Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Guide to the main STIs: how they spread, symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention. Clear, sourced and non-alarmist information.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common: according to the WHO, more than a million curable STIs are acquired every day worldwide, and most cause no symptoms. Almost all can be prevented and treated, and several can be cured completely. Each page explains how the infection spreads, possible symptoms, when to get tested, how it is treated and how to prevent it.
If you are not sure where to start, read how often to get tested for STIs and the most common condom mistakes. Vaginal thrush is included because of its link with sexual health, although it is not an STI.
Chlamydia: what it is, symptoms, testing and treatmentChlamydia is a very common STI that often has no symptoms. How it spreads, when to get tested, how it is cured and what can happen if it is not treated.Read →
Genital herpes: what it is, symptoms and treatmentGenital herpes has no cure, but antivirals control it very well. Learn the symptoms, how it spreads, testing, pregnancy and how to protect your partner.Read →
Gonorrhoea: symptoms, transmission, testing and treatmentGonorrhoea is a common bacterial STI that often has no symptoms. How it spreads, when to test, how it is cured and why antibiotic resistance matters.Read →
Hepatitis B: what it is, transmission, testing, treatment and vaccineWhat hepatitis B is, symptoms and when they start, how it spreads and how it does not, testing, acute and chronic infection, antivirals and the vaccine.Read →
HIV: what it is, how it spreads, testing and treatmentWhat HIV is, symptoms, how it is passed on and how it is not, when to test, antiretroviral treatment, U=U, PrEP and PEP within 72 hours. Stigma-free.Read →
HPV (human papillomavirus): what it is, warts, screening and vaccineHPV is very common and usually clears on its own. Symptoms, genital warts, how it spreads, cervical screening and the HPV vaccine. Clear, calm and stigma-free.Read →
Syphilis: stages, symptoms, testing and treatmentSyphilis is a bacterial STI that can be cured with antibiotics. Its stages and symptoms, how it spreads, when to get tested and why it matters in pregnancy.Read →
Trichomoniasis: symptoms, testing and treatmentTrichomoniasis is the most common curable STI and often has no symptoms. Discharge, how it spreads, testing, treatment, partners and when to have sex again.Read →
Vaginal thrush (candidiasis): why it isn't an STI and how it's treatedVaginal thrush is not an STI: it's a yeast from your own flora. Symptoms like itching and discharge, triggers, treatment, pregnancy and when to get help.Read →