An STI is an infection passed on through sexual contact. Infections can cause ill health, which can have long-term physical and psychological health consequences if not treated.

Anyone who has sex can have an STI. It doesn’t just happen to ‘bad’ people and people who sleep around – it can happen to anyone even if they only have sex once.

What should I do if I think I might have an STI, or if I want to get checked? Make an appointment at one of the GUM Clinics which are based at Halton Hospital and St Helens Hospital.

It is estimated that 1 in every 10 sexually active young people have Chlamydia, and many don’t even know it. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and it is the most common STI in young people.

These are small painful blisters around the genitals. It is caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. (Herpes simplex is a cold sore usually around the mouth). This doesn’t mean that people who suffer with cold sores have an STI.

Genital warts is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus If you’ve seen warts on hands or feet they look similar; small fleshy lumps around the genitals.

Once known as ‘the clap’, gonorrhoea is a disease caused by bacteria. If it’s not treated, it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, infertility and other serious problems.

Hepatitis means ‘liver inflammation’. It is caused by a virus, and although there are several kinds of hepatitis virus, Hep A and B are the most common.

HIV is a sexually transmitted virus that attacks the body’s immune system, which provides a barrier to disease and infection. HIV infects special cells found in your blood that fight against infection.

Also known as crabs, pubic lice are small insects/bugs. People may know them as head lice – only they live in your public hair around your genitals.

It’s an infection caused by bacteria. If it’s not treated, it can be very serious… leading to heart disease, brain damage, blindness and even death.