What is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

An STD is an illness that is spread through sexual contact.

How can sexually transmitted diseases be avoided?

The less sexual partners a person has, the lower the risk of infection.

Most sexually transmitted diseases can be avoided to a large extent by practicing safe sex (eg using condoms).

Most sexually transmitted diseases can be cured if they are diagnosed and treated in their early stages.



If you're worried you have an STI, you can find a clinic by calling NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, the Department of Health Sexual Health Helpline on 0800 567 123 or the fpa on 0845 310 1334, or look in the phone book under genitourinary medicine, venereal or sexually transmitted disease. If you're in Scotland you may want to phone NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.