Common sexual health questions

If I am on the Pill does my partner still need to pull out when we don't use a condom?

Yes. Although the Pill is very effective, it is not 100% effective. You should use a condom in addition to the Pill if you really want to be sure you aren't going to get pregnant. Condoms also protect…

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

To work out if you have genital herpes, a doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and look for any visible symptoms, such as blisters or ulcers. They may also take a swab of a blister…

Are there different types of contraception?

There are many different types of contraception, ranging from barrier methods including condoms and diaphragms, to hormonal contraception, including the Pill and implants or injection. If you are not …

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

In some people, the herpes virus causes small blisters or ulcers on or around the genitals. The blisters can also occur around the anus, buttocks and upper thighs. If you have genital herpes you may a…

What are the symptoms of pubic lice?

Itching in the genital area is the most common symptom of pubic lice. You may also notice blue spots on the skin from where the lice have fed.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus, AIDS is the disease: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV invades and destroys cells of the immune system. This …

What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually-transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Is it safe to have sex with gonorrhea?

If you have sex while being infected with gonorrhea, you can infect your partner.

How is genital herpes spread?

Genital herpes is a sexually-transmitted infection, which means that you can contract it by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It is usually spread by direct contact with blisters, but peop…

What are the complications of gonorrhea?

Left untreated, complications of gonorrhea can include joint infections, increased risk of HIV infection, pelvic inflammatory disease in women and inflammation of the epididymis in men. Pregnant women…

How are pubic lice treated?

Treatments used for pubic lice include various creams and lotions, such as permethrin, that are available over the counter.

What causes genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two different forms of the virus that can cause herpes - HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 is more usually associated with col…