HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Overview of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Tirohanga whānui ki ngā mate paipai
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are infections that are spread between people during sexual activity. STIs spread through having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. They can also be spread through genital touching and sharing sex toys with someone who has an STI.
STI used to be called sexually transmitted disease (STD).
The most common STIs in New Zealand are chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Other types include genital herpes, genital warts, HIV, pubic lice and syphilis.
Symptoms of STIs
Many STIs have no symptoms. Even without symptoms, you can pass the infection on to your sexual partners. The symptoms vary depending on the kind of infection but can include:
- unusual discharge from your vagina or penis (genitals) or anus
- pain, burning or stinging when passing urine (weeing)
- rashes, sores, blisters, lumps or skin growths around your genitals or anus.
Most STIs are curable with treatment. But if left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious health problems and infertility (not being able to have children).
If you think you may have an STI or are at risk of having an STI, it's important to get tested. You can get tested at your general practice, school clinic or rural clinic. You can also get tested at the Sexual Health Clinic.
You can reduce your risk of getting an STI by using a condom every time you have sex and not sharing sex toys.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Just the Facts
Information including STI facts and myths, symptoms of an STI, where to go for help and how to have safer sex.
- DermNet NZ – Sexually transmitted infections
Information about different STIs including signs and symptoms, how STIs spread and how they're diagnosed and treated.
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa – Sexually transmissible infections
Information about what an STI is, the importance of testing, how tests are carried out and more detailed information about the different types of STI.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2022.
Sources
Review key: HISYP-53679
