the vagina  Around or inside the anus  On the upper thighs  Anywhere on the penis  On the scrotum  Inside the urethra (where urine comes out) in people with a penis   Testing If you suspect you or a sexual partner have genital warts, see your healthcare provider for a medical examination. Testing is usually not required for genital warts, but it is easy for a healthcare provider to diagnose by examining the area. In some cases, they may need to perform a more detailed examination in order to see if there are warts inside the vagina or anus.  Treatment    If you have visible genital warts, the two main types of treatment are:  applying cream or lotion to the warts  destroying the tissue of the warts by freezing, heating or removing them  Unfortunately, wart creams that are available over the counter will not be effective as because they are designed to only treat warts on the hands or verrucas.   The type of treatment you are offered depends on the warts. You should tell the healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if there is a risk of pregnancy as this may affect the type of treatment they are offered.  For some people it can take months for the treatment to work and for the warts to disappear.  It is recommended that you avoid having sex until your genital warts have fully healed. Not only will this help to ensure you don’t pass it on to others, but it may also help you recover more quickly.  Over time, genital warts will go away without treatment but if left untreated, they may also grow larger or multiply. They are rarely harmful to your health, but genital warts can be unpleasant and may cause discomfort.  Prevention   When used correctly and consistently, condoms can help protect you from HPV but may still be passed on by the surrounding genital areas coming into contact with the virus.  The HPV vaccine can protect against genital warts and types of HPV that can cause cancer, so it is worth checking if you are eligible to receive this.  Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called treponema pallidum and is easily passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom and sharing sex toys without washing them or covering them with a condom with each use.  Syphilis can also be passed to babies during pregnancy but can be treated. If left untreated it can cause complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage or stillbirth. During pregnancy, you should be tested for syphilis as part of ante-natal screening.  Syphilis can also be passed on if you are an injecting drug user and you share a needle with someone who is infected.  You cannot get syphilis from casual contact such as kissing or hugging.  While syphilis is less common than other STIs (such as chlamydia), it is on the rise. It can be cured if treated early.   Symptoms   Anyone can get syphilis and the symptoms are usually mild, which may lead to some people ignoring them. Unless someone with syphilis is treated, they can pass syphilis on for up to two years after infection. The symptoms develop in three stages:  Stage one: primary syphilis  The first symptom is often a singular, small, painless – but highly infectious – sore called a chancre, which may appear two to four weeks after being exposed to the bacteria. The chancre will normally appear on the area where the infection entered the body such as the vagina, penis or anus. It may also appear on your lips, tonsils, hands or buttocks.  The sore usually heals and disappears after two to six weeks, so it may be tempting to ignore it, but syphilis can still be transmitted during this stage. If left untreated the bacteria can also spread to other parts of the body and the infection moves onto the second stage.  Stage two: secondary syphilis  This stage often begins a few weeks after the chancre has disappeared. Even without the chancre, syphilis is still infectious and can be passed on. A common symptom is a non-itchy rash, often on the palms or soles of your feet. Other symptoms may include flu-like symptoms (such as headaches, fever, joint pain and tiredness), swollen glands in your neck, armpits or groin, weight loss, and patchy hair loss.   These symptoms may disappear after a few weeks or can come and go over a period of weeks or months. When the symptoms have disappeared, you move into the latent (hidden) phase. This stage can last for years.  Stage three: tertiary syphilis  While serious, it is rare for people to reach this stage. It can develop years or even decades after the first infection, and the symptoms will depend on where the infection has spread to. Syphilis at this stage can be dangerous enough to cause death.  Testing   Testing for syphilis is often done by taking a blood sample. When the body’s immune system reacts to syphilis, it produces antibodies (infection-fighting proteins), and the blood test looks for those antibodies. However, these antibodies may not be detectable until three months after infection. If you have been diagnosed and treated for syphilis previously, additional blood tests may be required as these antibodies will stay in your body.  Your healthcare provider may also perform an examination to look for the signs of syphilis. This may include an internal examination of the vagina and possibly of the anus. They may also look in your mouth and throat for skin rashes.  If you have a sore (or chancre) then the healthcare provider may take a swab to collect a sample of the fluid. Taking the swab should not be painful. This will then be sent to a lab for testing.  Treatment   Syphilis is usually treated with a single antibiotic injection or a course of injections. This treatment is very effective for both first and second stage syphilis and should cure it.   