Video: What are the different types of STI?
Peer reviewed by Dr Sarah JarvisLast updated by Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGPLast updated 14 Dec 2017
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
Whether you've just been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection or suspect you have one, it's useful to know exactly what each one is, as well as the possible causes and treatments. Our experts look at some of the main questions surrounding various STIs.
Playlist: STI Q&A
7 videos
What is gonorrhoea?
Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
What is gonorrhoea?
Dr. Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
What is herpes?
Dr. Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
What is syphilis?
Dr. Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
What is urethritis infection?
Dr. Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
How do you get trichomoniasis?
Dr. Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
What is chlamydia?
Dr. Sarah Jarvis
What are HIV and AIDS?
Dr. Sarah Jarvis
What is gonorrhoea?
Dr Rosemary Leonard
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. It can affect the penis, the vagina, and also the throat and the anus. The most common symptom in men is the discharge from the penis and women may get vaginal discharge as well though this is not always the case. Women can be infected and have no symptoms at all. Gonorrhoea is particularly dangerous infection in women as it can spread up from vagina to womb and the fallopian tubes where it can cause inflammation which can lead to infertility.
If you suspect you may have caught gonorrhoea or just like a general check-up, you can go to your GP, or better still to a sexual health clinic where you can get the results straight away. Gonorrhoea can be treated with antibiotics so the sooner you go and see a doctor the better.
What is herpes?
Dr Rosemary Leonard
Herpes is caused by a viral infection with the herpes simplex virus. It causes tingling of the skin and then sores which look like blisters which are painful as well. It’s passed from person to person via direct skin contact. The most common place you see herpes lesions is around the mouth, cold sores, but you can also get them in genital area as well.
Once the virus is entered in the body unfortunately it can stay within a nerve root and then it can reappear at a later date but in the same place as the original viral infection causing a reoccurrence of the blisters. Anti-viral tablets can help heal herpes lesions but they are most effective if taken as soon as possible. So, if you think you may have herpes, please go and see a doctor as soon as you can.
What is syphilis?
Dr Rosemary Leonard
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection and though it can occur in anyone, it’s most common in men who have sex with men. It can also be transmitted from pregnant mother to her unborn child. The first symptom of syphilis is normally a painless ulcer which is usually on the genital area and if this is left untreated, many months or years later, the infection can spread the other parts of the body including the heart and the brain.
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. It’s diagnosed via a blood test and this can be done either at your GP’s surgery or at sexual health clinic. All pregnant women in the UK are routinely tested for syphilis.
What is urethritis infection?
Dr Rosemary Leonard
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra which is the passage from the bladder to the tip of the penis. It causes pain on passing urine, discomfort and also usually some form of discharge. It can be caused by a variety of different organisms including gonorrhoea, chlamydia and sometimes the organism cannot be identified. It’s treated with antibiotics.
How do you get trichomoniasis?
Dr Rosemary Leonard
Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection. In women, it causes itching, sometimes some soreness and frothy discharge. Men may get slight stinging on passing urine but often have no symptoms at all. It’s treated with a large dose of antibiotics. If either you or your partner is diagnosed with trichomonas then it is important to have both tested to check that you are both clear at the end of treatment.
Patient picks for Sexually transmitted infections
Sexual health
Why are STIs on the rise in older people?
Whilst STIs are on the rise in virtually every age group in the UK, there is a notable upwards trend in older people. Changing attitudes to sex and relationships and more casual sex among older age groups is contributing to a sexual health crisis.
by Milly Evans
Sexual health
How to cope with a genital herpes diagnosis
Misconceptions about genital herpes increase the stigma around this common sexual health issue and can make it difficult to navigate, particularly following a first outbreak and initial diagnosis. We dispel the myths and look at how to manage the condition effectively.
by Sally Turner
About the authorView full bio
Dr Rosemary Leonard MBE, MRCGP
General Practitioner and Medical Journalist
MA, MB, BChir, MRCGP, DRCOG
Rosemary qualified with double first class honours from Cambridge University, and after training in sexual health, obstetrics and gynaecology became a GP.
About the reviewerView full bio
Dr Sarah Jarvis
Clinical Consultant
MA (Cantab), BM, BCh (Oxon), DRCOG, FRCGP, MBE
After training in medicine at Cambridge and Oxford, Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE became a GP.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.
14 Dec 2017 | Latest version
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.
More in sexual health
- Calls for improved access to sexual health services as STI rates soar
- Does testicular cancer affect your fertility?
- Easy ways to get the pill: options beyond the GP surgery
- First long-acting injectable HIV treatment approved
- Free morning-after pill now available at UK pharmacies
- How do you know if you have HIV?
- How quickly do different STIs spread?
- How to treat vaginismus
- Junk food diet linked to low sperm count
- Scientists identify a mechanism to 'neutralise' HIV
- Secret shoppers: Are women given the best contraception advice?
- Should you change your contraception to the coil or implant?
- Should you consider the copper coil for emergency contraception?
- Telling current and past partners about your STI
- What can cause a smelly vagina after sex?
- What happens when you come off the pill?
- What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
- What to do after rape or sexual assault
- Where to get help for sexual assault
- Women's HIV prevention: the importance of the vaginal ring