STIs & Infections

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can affect the penis/external genitals, throat, anus, eyes, or vagina/front-hole. You can get it and pass it on through giving or receiving oral sex, anal or vaginal/front-hole sex, (including penetration, fingering, fisting, and sharing sex toys) with a person who has chlamydia. Chlamydia doesn’t always have symptoms, which means you can have chlamydia and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include unusual discharge, genital itchiness, redness, burning or pain. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Chlamydia can be tested for by a urine test and swabs of the anus, throat, and vagina/front hole and treated through a simple course of antibiotic tablets. You can reduce transmission of chlamydia by using condoms, dams, or gloves during sex.

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can affect the penis/external genitals, throat, anus, eyes, or vagina/front-hole. You can get it or pass it on through giving or receiving oral sex, anal or vaginal/front-hole sex, (including penetration, fingering, fisting, and sharing sex toys) with a person who has gonorrhoea. Gonorrhoea doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have gonorrhoea and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include unusual discharge, genital redness, genital pain or discomfort. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Gonorrhoea can be tested for by having a urine test and swabs of the anus, throat, or vagina/front-hole and treated through a simple course of antibiotic tablets and injection. You can reduce transmission of gonorrhoea by using condoms, dams, or gloves during sex.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can affect your penis/external genitals, throat, anus, or vagina/front-hole. You can get it and pass it on through giving or receiving oral sex, anal or vaginal/front-hole sex (including penetration, fingering, fisting, and sharing sex toys) and skin to skin contact with a person who has syphilis. Syphilis doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have syphilis and not know about it. If there are symptoms, it can depend on the length of time you have the infection. In the first 2-3 months, common symptoms can include small red sores. From 2-6 months, symptoms can include rashes on the hands, feet, and other parts of the body as well as fever, headaches, joint aches, or tiredness. If syphilis is left untreated, common symptoms can include damage to organs such as the brain, eyes, nervous system, heart, or liver. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Syphilis can be tested for through a blood test and treated with penicillin tablets or injections. You can reduce transmission of syphilis by using condoms, dams, or gloves during sex.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system and can cause AIDS if left untreated. Having HIV is not the same thing as having AIDS. HIV can be passed on through cum, pre-cum, anal mucous, blood, vaginal/front-hole fluids and breast milk, so you can get or pass on HIV through anal or vaginal/front-hole sex and sharing injecting or tattoo needles with a person who has HIV. HIV doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have HIV and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include flu-like symptoms, rash, weight loss, decreased appetite or tiredness. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. HIV can be diagnosed with a blood test, or home testing kits are available. You can reduce transmission of HIV by using barrier protection, medications PrEP or PEP, or having an undetectable viral load (U=U).

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. The virus can live outside the body for hours. You can get it or pass it on through ingesting minute amounts of faecal matter (poo) through things like rimming, oral sex after anal sex, touching used sex toys/condoms, fingering/fisting then putting fingers in mouth with a person who has hepatitis A. You can also get hepatitis A from sharing objects such as injecting or tattoo needles, food, and drinks. Hepatitis A doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have hepatitis A and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, or tiredness. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Hepatitis A can be tested for through a blood test, there is no treatment or cure, but virus will usually go away on its own and there is a vaccine to help prevent it. You can reduce transmission of hepatitis A by getting vaccinated, using condoms, dams or gloves during sex and by washing your hands after sex.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. You can get it and pass it on through anal or vaginal/front-hole sex without barrier protection, sharing sex toys, toothbrushes, or razors, and using or sharing injecting or tattooing equipment with a person who has hepatitis B. Hepatitis B doesn’t always symptoms, which means you can have hepatitis B and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, liver pain or fever. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Hepatitis B can be tested with a blood test, there is no treatment to cure it, and it will usually go away on its own, but there is a vaccine to help prevent it. Some people develop chronic hepatitis B, which can be treated with antiviral medication. You can reduce transmission of hepatitis B by getting vaccinated, using barrier protection during sex, and not sharing sex toys, injecting equipment, tattoo equipment, toothbrushes, or razors.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. You can get it and pass it on if the blood of a person with hepatitis C gets into the bloodstream of a person who does not have it; this could happen through sharing injecting equipment (including needles, barrels, tourniquets, spoons, cotton, waters, etc.), toothbrushes, razors, or tattooing equipment with a person who has hepatitis C. You can also get it and pass it on through not using barrier protection during sex such as anal or vaginal/front-hole, including fisting or sharing sex toys that injures or damages the internal skin (e.g. particularly rough or prolonged sex) with a person who has hepatitis C. Hepatitis C doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have hepatitis C and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include flu-like symptoms, nausea, and abdominal pain. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Hepatitis C can be tested for by having a blood test and treated with antiviral medication. You can reduce transmission of hepatitis C by avoiding sharing injecting equipment, razors, toothbrushes and tattoo equipment and by using barrier protection and lube during sex.

