There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital herpes.
STIs are some of the commonest infections around the world and affect people of all ages, races and sexuality. As well as being easy to catch we also know that you're more at risk from HIV if you sleep with someone who's already carrying an STI.
Whether you are straight, gay, bi or transsexual, you need to protect yourself against these infections by using the right type of contraception. And you need to do this until both you and your partner are sure there's no chance of either of you catching or passing on an STI.
Here are some useful links that will provide you with information about STIs and other sexual health information:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the commonest sexually transmitted infection in people under the age of 25. Most people who have it do not have any symptoms so the only way to find out if you are infected is to take a simple screen. Untreated you will pass it on to anyone you have risky sex with. It can cause problems with fertility in later years.
In Somerset we offer a confidential service to help you screen easily: we don’t share the result with anyone other than you, including your doctor. You can pick up a DIY screening kit from a number of centres.
See below for a centre near you. You do not have to make appointment with a doctor or nurse: you do the screen yourself and fill in a simple form telling us how you want your results – most people choose text.
If you do screen positive then we will talk to you over the telephone at our expense.
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We will listen to any concerns you have about the result.
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We will explain about treatment. The treatment is easy and free: a single dose of antibiotics in most cases that you can take straight away.
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We will ask you about anyone else you have had sex with as they will need treatment too.
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We will send a card to the address of your choice reminding you of the conversation and giving written information about the medication you require and where to get it.
Once Chlamydia has been successfully treated, it won't come back unless a new infection is picked up through having unsafe sex with some one new or some one who has not been treated.
Check it out
Ever had unsafe sex?
You do the screen yourself.
Pick up a DIY chlamydia screening kit
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at any minor injury unit in a Somerset Community Hospital *
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at one of our contraceptive clinics *
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or ask at your local surgery
* To find the one nearest to you look on the NHS website www.somerset.nhs.uk/pct/chlamydia or check the address in The Sex Directory (PDF, 76Kb, opens in new window) where you see the 'check it out' sign.
For more information about Chlamydia call us on 01749 836512 or email somersetcs@somersetpct.nhs.uk.
RESPECT
RESPECT is an award given to local sexual health and contraceptive services that can prove they welcome young people and offer a service that meets young people's particular needs.
If you see this logo on a certificate displayed in a health service you can expect:
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a service that is sensitive to all young people's needs;
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to be welcomed by friendly staff;
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that no one will be turned away;
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a confidential service for all young people;
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a service that is easy to get to and where you can feel safe;
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that you will be listened to and your questions clearly answered.
Young people were involved in the original development of the RESPECT award, helping decide what a service would need to do to receive the award. Some of these services have also benefitted from feedback from young people working as mystery shoppers who visited undercover as service users.
To identify your local health service with the RESPECT award see:
Check it out!
