Conditions, in plain language

Chlamydia is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection that often causes no symptoms and is cured with a short course of antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can cause discharge and painful urination, is often silent in the throat or rectum, and is treated with an antibiotic injection plus tablets.

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that progresses in stages, beginning with a painless sore, and is cured with penicillin injections.

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time; with modern antiretroviral treatment, people with HIV live full lives with a normal life expectancy.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, often silent, that spreads through sex and blood contact and is preventable with a safe, effective vaccine.

Genital herpes is a common viral infection causing recurring painful blisters or ulcers, manageable with antiviral tablets although not curable.

Genital warts are soft, flesh-coloured growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), treatable with creams, freezing or removal, and largely preventable by vaccination.

Trichomoniasis is a curable parasitic sexually transmitted infection that can cause frothy discharge and itching, and is often silent in men.

Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that causes persistent urethritis or cervicitis and is treated with resistance-guided antibiotics.