This section offers information about some of the most common genital infections and sexually transmitted infections.
Anogenital Warts
First the Facts Anogenital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) They are small painless lumps/bumps that grow on the skin...
Bacterial Vaginosis
First the Facts Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You cannot get BV if you have a penis....
Balanitis
First the Facts Balanitis is a condition which can cause inflammation of the end of the penis The penis may appear red and feel sore It is usually caused by...
Chlamydia trachomatis
First the Facts Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK There are often no symptoms of chlamydia infection; many people do not know they have...
Genital Herpes
First the Facts Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) Herpes can also affect the face and cause ‘cold sores’ Herpes is caused by ‘herpes simplex virus’ (HSV)...
Gonorrhoea
First the Facts Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) Cases of gonorrhoea are increasing in the UK and often co-exist with other STIs (such as chlamydia) It is...
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
First the Facts HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus which damages the immune system It is possible to have HIV and not to have any...
Molluscum Contagiosum
First the Facts Molluscum contagiosum is a common poxvirus infection that causes spots on the skin of both children and adults. It is generally harmless and in most cases will...
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
First the Facts Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Any or all of these parts may be affected. It may or may...
Penile Thrush
First the Facts Candidiasis or ‘thrush’ is a yeast infection It can affect both men and women It is usually easily treated with a short course of antifungal medication It...
Pubic Lice
First the Facts Pubic lice are common in the UK. Anyone can get pubic lice; they have nothing to do with poor bodily hygiene and are not always spread through...
Syphilis
First the Facts Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis is caused by infection with a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. There are different stages of infection, usually starting with...
Trichomonas vaginalis
First the Facts Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) TV is less common in the UK than other STIs It is possible to have TV and not...
Vaginal Thrush
First the Facts Candidiasis or ‘thrush’ is a yeast infection It can affect both women and men Usually easily treated with a short course of antifungal medication It is not...