Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are due to bacterial, viral, fungal or parasiticinfection passed on during sexual activity.
What are the signs of STI?
STIs can result in the following symptoms:
Discharge from penis or vagina
Pain when passing urine
Pelvic or genital pain
Lumps or swelling in the genital area
Genital ulcers
Genital rashes
Anal symptoms relating to sexual intercourse
However, not all sexually transmitted infections have symptoms. See your doctor or a sexual health service after about 2 weeks if you have any of these symptoms or after unprotected sex or a change in partner.
What conditions are considered STIs?
The following conditions are considered STIs. Some may also be transmitted non-sexually.
Symptoms similar to those that are due to an STI can be due to a variety of health conditions and should be thoroughly investigated. Some genital skin conditions are not considered STIs as they are not due to infection transmitted during sexual activity. In some others, sexual activity is a risk factor (eg, bacterial vaginosis).
In New Zealand, specialist confidential sexual health care is available free of charge at public hospitals. They offer diagnosis and treatment of STIs, counselling and education. Diagnosis and treatment is also available at family planning clinics and from your general practitioner.
