Introduction
Clinical features
Types of STIs
Sexual health services
Sexually transmitted infections or STIs are due to bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection passed on during sexual activity.
STIs can result in the following symptoms:
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.
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).
See DermNet's page on genital skin problems.
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.
