STI stands for Sexually Transmissible Infections.

STIs are sicknesses youpla can catch when you have sex.

STI germs live on the skin, in the blood or in sexual fluids like semen, vaginal fluid.

Youpla can ged e an STI by having sex (nunu, din or oral sex) or touching genitals.

Youpla can get an STI if youpla nor use a condom.

For women STIs can cause:

• bad stomach pain
• a discharge from the nunu
• spots near the nunu
• a baby to grow outside the womb
• the woman to have her baby too early (miscarriage)
• the baby to be very sick

For marn STIs can:

• stap e the man having children
• cause a discharge from the tapis
• leave spots on the tapis
• cause a burning pain when youpla pee pee

Many people nor sabe they gud an STI because they look and feel well and have no signs or symptoms. The only way to be sure is to have a test.  There are different tests for different STIs. The tests are:

• your pee pee is tested
• your blood is tested
• your genitals are swabbed for infections

Youpla might need to have just one test or all three tests. Your doctor will tell youpla which tests you should have.

Some STIs can be cured quickly and easily with medicine. Some can be treated but not cured.

Youpla can ged e an STI again even after the medicine e pinnis and the STI is cured.

You should have STI tests if:

• youpla have sex (including nunu, oral or din sex) without a condom
• youpla have any symptoms
• youpla worried about your sexual health
• youpla think you may have an STI
• youpla condom be broke or be fall off during sex
• youpla or your partner has sex with another person
• youpla or your partner had sex with other people in the past
• youpla share needles, syringes, spoons to inject drugs
• youpla start a new sexual relationship.

They are quick, painless and usually free. The tests are different for men and women. The doctor or nurse will take a small amount of body fluid for example, pee, spit, nunu fluid, or blood. Some tests youpla can do by yourself.

It takes 1 or 2 weeks to get the test results.

A ‘positive’ test result means youpla gud an STI. The doctor will give youpla medicine that is quick and easy to use.

Remember, some STIs can be treated but not cured.

Youpla should tell your sex partner, and your sex partner should also have a test. If your sex partner is not tested and doesn’t take the medicine, youpla could keep giving the STI to each other.

If youpla can’t spik your sex partner, ask your doctor or nurse to tell them. They will not tell your sex partner about you. This is called ‘contact tracing’.

Youpla do not have to tell your

• boss
• workmates
• friends
• family

• do not have sex until you and your sex partner have pinnis the medicine
• use a condom

The best way to avoid getting an STI is to use a condom every time youpla have sex.