What are STIs?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (known as STIs) is a name given to a number of infections which can be transmitted by Sexual Intercourse and other forms of sexual activity. Some STIs can also be passed on simply by touching the infected area on another person then touching yourself.
Infections classified as STIs are:
Chlamydia
(pronounced: cla - mi - dea)
A very common Bacterial infection especially in sexually active young people. It is easily passed on from one person to another and sometimes a person may not even know he/she has it.
Find out more about Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
(pronounced: her - pees)
Genital Herpes are really another form of cold sores like the ones people get around their mouths except this type affect you vagina or penis.
Find out more about Genital Herpes
Genital Warts
Genital warts are a virus, they can look like regular warts or just like an area of inflamed skin. It is possible to have them without knowing and is one of the most common STIs. For more information on genital warts
Find out more about Genital Warts
Gonorrhoea
(pronounced: gone - or -rear)
Another bacterial infection often know an "The Clap". Gonorrhoea is very infectious and easily passed on. About 1 in 10 men and 1 in 2 Women who have Gonorrhoea have no symptoms ...... so don't think you can tell just by looking!
Find out more about Gonorrhoea
HIV and AIDS
If you haven't heard about HIV and AIDS where have you been for the past ten years? HIV and AIDS are a deadly infection which can be caught by the exchange of body fluids such as blood, semen etc.
Find out more about HIV and AIDS
Non-specific urethritis
NSU is an infection of the urethra ( the tube in men and women where urine comes out). It is called "non-specific" because it can be caused by a number of different other infections like the ones listed above. It does not pose a serious health threat and can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Find out more about Non-specific urethritis
Pubic lice
Pubic Lice are small (2mm long) bugs that live amongst body hair, particularly in the Genital area. You might see the actual creatures or you might just see tiny red blotches where you have been bitten by them. They can be passed on just by very close contact with an infected person but it is more usually through sexual contact. Treatment is easily carried out using a special shampoo.
Find out more about Pubic Lice
Scabies
(pronounced: Sk - a -bees)
Scabies is a skin infection caused by a tiny mite (a mite is a small creature). Symptoms can be itching or soreness of the skin. It is easily treated and is not a real threat to long term health.
Find out more about Scabies
Syphilis
(pronounced: sif - ilis)
Often called "The Pox" Syphilis can be very dangerous to your health if not treated with anti-biotics. In the early stages it can be difficult to spot any symptoms but in the later stage the infected areas can be covered in a non-itchy rash or wart like lumps.
Find out more about Syphilis
Trichomonas
The full name of this infection is Trichomonas vaginalis and is known as "TV". It is called by a tiny parasite found in the urethra ( the tube in men and women where urine comes out). It can sometimes be noticed from pain when going for a pee.
Find out more about Trichomonas
Thrush
Thrush is caused by a yeast (substance) which is on the skin, in the mouth and in the vagina. Everyone has this yeast but it does not normally cause an infection, this only happens when a change in the body causes it to multiply. You can develop Thrush without contacting an infected person as it can start up through wearing tight trousers or underwear, when you are ill or if medicines you are taking change the chemical balance of your body. Although sexual contact doesn't cause it, it can pass it on.
Find out more about Thrush
How do you know if you've got an STI?
What to look out for if you think you may have an STI
Protection, cure and getting help
How to protect yourself and where to go if you catch an STI
Sexual health clinics
Find a sexual health clinic in your area
Centre 33
Free and confidential counselling and sexual health information services to young people aged 13 – 25 years old across Cambridgeshire in Cambridge, Ely, Wisbech and Huntingdon.
Dhiverse
HIV and Sexual Health charity.
These services are for all young people age 11-25 and all services are tailored to be age appropriate.
• SRE Workshops
• Chlamydia Screening
• Condoms
• Contraception
• Emergency Contraception
• Sexual Health Clinics
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Cambridge Contraception and Sexual Health Clinic
Mondays 2.00 – 4.00pm (under 25’s) (full sexual health screening and contraception available if required)
Saturdays 12.30-1.30pm (under 25’s) (contraception only)
Huntingdon Young Person's Clinic
Drop-in clinic Mondays 3.30pm - 5.30pm
New Horsefair Clinic - Wisbech
NHS choices - worthtalkingabout
Information and advice on love, sex and relationships
St Neots Young Person's Clinic
Drop-in Tursdays 3.30pm - 6.00pm