Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

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An STI, as the name suggests, is an infection that you can get by having sex. It is not limited to “penis-in-vagina” sex; some STIs can be passed on by oral sex, anal sex, or even close skin contact.

 

Below are a number of the most common STIs, with links to their page on the NHS website:

• Chlamydia

• Gonorrhoea

• Trichomoniasis

• Genital warts

• Genital herpes

• Pubic lice

• Scabies

• Syphilis

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

 

Symptoms may include unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina, penis or anus; a rash; itching, warts, blisters or sores around the genitals and pain while peeing.

Not all STIs are symptomatic, and some take time after infection to become symptomatic. If you have had unprotected sex, it’s important to get tested for an STI.

 

Even if you have been with the same partner for a long time and/or always use protection, it is a good idea to get tested regularly in order to protect both yourself and your partner.

 

If you suspect you might have an STI, it is best to stop having sex and go to a doctor or clinic as soon as possible.

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How to avoid getting an STI?

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“Barrier protection” is a commonly-used phrase here, effectively meaning any of:

• Condom

• “Femidom” / Female Condom

• Dental Dam during oral sex

 

These prevent bodily fluids from going between partners. Barriers, alongside regular testing, are the best way to avoid STIs.

 

If you use toys, make sure to clean them well between each use, and use a condom if necessary. There is more advice here.

 

Using water-based lubricant alongside a condom can help prevent the condom from splitting, or from any tears in the skin from occurring. This can prevent STIs from spreading. It is important to be careful with the type of lubricant – for instance, an oil-based lubricant can damage a latex condom, reducing its effectiveness. Using lubricant is particularly important for those having anal sex.

 

For those at higher risk of HIV, there is Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – this is taken regularly as a tablet, and can stop you from being infected by HIV. Those at higher risk include men who have sex with men, people having anal sex, people having sex without a condom, those from an area with high HIV rates, and others. There is more information here.

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Pregnancy

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With sex between people who can become pregnant, there is always a risk of pregnancy. Many people choose to use multiple forms of protection, such as the pill and condoms. Once again, barrier forms of protection (i.e. different forms of condoms) are a good way to avoid pregnancy.

 

Methods that prevent pregnancy are known as “contraceptives”. Below is a list of some of the most common types (taken from the NHS). On each linked page there is more information, including some of their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to find the contraceptive that works best for you – there’s no use choosing one if you won’t use it. The NHS offers a tool that may help you to decide which method is best for you.

 

Temporary (these will prevent pregnancy for a short time)

• Combined pill

• Diaphragm or cap

• Female (internal) condoms

• Male (external) condoms

• Patch

• Progestogen-only pill

 

Semi-permanent (these will prevent pregnancy for a long time, and can be reversed or not continued)

• Implant (3 years)

• Injection (8 or 13 weeks)

• IUD / Copper Coil (coil) (5-10 years)

• IUS (hormonal coil) (3-5 years)

• Vaginal ring (1 month)

 

Permanent (these will prevent pregnancy forever. They are very difficult to reverse, so may not be for everybody)

• Female sterilisation

• Vasectomy (male sterilisation) 

 

The NHS also mentions “Natural family planning / fertility awareness”. This involves monitoring your menstrual cycle, but is not “contraception”, as it restricts the times you can have sex. It is also easy to get wrong, and doesn’t work for those with irregular menstrual cycles. However, for those who want to become pregnant, it can be helpful.

 

It is best to discuss contraception with your GP, or with a clinic such as the Lime Tree Clinic (see below).

 

If you have had unprotected sex, or a condom has split, then you may require emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy or an abortion. See our page for more information.

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Sexual Health in Cambridge

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iCaSH (integrated Contraception and Sexual Health) Cambridgeshire offer condoms, STI tests via discreet post, in-person consultations, and other services such as inserting semi-permanent contraception. They run a number of clinics, the most convenient for most students being the Lime Tree Clinic:

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Lime Tree Clinic,
Brookfields Campus,
351 Mill Road,
Cambridge,
CB1 3DF     

 

The Students’ Union offers free condoms, lubricant, and other sexual health supplies through their Sexual Health Scheme.

 

Your college may also offer STI test kits – check their website for more information.