If you're sexually active or thinking of having sex, do yourself a favour - avoid all the STI's (sexually transmitted infections) below by always practising safer sex...sex with a condom.

Most sexually transmitted infections are treatable...just go to your local G.U.M. clinic: it's free, it's confidential & non judgemental. All you have to do is turn up!

AIDS and HIV
What Is it?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which damages the body's immune system. When someone has AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) it means they are HIV+ and have gone on to get a series of serious illnesses. HIV can be passed on by having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV. HIV is only passed on through bodily fluids and blood, for example through sex, injecting drugs or from mothers to their unborn children.

How can I tell if I've got it?
You can't. The only way to then tell if you have HIV is to have a blood test.

What will clear it up?
At present there is no cure for HIV or AIDS but new combination therapies mean improved management of the illness.

Chlamydia
What is it?
This is the most common STI amongst young women and men. It's caused by a bacteria, which if left untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (a disease which infects your pelvic region and can lead to infertility in women and men).

How can I tell if I've got it?
In 15 - 20% of cases there will be symptoms five to ten days after infection (look for a discharge and pain). However, MOST people do not get any symptoms.

What will clear it up?
Antibiotics after a simple chlamydia test at a GUM clinic.

Genital warts
What are they?
Genital warts are small fleshy lumps (like the warts you can get on your hands). They appear around your genitals and are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV).

How can I tell if I've got them?
The big problem with warts is that there are often no symptoms, or the warts develop inside the vagina (usually on the cervix) so you can't see them.  If they do appear they may itch but are usually painless.

What will clear them up?
If you have been infected the good news is that in many cases the body's immune system will cause most warts to disappear without treatment after 6 months. Though large visible warts need to be treated. You will be given a special lotion which you will be asked to apply to the warts. If this doesn't clear the warts, or the warts are in a tricky place, stronger lotions may be used. Occasionally, warts may be frozen or burned off, this is not usually painful.

Herpes
What is it?
There are two types of herpes which cause small, painful blisters. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 which usually causes cold sores and HSV Type II which causes genital sores. Herpes Type 1 is passed by kissing and herpes Type II is passed through sex. Though Type 1 can become Type II, through oral sex.

How can I tell if I've got it?
Look for small, painful clusters of sores.

What will clear it up?
There is no cure for herpes.

How is it diagnosed?
A sample may be taken for testing or a doctor may know just by looking. Remember, herpes is highly infectious and during an outbreak you should avoid sex and kissing (if you have cold sores). Outbreaks are treated with salt baths and/or medication.

Gonorrhoea
What is it?
Gonorrhoea is a disease caused by a bacteria. The danger of this is, if left undiagnosed it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

How can I tell if I've got it?
In five out of every six cases, there are no symptoms. Symptoms to look for are a discharge and a burning sensation when going for a wee.

What will clear it up?
Antibiotics.

Syphilis
What is it?
An infection caused by a bacteria which left untreated can have very serious consequences.

How can I tell if I've got it?
A sore on your genitals, and a rash. If left untreated the symptoms become severe.

What will clear it up?
Syphilis can be cured with one course of antibiotics.

Pubic lice
What is it?
Also known as crabs, pubic lice are small insects that are spread through sex and intimate contact (bedding, towels etc).

How can I tell if I've got it?
You'll have severe itching throughout your pubic region.

What will clear it up?
Usually a doctor will be able to tell if you have pubic lice and will prescribe a lotion to kill them off.

Trichomoniasis
What is it?
This is an infection which affects the vagina, cervix, urethra and bladder.

How can I tell if I've got it?
Look for a greenish-yellow discharge with a strong and offensive smell, itching of the vagina and a burning when going for a pee. Boys/men have no symptoms.

What will clear it up?
A swab will be taken and antibacterial drugs prescribed.

Hepatitis B
What is it?
This is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the liver caused by a virus passed on through vaginal or anal intercourse.

How can I tell if I've got it?
Usually there are no symptoms but look for unusual tiredness.

What will clear it up?
There is no effective cure, but it some cases your body fights off the virus and the infection goes away.

Remember - you can catch an STI the 1st time you have sex with someone!

Girls! you need to know about smear tests

What is a cervical smear?
A smear test is basically an internal examination whereby a nurse/doctor (at your GP surgery or at a clinic) takes cells from a woman's cervix (neck of the womb) in order to test they are healthy. Unhealthy cells can turn into cervical cancer. Having regular smears is important because it means any abnormal (unusual) cells can be found early and easily treated.

Should girls have smear tests?
Women should start having smears two years after they become sexually active. However, girls don't need to worry about this until they're 25. This is because the latest medical studies show that smears on women under 25 are unreliable because the cervix is still naturally changing. So, once you hit 25 (and have been or are sexually active) make sure you see your GP, GUM or family planning clinic about smears. You'll probably need to have as smear every three years. It only takes a few minutes and could save your life.

How can I protect myself?
If you're having sex, avoid catching a love bug...use a condom, it's the only way!!! You can't tell by looking. Don't leave it to chance.

How do I know I've got one?
With some STIs you get symptoms, with others you don't. The only way to make sure you don't have an STI is to  have a check up at your local G.U.M. clinic.

Top tips if you've got an STI
(1) Make sure your partner is checked out and cleared of infection before you have sex again.

(2) Avoid sex until the STI has been treated and has gone away.

(3) Always use condoms if you have sex.

(4) If you are at all worried about having an STI make sure you visit a G.U.M. clinic.

Once you become sexually active it is important to look after your sexual health by visiting a G.U.M. clinic if you have had unprotected sex.

If you're having sex, avoid catching a love bug... use a condom, it's the only way!! You can't tell by looking-don't  leave it to chance.

Why is it called a G.U.M. clinic?
A G.U.M. clinic, also known as genito-urinary medicine clinic, is one of the most confidential places you can visit. It's also free and totally non-judgmental. What's more, even though these clinics are often found in hospitals, your medical records can never be passed on to your GP or other parts of the hospital. All you have to do for a test is turn up, and wait your turn.

So what happens at the clinic?
A doctor or nurse will do one or all of the following:

Take a swab (a sample taken with what looks like a cotton bud) from a girl or boy's genital area.

Take a urine sample (you just have to pee into a container and bring it back).

Carry out a simple blood test.

The doctor may also need to do an 'internal' - this is a gentle examination of a girl's vagina.

Will they be able to tell me straight away if I've got one?
They can often give you some results on the same day. Remember to always go back for your results if asked to do so and finish any course of medication you're given. Plus, make sure both you and your partner are treated and cleared before you have sex again because if only you are treated and your partner has an infection and isn't treated, you could get another infection.

Nearest G.U.M. clinic
If you are worried that you might have a sexually transmitted infection or just want some reassurance contact your local G.U.M. The service is completely confidential.

Contact these organisations to find out the telephone number and address of your local
G.U.M. clinic

NHS Direct Tel: 0845 46 47

The Family Planning Association Tel: 0845 310 1334

Or check out the following website which has addresses, opening times and telephone numbers of G.U.M. clinics: www.bashh.org/directory.htm