STI stands for sexually transmitted Infections also known as STD's (diseases).

There are different types of infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has one. Some you get without having sex like thrush or crabs from sharing a washcloth or towel with an infected person.

The longer you have an STI the more dangerous it is. It is very important to get treatment. STI's can make you infertile even if you do not have symptoms.

HIV and herpes cannot be cured but the others can. You are also more likely to contract HIV/AIDS if you have an STI.

It is very important - if your partner is infected and does not go for treatment, you will be re-infected.

There are more than 30 different kinds of STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) that are spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some can be transmitted by touching or kissing.

With many STD's there are no signs and symptoms until serious and permanent damage has occurred. One in four South Africans will contract a STD during his or her lifetime.

Some STD's can be passed from woman to her developing foetus during pregnancy or during child birth.

Some can result in the death of the foetus in the womb.

Others can cause serious birth defects, developmental disabilities and other health problems.

	Chlamydia
	Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
	Chancroid
	Gonorrhea
	Genital herpes
	Human Immune deficiency virus (HIV), which can cause AIDS
	Human papilloma viruses (HPV), which can cause genital warts
	Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
	Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause sterility
	Pubic lice
	Scabies
	Syphyllis
	Trichomoniasis
If you have unprotected oral sex, you are at risk for:
	Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
	Chancroid
	Gonorrhea
	Hepatitis B virus
	Syphillis
What are the general symptoms?
	Abnormal or smelly discharge from the penis, vagina or the rectum
	Bleeding
	Blisters
	Boils
	Cervicitis
	Chancres
	Growths
	Irritations
	Itches
	Odours
	Pains
	Polyps
	Pus
	Rashes
	Sores
	Swellings
	Tenderness
	Ulcers
	Urine changes
	Vaginitis
	Warts