Syphilis can also be treated and cured in the latent and third stages, but treatment may not reverse damage that has already been done to your body.  You should avoid having vaginal, anal or oral sex and any skin contact until you have been given the all-clear, to prevent you being re-infected or passing the infection on.  If possible, it is important that you tell any recent sexual partners that you are being treated for syphilis, so that they can get tested and treated if they also have infection.  Prevention   The best way to prevent the transmission of syphilis is to use contraception such as condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and by avoiding sharing sex toys. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against syphilis and other STIs (including HIV).   It's also a good idea to get tested before each new sexual partner or every three to six months.  Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Pubic lice are very small, crab-like parasitic insects – which is why they are sometimes called ‘crabs’. Pubic lice are not necessarily sexually transmitted but live on pubic hair and are passed on through close body contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.   Having pubic lice is in no way a sign of poor hygiene. As well as close body contact, they might also be passed on by sharing towels and bed linen (though this is much less common as lice can only survive for around 24-48 hours if not in contact with the human body).  Pubic lice cannot jump like fleas or fly, and they cannot transmit HIV or other STIs. They are different to head lice and do not live in the hair on your head. They prefer coarser and more widely spaced hair.  Symptoms  Pubic lice can take a few weeks to appear so you may not notice them immediately or have any symptoms. When they do appear, they are tiny (approximately 2mm) and difficult to see. If you can see them, they are six-legged, with two larger legs like claws.   They are often yellow-grey or red in colour and they attach their eggs to the base of the hair. The eggs are pale brown in colour and the empty egg sacs are white.  Other signs and symptoms include:  Itching in the affected areas   Black powder in your underwear (this is the droppings from the lice)  Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair  Irritation and inflammation in the affected area (sometimes caused by scratching)  Sky-blue spots or very tiny specks of blood on the skin (caused by lice bites)  As well as pubic hair, they may also be found on underarm, leg, back or facial hair  Although less common, eyelashes and eyebrows can also be affected   Testing If you suspect you or a sexual partner may have pubic lice, see your healthcare provider for a medical examination. There is no test for pubic lice, but it is easy for a healthcare provider to diagnose by examining the areas with a magnifying glass. They will be looking for the lice and their eggs.  Treatment  Pubic lice will not go away without treatment and are likely to be passed to someone else. Treatment can be done at home using special types of insecticide lotions, creams or shampoo, which you may be able to get on prescription or over the counter at a pharmacy. Shaving your pubic hair will not get rid of pubic lice.  If left untreated, the lice may spread to other parts of the body. The side effects can also cause other skin irritations and infections.   You should return to your healthcare provider if the treatment doesn’t work – sometimes pubic lice can develop a resistance to the treatment.  Ensure that anyone you have had close body contact with is treated too – as well as anyone you live with and wait until you have all finished treatment before resuming close contact. Avoid having vaginal, anal or oral sex until you and your partner have finished treatment and any follow-up treatment.  You should also wash your sheets and towels at 50° Celsius (122° Fahrenheit) or higher to kill off the lice and their eggs.  Prevention  Unfortunately, condoms will not protect you from pubic lice. The best way to prevent pubic lice infestation is to avoid sexual contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has an infestation.  Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention 

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite called trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and infects the vagina and urethra.   The infection is most often passed on through having vaginal sex without a condom, but also by sharing sex toys without washing or covering with a condom.   You cannot get trichomoniasis through casual contact such hugging or kissing.   Symptoms  Many people with trichomoniasis will not experience any symptoms, and when they do develop, they can be confused with other STIs. Symptoms usually start to appear within a month of coming into contact with the infection.   For people with a vagina, symptoms can include:   Vaginal itching, swelling, and soreness  Pain during sex and when peeing  An unusual discharge which appears a yellow-green in colour  Itchy inner thighs   For people with a penis, symptoms can include:  Pain during ejaculation and when peeing  Thin, white discharge from the penis  Itchy, swollen, and sore penis  Needing to pee more frequently   Testing  It can be difficult to diagnose for trichomoniasis as the symptoms are very similar to other STIs.   During an examination a healthcare provider will look for red patches on the walls of the vagina and discharge, swelling, and soreness from the head of the penis.   