Genital Warts are caused by particular strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get it and pass it on through sex and skin-to-skin contact with someone who has HPV. HPV doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have HPV and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include growths/bumps around the genitals, or itching, pain or bleeding. Genital warts can be tested for by a health professional viewing them or with a cervical screen test (CST). Genital warts can be removed by freezing or burning them off, laser treatments, or applying topical creams. You can reduce transmission of genital warts by getting vaccinated against HPV, and by using condoms, dams or gloves during sex.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that will usually go away on its own; however, some strains of HPV can cause genital warts (see above) or cancers that can affect the cervix, throat, anus, rectum, penis/external genitals, vagina, front-hole or vulva. You can get or pass on HPV through oral, anal, and vaginal/front-hole sex. HPV doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have HPV and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include growths/bumps around the genitals (genital warts – see above), or itching, pain or bleeding. Genital warts can be diagnosed by a doctor viewing them and they can be removed. HPV is also tested through cervical screening tests (CSTs). There is a vaccine available to help prevent getting HPV. You can reduce transmission of HPV by getting vaccinated.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) includes two similar viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is known for causing cold sores, typically causing blistering sores around the mouth but can also be found around the penis/external genitals, testicles, anus and vulva/front-hole. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is commonly known for causing genital herpes, typically causing blistering sores around the penis, testicles, anus, and vulva/front hole. You can get and pass on both HSV-1 and HSV-2 through kissing, oral, anal, and vaginal/front-hole sex with a person who has HSV. Having a sore makes spreading the virus more likely, but it can also be passed on without any active sores. HSV can be tested for by swabbing sore or through a blood test; there is no cure for HSV, and the virus will always be in your body, but taking antiviral medication can reduce outbreaks and help prevent passing the virus on to others. You can reduce transmission of HSV by using condoms, dams or gloves during sex.

Thrush, also known as a yeast infection or candidiasis, is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, most commonly Candida albicans. It’s a common fungal infection that primarily affects the genital area but can also occur in the mouth (oral thrush) or on other parts of the body such as the skin.Thrush occurs when there is an imbalance in the body’s natural flora, allowing Candida to grow excessively. Factors like antibiotic use, high sugar intake, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menstruation), wearing tight or synthetic clothing, and a weakened immune system can all contribute to this imbalance. Symptoms of genital thrush include itching, burning, and redness in the affected area, a thick, white discharge (often resembling cottage cheese), discomfort during sex or urination, and swelling around the genitals.Thrush can often be diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination. For confirmation, a swab of the affected area can be taken and tested for Candida. It’s typically treated with antifungal medications, which can be in the form of creams, tablets, or suppositories. These medications are available over the counter or by prescription. Preventing thrush involves maintaining good genital hygiene, wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding overly tight clothing, and steering clear of perfumed soaps or bath products in the genital area. It’s also helpful to avoid douching or washing internal genitals to manage factors that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria in the vagina. BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing some bacteria to overgrow. Factors such as douching, using scented products, lots of sex, or a new sexual connection, and a lack of lactobacilli bacteria can contribute to this imbalance. Symptoms of BV may include a thin, grey or white vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odour, especially after sex, itching or irritation in the vaginal area, and burning during urination. However, some people may not experience any symptoms. BV is typically diagnosed through a pelvic examination and a swab of the vaginal discharge, and treated with antibiotics, either in oral form or as a topical gel or cream inserted into the vagina. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. Preventing BV involves avoiding douching, using unscented soaps, and using barrier protection during sex to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra. UTIs occur when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. Sexual activity, poor hygiene, dehydration, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of developing a UTI. Symptoms of a UTI may include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it may cause back pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. UTIs are diagnosed through a urine test, where a sample is checked for the presence of bacteria, blood, or white blood cells. UTIs are commonly treated with a course of antibiotics. The type and duration of treatment depend on the severity and location of the infection. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed to alleviate discomfort. Preventing UTIs involves staying hydrated, urinating before and after sex, wiping from front to back, avoiding irritants like scented genital products, and maintaining good personal hygiene. Cranberry products and probiotics may also help reduce the risk of recurrent infections for some people.

MPOX is a viral infection that can cause skin sores on your penis/external genitals, testicles, anus, face, hands, and body. Bodily fluids and skin sores carry the virus, so skin-to-skin contact, saliva, and sharing items such as clothes, towels and bedding with a person who has MPOX can pass it on. Symptoms can take up to a month to appear, and some people can have MPOX and not know about it. Some common symptoms include headache, fever, muscle aches, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, rash, often with lesions that look like blisters, pimples or sores. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. You can be tested for MPOX by having lesions swabbed, there is currently no treatment, and it should clear up on its own. There is a vaccine available to help prevent getting MPOX. You can reduce transmission of MPOX by getting vaccinated. Barrier protection can also help to prevent transmission.

Shigella is a type of bacteria that infects the bowels. You can get it or pass it on through ingesting minute amounts of fecal matter (poo), through things like rimming, oral sex after anal sex, touching used sex toys/barriers, fingering/fisting then putting fingers in mouth with a person who has shigella. Shigella doesn’t always cause symptoms, which means you can have shigella and not know about it. If there are symptoms, common symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. You can still pass it on even without symptoms. Shigella can be tested by having an anal swap or stool (poo) sample; it can clear up on its own but may require antibiotic medication. You can reduce transmission of shigella by using condoms, dams, and gloves during sex and washing your hands after sex and after handling things like used barriers/toys.

Crabs or pubic lice are tiny mites that live in body hair such as pubic hair, facial hair and chest hair. You can get or pass on crabs through close skin contact or sharing items such as clothing, bedding or towels with a person who has crabs. Common symptoms include itchiness where the mites are, however, this can take weeks to appear. A health professional can diagnose crabs by looking at the area, and treatment creams or shampoos can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription.