What is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
An STI is a bacterial or viral infection that can be spread through sexual contact. Its spread is not just limited to unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Some STIs can be passed on through oral sex (kissing, licking or sucking someone's genitals) or through close genital-to-genital contact.
Different types include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes simplex, and HIV. Many are on the increase, and all of them can affect anyone - gay or straight, male or female. Some don't show up straight after infection. Some may show signs a few days after unprotected sex. Others can go unnoticed for a long period of time, or even show no symptoms at all. Infections are often easy to get rid of, but leave them untreated and they may cause serious damage to a young person's long-term health and put their fertility at risk.
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