Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by micro-organisms such as viruses (for example, genital herpes or HIV) and bacteria (gonorrhoea or chlamydia) passed on from person to person through intimate physical contact. This may include oral sex, non-penetrative genital contact and sexual intercourse.
Over the last few years, there has been a large rise in the number of diagnosed cases of STIs, with over 1.5 million annual visits to genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England and Wales alone. The most effective way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections is to use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom. If used correctly, male and female condoms are over 99% effective in preventing STIs.
In this section, you'll find a guide to a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including gonorrhoea, syphilis and non-specific urethritus.
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