They may also take a swab from your vagina or penis to test for the infection. This may be a bit uncomfortable but should not be painful. Samples may be tested during your appointment or sent off to a lab; the results can take up to a week to come back. Trichomoniasis can also be tested from the penis by taking a urine sample.   If there is a high chance that you have trichomoniasis (if your partner tested positive), you may be given treatment before your results are back. Even if your partner tested negative you could still be infected and should continue with the test.   Treatment   Trichomoniasis is easily treated with a course of antibiotics – usually metronidazole – over five to seven days. Although metronidazole is very effective it can make you feel sick and you should avoid alcohol, including for up to 48 hours after completing your course.    You should notice improvements quite quickly once you’ve started the course of antibiotics. However, you should go back to your healthcare provider who tested you if:   Your symptoms don’t improve within a week  You have unprotected sex   You had unprotected sex with your partner before completing the treatment   You vomited after taking the antibiotics  You dd not complete the treatment or follow the instructions  Your test was negative, but you develop symptoms   To prevent yourself from being re-infected or passing the infection on you should avoid having sex until you have been given the all-clear by your healthcare provider.   Prevention   There are several ways to reduce the risk of infection and protect yourself and your partners from trichomoniasis. You can help prevent the spread of trichomoniasis by:   using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex   covering the penis during oral sex with a condom or the female genitals with a latex or polyurethane square (dam)  avoiding sharing sex toys  covering your genitals with a dam if you're a woman and rub your vulva against your female partner's vulva  When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs (including HIV).  Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention 

Genital herpes is a very common virus that can stay in the body for life, but it usually doesn’t lead to serious health problems. Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2 and both can infect the genital and anal area and also the mouth and nose (cold sores).   No one should feel ashamed about having herpes and although it can’t be cured, it is worth noting that it is treatable.  Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, often during vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and kissing. It is passed from one person to another through:  unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex  receiving oral sex from someone who has a cold sore or is about to get one  your genitals coming into contact with your partner’s genitals  skin-to-skin contact during sex if the virus is active on the skin outside the area protected by a condom  sharing sex toys without washing them or covering them with a condom with each use  a person with whitlows (herpes on the hand) touching a partner’s vagina, genitals or anal area  You cannot get herpes from casual contact such as hugging.  Symptoms  Herpes causes outbreaks of itchy, painful blisters or sores that come and go. It is common for people with herpes to not notice the sores or mistake them for something else, so they might not know they’re infected. Herpes can spread even when you don’t have any sores or symptoms.  If you do develop symptoms you may experience:  Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, aches and pains.  Stinging, tingling or itching around the genitals.  Small fluid-filled blisters appear anywhere in the genital or anal area, as well as the buttocks or tops of the thighs – these burst leaving small, red sores which can be very painful.  Pain when peeing – due to the urine passing over the sores.  Unusual vaginal or urethral discharge.  Testing  Symptoms might not appear for weeks or even years after you're infected with the herpes virus. If you have or start to develop signs or symptoms your healthcare provider will be able to confirm the diagnosis by taking a swab of fluid from the blisters in the affected area. The results can take up to one to two weeks. You might also be tested for other STIs with similar symptoms rule them out and be sure you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.   If you have genital herpes, your previous sexual partners should also get tested.  Treatment   There’s no cure for herpes, but medication can ease your symptoms and reduce your chances of spreading the virus. Genital herpes will clear by itself, however, seeking treatment early can significantly reduce the time the outbreak lasts and speed up the healing process. It also reduces the risk of you passing it on to someone else.  You will be given antivirals which work by preventing the virus from multiplying, however it does not clear the virus from your body completely. Over time, outbreaks usually become less frequent.    To ease discomfort in the short term there are a few things you can do:  Apply an ice pack or ice cubes in a plastic bag (do not apply ice directly to skin)  Take a cool shower to soothe the blisters  Apply a local, over-the-counter anaesthetic cream such as lidocaine  Wash your hands before and after touching the infected area to avoid introducing bacteria  Keep hydrated and drink extra fluids  Wear loose, cotton clothing  Use an over-the-counter painkiller to help with pain and discomfort  Prevention   There are several ways to reduce the risk of infection and protect yourself and your partner from genital herpes. You can help prevent the spread of genital herpes by using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex and to cover the penis during oral sex and avoid sharing sex toys. However, herpes can still be passed on if the condom does not cover the infected area.   You should avoid vaginal, anal or oral sex if you or your partner have blisters or sores, or a tingle or itch indicating an outbreak is coming.   When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against genital herpes and other STIs (including HIV).  Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention

Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection. Anyone who is sexually active can catch gonorrhoea. No one should feel ashamed about contracting gonorrhoea, and it is worth noting that it is treatable.  Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea that is found in semen and vaginal fluid of people who have the infection. It is passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom and sharing sex toys without washing them or covering them with a condom with each use. The bacteria can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the tube that passes urine out of the body (urethra), the rectum and, sometimes, the throat or eyes.  Gonorrhoea can also be passed to babies during childbirth but can be treated during pregnancy with antibiotics. If you're pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, it's important to get tested and treated before your baby is born.  You cannot get gonorrhoea through casual contact such as kissing or hugging.   Symptoms  Some people with gonorrhoea don’t have any obvious signs or symptoms. So even if you don’t have any symptoms, it’s really important you get tested if you’ve had unprotected sex.   If you do develop symptoms you may experience:  unusual green or yellow discharge from the vagina  unusual green, yellow, or white discharge from the tip of the penis  a burning feeling when peeing  pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen (tummy)  heavy periods or bleeding between periods (this is rare)  painful swelling of the foreskin  pain or tenderness in the testicles (this is rare)  If left untreated, gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (in women), infertility, and other complications. It is important to get tested and treated as soon as possible if you think you might have gonorrhoea.  Testing  If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a test as soon as you can. Accurate results should appear after two weeks.  Testing for gonorrhoea is done with either a urine test or a swab test:  The swab collects a sample from inside the vagina or from the tip of the penis.  If you have had oral or anal sex, then a swab may be taken from either your throat or rectum.  Taking the swabs may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.  Testing from a penis is often from a urine sample instead of a swab, unless you have symptoms.  If there is a high chance that you have gonorrhoea (for example if your partner has tested positive), you may be given treatment before the results are back.  Treatment   Treatment often involves having an antibiotic injection and a course of antibiotic tablets. Most of your symptoms should improve within a few days with effective treatment. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms start to clear.   If you had symptoms, you should notice improvements quite quickly. You should go back to where you had your test if:  the symptoms don’t improve within a week  you have unprotected sex again  you had unprotected sex with your partner before the treatment was finished  you did not follow the instructions or complete the treatment  the test was negative, but you develop signs and symptoms of gonorrhoea   We recommend you attend a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after treatment so another test can be carried out to see if you're clear of infection.  You should also avoid having sex until you have been given the all-clear by your healthcare provider.  It's important that your current sexual partner and any other recent sexual partners you have had are also tested and treated to help stop the spread of the infection.  Prevention   There are several ways to reduce the risk of infection and protect yourself and your partners from gonorrhoea and other STIs. It's also a good idea to get tested before each new sexual partner or every three to six months.   You can help prevent the spread of gonorrhoea by using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex and to cover the penis during oral sex, and by avoiding sharing sex toys. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against gonorrhoea and other STIs.  Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention 

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection, and anyone who is sexually active can catch it. No one should feel ashamed about contracting chlamydia, and it is worth noting that it is easily treatable.  Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis that is found in semen and vaginal fluid of people who have the infection. It is passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom, your genitals coming into contact with your partner’s genitals, sharing sex toys without washing them or covering them with a condom with each use, and infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye.   Chlamydia can also be passed to babies during childbirth but can be treated during pregnancy with antibiotics.   You cannot get chlamydia through casual contact such as kissing or hugging.  Symptoms  Often referred to as a ‘silent’ infection, most people with chlamydia don’t have any obvious signs or symptoms.   