So, you think you know STIs?
By Alice Hoddinott, Education and Wellbeing Specialist at Brook, the UK’s leading sexual health and wellbeing charity for under 25s.
5 min read
Did you know that nearly 50% of all new STI diagnoses in 2023 occurred in 15 to 24-year-olds?
The stats on STIs
Chlamydia remains the most diagnosed STI among young people, but the rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis have surged to record highs.
Despite this, we still see a lot of stigma around testing and treatment, creating a barrier to necessary care. The fear of judgement or rejection can prevent us from getting tested, discussing our concerns with partners, or seeking help from healthcare professionals, causing the spread of STIs and worsening mental health.
These statistics highlight that many of us may either be unaware of the risks associated with STIs or too ashamed to seek help. However, this is a problem we can work on!
Getting STI help
First, it’s essential to understand what an STI actually is.
STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection.
You might have heard the term STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) but we’ve moved away from that term, as the things we might transmit during sex aren’t diseases; they’re typically viral or bacterial infections.
STIs can spread through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex, as well as skin-to-skin genital contact, making them easy to contract if condoms aren’t used.
Fortunately, most STIs are curable. Others are lifelong conditions, but all can be treated or managed with proper treatment, preventing long-term health issues.
No stigma, no shame
One significant barrier to treating STIs is the misconception that testing is difficult or embarrassing. In reality, STI testing is simple, confidential, and easily available. Many clinics offer free testing, and some even provide at-home testing kits.
Depending on the STI being tested for, the process might involve:
- A urine sample,
- Blood test,
- Swab,
- Or a physical examination by a healthcare provider.
You can find the easiest way to get tested near you by using Brook’s Find A Service tool.
You don’t have to be anxious
While many of us feel anxious about visiting a sexual health clinic, it’s important to remember that healthcare professionals are trained to provide non-judgemental care and support.
Regular testing is really important, especially for those who are having sex with multiple partners or without using condoms. Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, it’s good practice to test for STIs once or twice a year. Early detection not only means quicker treatment, but it also helps prevent the spread of infections.
Common STI facts and myths
There’s a lot of misinformation about STIs, and it’s important we know the truth about them. Here are three common myths, and the myth busting facts!
Myth: STIs only affect people who have a lot of sex.
The truth is, anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI. They don’t discriminate so it does not matter how old you are, where you’re from, who you’re having sex with, or how many times you’ve had sex. If you’re having sex, and especially if you’re not using condoms, then you are at risk of getting an STI.
Myth: If I don’t have symptoms, I can’t have an STI.
Many STIs, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhoea which are common in young people, often don’t show symptoms. This makes regular testing essential. Getting tested every three months, or whenever you have a new partner, ensures you’re aware of your STI status and can make informed decisions about your sexual health.
Myth: If I have an STI, it means I am dirty.
The idea that being “clean” means to be STI-free reinforces stigma. Having an STI doesn’t mean you’re dirty or gross…STIs are simply infections that, like a cold or skin rash, can happen to anyone. The important thing is to get treated so that you are healthy and can continue enjoying sex.
How to handle STIs
So, what can we do about all this?
Prevention is key: The best way to protect yourself from STIs is by practising safe sex. This means consistently and correctly using condoms and discussing sexual health openly with your partner.
Don’t rely solely on your partner’s test results: Even if your partner has been tested, it’s important that both of you get tested. Some STIs may not show up immediately on tests, so regular testing is vital to ensure you’re in good sexual health.
Never be afraid to ask: It’s perfectly okay to ask your partner about their STI status. In fact, suggesting that you both get tested together before becoming sexually active can help build trust and communication in your relationship.
How to have these conversations
If you’re unsure how to start this conversation, take inspiration from scenes like the one in Top Boy where Erin and Stefan discuss getting tested before having sex for the first time. This protects both of you and strengthens your relationship through open communication.
By overcoming the stigma around STIs and promoting regular testing and safe sex, we can reduce the spread of infections and improve both our physical and mental health all whilst having the sex and relationships we deserve to have.
Grow your strengths with NCS
Having conversations about potentially difficult topics can feel intimidating. But having confidence, listening and speaking skills and knowing how to present yourself, are all things that can be learnt. And guess what? You can gain those skills and grow those strengths on NCS! Check out our experiences to see which one works for you.