Sexual health is about looking after yourself and others. This means enjoying the sexual activity you want, safely, without causing you or anyone else any suffering, either physical or mental. It is not just about using contraception or avoiding infections.

how do i tell if i have a sTI?

Some infections don't have any symptoms, so if you're worried get a check at your local Sexual Health Clinic .
Signs of an infection Get checked out if you notice:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• pain or burning when you pee
• pain or bleeding during sex
• itches, rashes, sores, lumps or blisters on genitals or near the back passage
• bleeding between periods

chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common infection caused by a germ (Chlamydia trachoma) spread by unprotected sexual intercourse. If one partner is infected, the germ can be passed between a man and a woman or between a man and another man. Rarely, the germ can be passed from an infected mother to her baby as it passes down the birth canal.

You can only get Chlamydia by having sex with an infected partner.. Practising safer sex and using a condom with your partner reduces the risk. Reducing the number of partners you have sex with also reduces the risk of being infected. Most people don't have any symptoms, but it can cause:

• vaginal discharge
• abdominal pain
• irregular bleeding

Chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics. If you're worried visit your local sexual health clinic, GP surgery or visit your local pharmacist who can provide testing and treatment. To download an information leaflet on Chlamydia click here.

To download an information leaflet on Chlamydia and for more information visit: www.healthscotland.com

genital warts

All warts are caused by a virus, the human papilloma virus, and the number of people with genital warts is increasing. There are many types of the virus but only a few affect the genitals. You get the virus by direct skin to skin contact. Only 1% of people with the virus ever get warts. The time between contact with the virus and warts showing can vary, from weeks to years. There aren't any tests to show how long the virus has been present in your body.

If you, or your sexual partner or partners are concerned about warts, it's a good idea to see your GP or go to a sexual health clinic . You will be given information about the infection and given treatment. Warts are simple to treat but may recur as the virus cannot be cured or cleared from your body.

To download an information leaflet on Genital Warts and for more information visit: www.healthscotland.com

gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is an infection caused by a germ (Neisseria gonorrhoea) spread by unprotected sexual contact. If one partner is infected, the germ can be passed between a man and a woman or between a man and another man. Rarely, the germ can be passed from an infected mother to her baby as it passes down the birth canal.

You can only get Gonorrhoea by having sexual contact with an infected partner, vaginal, anal or oral sex. Practising safer sex and using a condom with your partner further reduces the risk. Reducing the number of partners you have sex with also reduces the risk of being infected. Often there aren't any symptoms, but it can cause:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• lower abdominal pain or tenderness
• irregular bleeding
• pain when you pee

How do you get tested?
Your nurse or doctor at the clinic will take a swab and a sample of urine.

Treatment
Gonorrhea is easy to treat with antibiotics. If you're worried visit your local sexual health clinic To download an information leaflet on gonorrhoea click here.

To download an information leaflet on Gonorrhoea and for more information visit: www.healthscotland.com

You can also download recently updated keaflet on PMS & period Pains:

• What do you know about PMS & Period Pains www.healthscotland.com