Exploring your sexuality can bring both curiosity and uncertainty. That’s why having clear, calm and reliable information about sexually transmitted infections is important. Good knowledge helps you make choices that feel safe and right for you.
An STI is an infection that spreads through sexual contact. This can include vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, or close skin-to-skin contact between genitals. Many STIs cause no symptoms at all, which means you can feel completely healthy even if something needs to be tested or treated.
Among teenagers, chlamydia is the most common infection. It sometimes causes burning when you pee or unusual discharge, but many have no symptoms. Mycoplasma genitalium behaves similarly but requires a different treatment. Gonorrhoea is less common but increasing and needs quick medical care. Genital herpes is very common and is often passed on through oral sex; it is not dangerous, but it can feel emotionally stressful. HPV is also widespread, and the school vaccination programme protects strongly against several types. Syphilis, HIV and trichomonas are less common in young people but are still important to know about.
Possible symptoms can include burning when you urinate, discharge that feels different, itching, blisters, sores, or pain in the lower stomach. At the same time, you can have an STI with no symptoms at all. That is why testing after new partners is a healthy and responsible routine.
Condoms are the best protection against most STIs and also reduce the risk of pregnancy. They do not fully protect against herpes or HPV, because these can be present on skin that the condom does not cover, but they still lower the risk significantly.
The youth clinic is a safe and confidential place where you can get tested, pick up free condoms, and ask any questions you have. The staff are used to all kinds of concerns and will not judge you.
Caring for your sexual health is about feeling calm, respected and informed. You do not need to know everything from the start — that is exactly why this knowledge exists.