Sexual Health
It puts a glow in your cheeks and even counts as good exercise and it's good
for your general wellbeing, but you need to make sure that you’re protecting yourself and your partner from Sexually Transmitted Diseases and unwanted pregnancy if you’re sexually active.
STIs
Anyone who has sex can catch a sexually transmitted infection (STI) no matter what their age.
It’s easy to find out how to avoid infection, how to get tested or treated and how to protect your sexual health. Good sexual health can prevent all kinds of health problems.
STIs are caused by viruses and bacteria that are passed on during sexual intercourse and affect one in nine people.
Recognising STIs and preventing them
Many STIs can be easily treated, but some (including HIV) are harder to treat.
It won’t always be obvious if you or your partner has an STI as many have no symptoms. The best thing to do is make sure you practice safe sex and always use a condom or other form of contraception.
Worried?
If you’re worried that you may have come into contact with an STI or would like more information on different types of contraception, follow one of the links below or visit your family doctor or local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
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