If you do develop symptoms you may experience:  Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum  Pain when peeing  Pelvic and lower abdominal pain  Bleeding during or after sex  Abdominal pain during vaginal sex   Heavy periods or bleeding between periods  Painful swelling of testicles  Burning and itching in the urethra   If left untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, infertility, and other complications. It's important to get tested and treated as soon as possible if you think you might have chlamydia.  Testing  It is also a good idea to get tested before each new partner or every three to six months. If you are concerned after having sex without a condom, seek healthcare advice as soon as you can. However, accurate test results should appear after two weeks.  Testing for chlamydia is simple and painless, and it doesn’t necessarily require a physical examination by a healthcare provider.  The test is done with either a urine test or a swab test:  The swab collects a sample from inside the vagina or from the tip of the penis.  A swab may be taken from either your throat or rectum if you’ve had oral or anal sex.  Taking the swab may be slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.  Testing from a penis is often from a urine sample instead of a swab, unless you have symptoms.  If there is a high chance that you have chlamydia (for example if your partner has tested positive), you may be given treatment before the results are back.  Treatment   Chlamydia is treated with a course of antibiotics. The two most prescribed treatments are a single dose to take on one day, or a longer course (usually two capsules a day for a week).  You should not have sex until you and your current sexual partner have finished treatment. If you had the one-day course of treatment, you should avoid having sex for a week afterwards.  You may be given treatment if you have symptoms which suggest that you could potentially have chlamydia, even if you have not received your test results yet.  Most antibiotics are safe to use with hormonal contraception (like the Pill, patch, injection or implant), but talk to your healthcare provider prescribing the treatment to make sure. You should tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or think you may be, or if you are breastfeeding. This will affect the type of antibiotic you are given.  If you had symptoms, you should notice improvements quite quickly. You should go back to where you had your test if:  the symptoms don’t improve within a week  you have unprotected sex again  you had unprotected sex with your partner before the treatment was finished  you did not follow the instructions or complete the treatment  the test was negative, but you develop signs and symptoms of chlamydia  It's important that your current sexual partner and any other recent sexual partners you have had are also tested and treated to help stop the spread of the infection.  Prevention   There are several ways to reduce the risk of infection and protect yourself and your sexual partners from chlamydia and other STIs. It's also a good idea to get tested before each new sexual partner or every three to six months.   You can help prevent the spread of chlamydia by using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex and to cover the penis during oral sex, and by avoiding sharing sex toys. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against chlamydia and other STIs (including HIV).   Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention 

Knowing how to look after your body can lead to a healthier, safer, and more pleasurable sex life. Taking care of your own sexual health and practicing safer sex can protect you from STIs, including HIV.  Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs)   A sexually-transmitted infection (STI) is usually a bacterial or viral infection predominantly spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread via blood or other bodily fluids. Most can be prevented by using condoms.  There are over 30 known STIs including these most common ones:   Chlamydia  Gonorrhea   HIV  Genital herpes  Syphilis   Pubic lice  Genital warts  Hepatitis  Trichomoniasis  Anyone can get an STI regardless of how many times they have had sex or how many partners they have had. No one should feel ashamed about getting or having an STI and it is worth noting that most are treatable and manageable. In some cases, genital infections aren’t an STI at all. If you’re unsure it’s always important to see your healthcare provider.   Common symptoms   There are common symptoms associated with STIs, for example:  Urethral discharge from the penis could possibly be gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or mycoplasma genitalium  Genital or anorectal ulcers could possibly be syphilis, genital herpes, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), chancroid, or donovanosis  Abnormal vaginal discharge could possibly be cervical infections of gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium or vaginal infections of trichomoniasis, candida, bacterial vaginosis  Lower abdominal pain among women could possibly be gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma genitalium, or anaerobic bacteria  Anorectal discharge could possibly be gonorrhea, chlamydia, or lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)  It’s also possible to have an STI without obvious symptoms. It is important to be mindful of signs and to seek professional advice if you think you may be at risk of an STI or develop symptoms.   STI testing   You should visit a sexual healthcare provider if you or a sexual partner have symptoms of an STI, or you’re concerned about STIs after having sex without a condom.   