Quick read
Key points
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sometimes through skin-to-skin genital contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, and syphilis.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You notice any unusual discharge, sores, itching, or pain in the genital area
01 · Know
What is Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sometimes through skin-to-skin genital contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, genital warts, and syphilis.
Many STIs cause mild or no symptoms, which means people can unknowingly pass them on, making regular testing important if you're sexually active with new or multiple partners. Most STIs are straightforward to test for and treat, especially when caught early.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
Visit a sexual health clinic or your GP for confidential testing and treatment if you have symptoms or concerns about STIs.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You notice any unusual discharge, sores, itching, or pain in the genital area
- 2You experience pain or bleeding during or after sex
- 3A sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI
- 4You've had a new sexual partner and would like a routine check-up
- 5You have pain when urinating or pelvic pain
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Get tested regularly if sexually active.Regular STI screening, especially with new or multiple partners, catches infections early even without symptoms.
- 2Use condoms consistently.Barrier methods significantly reduce the risk of transmitting most STIs during sex.
- 3Notify partners if diagnosed.This allows partners to get tested and treated, preventing reinfection and further spread.
- 4Complete any prescribed treatment fully.Finishing the full course of antibiotics or other treatment ensures the infection is properly cleared.
- 5Avoid sex until treatment is complete.This is important to avoid passing the infection on or becoming reinfected.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Sexually Transmitted Infections ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Most STIs are easily diagnosed and treated, and regular testing is a normal, sensible part of an active sex life.
Getting tested regularly, using condoms, and communicating openly with partners are the most effective ways to protect your sexual health.