An individual does not need to have lots of sexual partners to get an infection.  Most STIs can be treated and it is usually best if treatment is started as soon as possible.  In Wales, people over the age of 16 can request a home testing kit to check for Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C via Frisky Wales’ Test and Post service. Some infections, such as HIV, genital warts and genital herpes, never leave the body, but there are treatments available that can reduce the symptoms.  Drugs can also help prevent or delay the development of complications in HIV, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can help individuals to prevent getting HIV. If left untreated, many STIs can be painful or uncomfortable, and can permanently damage health and fertility, and can be passed on to someone else.

Safer sex involves using condoms correctly every time a person has sex as unprotected sex increases the risk of an STI.  A free condom ordering service is available from Frisky Wales.