Get your facts right about Safe Sex

There are lots of stories about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), some true, some not. One thing's for sure, the risk of picking up or passing on a STI is no reason not to have sex, but it's a very good reason to be careful - and to always use a condom

Did you know?

As many as 70% of women and 50% of men who have an STI, don't show any symptoms.

If you have unprotected sex (sex without a condom), you have a much greater chance of getting a STI like chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV.

There are an estimated 20,000 HIV positive people in the UK who don't know they've got HIV.

In the last 10 years, the number of people infected with chlamydia has increased by 206%. In some high-risk groups, such as gay men, the number of people infected with syphilis has increased by 1,949%.

What does that mean to me?

You don't need to sleep around to get an STI - anyone who has sex without a condom is at risk.

HIV is the most dangerous STI simply because there is no cure. It weakens the immune system so that your body finds it harder to fight off other infections.

Green ooze dripping out of your penis or vagina can be a symptom of gonorrhoea, but many STIs don't carry any symptoms at all, though they can lead to infertility, heart disease, brain and nervous system damage.

Chlamydia is now the most common (yet easily curable) STI in the UK - as many as one in ten young people under 25 may be infected with it. Often people don't know they have it as there aren't always symptoms, but an infection could leave you unable to have children

What can I do about it?

Get yourself checked out. If you have itches, sores or blisters around your genitals, you probably have an STI. No need to panic, but you should contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic immediately.

Sexual health check-ups are free and available to everyone in the UK. You can arrange a visit to a sexual health (GUM) clinic anytime. It is completely confidential.

Condoms are essential wear: Always use a condom every time you have sex, as this is the best way of making sure you don't get a STI - It's not just a bloke thing either, women buy 4 out of every 10 condoms sold.

Condoms come in a wide range of sizes, flavours, colours and shapes and are available for both men and women. There are allergy-free versions and even vegan varieties, which use no animal products including milk- so there's no excuse for not using one.

Condom, the essential traveller’s friend

For a lot of us, sun, sea, sand and sex are what holidays are all about. But while you’re having the time of your life, make sure you remember to use condoms. You want to return from holiday with souvenirs and great memories, not an STI or two! So pack condoms and keep them handy when you go out. That way you’ll stay safe and have a great holiday.

If you have condoms with you, you won’t have to worry about getting hold of any. You’ll know where they came from and can use the brand you trust. Also, when you use your own condoms, you won’t have the hassle of finding somewhere that sells them or have problems asking for them if the shop assistants don’t speak English. However if you do buy condoms abroad, check the expiry date and that they have a CE mark.

Condoms can be damaged by contact with oil-based products like suntan lotion, baby oil and even lipstick, so be careful when packing, carrying and using them on holiday. Condoms can also be damaged by the heat so store them in a cool, dry place.

If you’re out with friends, look out for each other. Along with money, room-key, phone etc. check everyone’s carrying condoms before each night out. The holiday spirit makes people act more freely, especially when you involve alcohol or illegal substances. So whatever your plans for a night out, using a condom will help you avoid waking up with more than a hangover. If you’re going to be drinking, it’s worth having a look at the know your limits site. And you can get fully clued up about drugs at talk to frank.

You should use a condom for oral sex, too, as some sexually transmitted infections can be passed on this way. It’s a good idea to be aware of this, and you can find out more in our oral sex sectionof the site.