Topic: STI So you think you've got one?
Description
If you have unprotected sex, you may be at risk of a sexually transmissible infection (STI).
Symptoms
Some STIs cause symptoms.
- Women may notice:
- itch inside or outside the vagina
- sores or blisters around the outside of the vagina or anus
- fleshy lumps around the outside of the vagina or anus
- pain in the lower abdomen
- pain during sex
- unusually heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex
- unusual vaginal discharge
- frequent urge to pass urine
- pain or burning while passing urine.
Men may notice:
- discharge from the penis
- sores or blisters on the penis, pubic area or around the anus
- fleshy lumps on the penis, pubic area or around the anus
- frequent urge to pass urine
- pain or burning while passing urine
- pain in the scrotum.
Men and women who practice anal sex can get STIs in the rectum (back passage). They may notice:
- pain in the rectum
- discharge from the rectum.
Note that some of these symptoms have many causes – they do not necessarily mean you have an STI.
Transmission
Some infections go away without treatment. Other infections appear to go away, but actually stay in the body. They may cause problems later on. They can be passed on to other people you have sex with. Some STIs can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.
If you are concerned you have a sexually transmitted infection, the best thing is to talk it over with your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic. Don’t ignore any symptoms – go and have a check-up. If there is an infection, you can get the best available treatment and advice on how to stay healthy. If you think you have an STI, it is advisable not to have sex until you have received medical advice.
Health Outcome
Some sexually transmitted infections do not cause any symptoms. That means a person can have an STI without knowing it. If you have had unprotected sex you may be at risk of an STI. See your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic for a sexual health check-up.
Help and Assistance
For more information about STIs, you can talk to:
- your local doctor
- your local sexual health clinic
- your local family planning clinic.
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health Website
Related Content
Last Updated: 5th August, 2008
Date Valid to: 15th September, 2007