A healthcare provider will ask you questions about your sex life, may ask to examine your genitals or anus, and tell you what tests you might need. Some clinics may offer self-testing or home testing kits. We know it can be hard, but if your test is positive for an STI it is important to inform any recent sexual partners so that they can also get tested and treated if needed.   If left untreated, some STIs can carry serious consequences that go beyond the initial infection. For example, STIs such as syphilis and herpes can increase the risk of contracting HIV and gonorrhea, and chlamydia may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.  Treating STIs  Some STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can be treated and cured effectively with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider. Like any antibiotics, it is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms clear. HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are both preventable and treatable, but not curable. Treatment for HIV is a combination of antiretrovirals that can help stop the virus multiplying and by supporting the immune system to have an opportunity to repair itself.   Preventing STIs & HIV  There are several ways to reduce the risk of infection and protect yourself and your partner from STIs. The vagina, cervix, and uterus can be protected from most STIs by using a condom during sex. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods of protection against STIs, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. Vaccines are also available for human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B if not already vaccinated when younger.  PEP is an anti-HIV medication which can help reduce the risk of HIV after possible exposure. It must be taken within 72 hours of possible exposure and is a 28-day course of medication. It is not guaranteed to prevent HIV and is only recommended in emergency situations after high-risk of exposure.   There is also a medicine called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for people who do not have HIV. PrEP is taken before sex and can reduce the risk of HIV transmission when it is taken correctly. PrEP can be used as a way to reduce your risk of HIV if you are HIV negative and don’t always use condoms.  It is important to remember that PrEP will not protect you from other STIs, and you should wear a condom every time you have sex (whether it is anal, oral or vaginal).  You can also talk to your partner about STIs, sexual health, and contraception before engaging in sexual activity. You may want to get tested before having sex – some STIs have no obvious symptoms so it is safer to get tested.  STI self-care  If you are sexually active it is important to keep yourself safe and healthy, and also protect the health of others. This can be through using protection (condoms) during sex, regular testing (every three to six months), seeking healthcare if you recognize any symptoms, and ensuring you complete the full course of treatment should you test positive for an STI.   For those changing partners often, it's a good idea to get tested before each new partner or every three to six months. Being aware of the different types of STIs and how they can be passed on, their symptoms, and how to be tested all help maintain your own, as well as others’, health and wellbeing.   Learn more about different types of STIs and their symptoms, treatment, and prevention 

Top Impact so far Articles Director-Generals Message Key Messages Donate What are STIs? A sexually-transmitted infection (STI) is usually a bacterial or viral infection predominantly spread through unprotected (i.e. without a condom) sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread via blood or other bodily fluids. Knowing how to look after your body can lead to a healthier, safer, and more pleasurable sex life. Taking care of your own sexual health and practicing safer sex can protect you from STIs, including HIV. We've created a series of blogs to help you understand some of the more common STIs and their associated symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Learn more... Chlamydia Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection, and anyone who is sexually active can catch it. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis that is found in semen and vaginal fluid of people who have the infection. Some of the ways it is passed from one person to another is through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom. Read more Genital herpes Genital herpes is a very common virus that can stay in the body for life, but it usually doesn’t lead to serious health problems. Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2 and both can infect the genital and anal area and also the mouth and nose (cold sores). Read more Genital warts Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are small growths or bumps that appear on or around the genital or anal area. There are over 100 different types of HPV which can affect different parts of the body. The most common way for HPV to be passed on is through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. Read more Gonorrhoea Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection. Anyone who is sexually active can catch gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea that is found in semen and vaginal fluid of people who have the infection. Read more Hepatitis Hepatitis can be caused by drinking alcohol or through viral infections which can be transmitted through sexual activity. There are various types of hepatitis, but only hepatitis A, B, and C can be transmitted through unprotected sexual activity. Read more HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus (commonly known as HIV) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system so it cannot fight off infections. HIV lives in the blood and some bodily fluids (semen, including pre-cum, and vaginal fluids). Read more Pubic lice Pubic lice are very small, crab-like parasitic insects which live on the pubic hair and survive on human blood. Pubic lice are not necessarily sexually transmitted but are passed on through close bodily contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Read more Syphilis Syphilis is caused by a bacteria called treponema pallidum and is easily passed from one person to another through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex or by sharing sex toys. Read more Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and infects the vagina and urethra. The infection is passed on through having unprotected (without a condom) vaginal sex or by sharing sex toys. Read more

“You work with people who have HIV? Why?” That was the question Dr. Gregory Boyce was asked by the young intern that stood before him. He had come to the hospital ward to visit a client who was known to be living with HIV. He approached the intern at the desk and gave his name and designation. The intern looked at him, confused and somewhat amused and asked the question that he has neither forgotten, nor understood to this day.   However, this young intern’s question comes from a mindset that Dr. Boyce is working fervently to change. As Deputy Director of the Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago (MRF), Dr. Boyce provides clinical and administrative support to a team of doctors and nurses providing care to their clients who are living with HIV. Due to MRF’s long-standing work in HIV research and healthcare, the Family Planning Association of Trinidad and Tobago (FPATT), has referred many clients to Dr. Boyce and his team, and especially clients from the LGBTI+ community.   Providing specialist care and support  “Persons coming to us from key populations, have very layered needs. They are facing unique challenges in addition to living with the virus. There is still that myth that being HIV positive means that you will positively die. Added to that, there’s the discrimination that the community faces in every aspect of their lives on a daily basis. As a staff, we’ve had to seek special training to guide the way we interact with these clients so that we can meet all their needs appropriately and sensitively,” explains Dr. Boyce.   “Apart from medical interventions which are needed to ensure that our clients continue to live healthy lives, we focus heavily on their psychosocial needs. It’s easy to think that because a client is physically healthy that they are also emotionally healthy. We have clients that won’t leave abusive relationships because they think no one else would accept them. We have other clients that are dealing with long-term medication fatigue because they have been taking pills for over 10 years. With that sometimes comes depression and other drug addictions, which is why it’s necessary for us to maintain open and honest relationships to address those accompanying issues.”  Making HIV a non-issue  Dr Boyce has been committed to providing treatment and care to clients living with HIV for over 20 years. He had worked at the Port of Spain General Hospital after graduating, during which time, medicine for persons living with HIV was expensive and out of reach for many. A few years later, through government programmes, medicine became more affordable, and treatment centres were opening up across the island. However, Dr. Boyce realized that the mortality rate had not changed by much. He wondered why people were still dying from a virus when medicine was easily accessible.   “That first conversation – giving a client the news that they’ve tested positive – is very important. We get to show them that HIV is not an impediment. Most times, with the wrong information, they start to draw up a list of things that they can no longer do, like go after a promotion or start a family. Then they go through life shrunken and unrecognizable, not the person they once were. So to answer that intern’s question about why I work with persons living with HIV: I want to make HIV a non-issue,” he states.    Dr. Boyce hopes to see HIV disclosure become as acceptable as other chronic illnesses such as cancer or diabetes, where an entire family would work towards caring for the affected person, instead of alienating them. He also hopes to see more inclusion and tolerance towards persons living with HIV, especially those within the LGBTI+ community.   “Until a gay or transgender person can walk the streets freely and not be jeered at by passers-by, we still have a long way to go. Until they can access treatment at any public facility without fear or judgment, we have a lot of work to do. It would take a lot of education to change the stigma and discrimination but there is absolutely no reason why another person’s life should be miserable because their expression is different to ours.”   He commends the work of FPATT in upholding the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the LGBTI+ community, through ensuring that they have a safe and non-judgmental environment for treatment and care. He says that the Medical Research Foundation values the great relationship that the two organizations have had for years, even as FPATT works towards becoming its own full-service antiretroviral treatment site for persons living with HIV.