Sexual health guide

A very common bacterial infection that can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat.

Symptoms

Often there are no symptoms. When present, symptoms can include unusual discharge, burning during urination, or lower abdominal pain.

Transmission

Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.

Treatment

Curable with antibiotics. Both partners should be treated to prevent reinfection.

Complications

If left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women which can lead to infertility; in men it can cause epididymitis.

Prevention

Use condoms correctly and consistently during sex.

Note

WHO provides detailed information on chlamydia.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

Caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed.

Symptoms

Outbreaks of painful sores or blisters; some people have no symptoms.

Transmission

Skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, even without visible sores.

Treatment

Antiviral medications help manage outbreaks and reduce frequency and transmission risk.

Complications

Outbreaks can be painful and increase the risk of getting or transmitting HIV.

Prevention

Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks; consistent condom use helps.

Note

WHO provides a herpes simplex virus fact sheet.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

A common bacterial infection that can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat.

Symptoms

Often asymptomatic. When present, symptoms include burning when urinating, abnormal discharge (yellow, green, or white), or testicular pain in men.

Transmission

Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Treatment

Treated with antibiotics, but drug-resistant strains are a growing concern.

Complications

Untreated gonorrhea can cause PID in women and infertility in any sex; it can also spread to the bloodstream and joints.

Prevention

Use condoms correctly and consistently; regular screening is recommended.

Note

WHO has guidance on gonorrhea and antimicrobial resistance.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

Inflammation of the liver, most commonly viral. Hepatitis B is a key sexual health concern; A and C can also be sexually transmitted in some contexts.

Symptoms

Fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).

Transmission

Hep A: fecal-oral route, including sexual practices like oral-anal contact. Hep B: blood, semen, and other body fluids, including sexual contact and needle sharing. Hep C: primarily blood-to-blood (needle sharing); sexual transmission can occur in some contexts.

Treatment

Depends on type. Hepatitis A and B are preventable with vaccines. Chronic hepatitis B and C can be managed or cured with medication.

Complications

Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to serious liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Prevention

Vaccination for Hep A and B; condoms help reduce Hep B transmission; do not share needles.

Note

WHO provides comprehensive information on hepatitis types and prevention.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

HIV attacks the immune system; without treatment it can lead to AIDS.

Symptoms

Early symptoms can resemble flu; many people have no symptoms for years.

Transmission

Primarily via certain body fluids (semen, blood, vaginal fluid) during unprotected sex or sharing needles.

Treatment

No cure, but modern antiretroviral therapy controls the virus. People who are virally suppressed do not transmit HIV to partners.

Complications

Without treatment, immune system damage leads to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

Prevention

Condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and regular testing.

Note

WHO provides extensive resources and data on HIV/AIDS.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

A very common viral infection; most sexually active people will get it at some point. Some types cause genital warts; others are linked to certain cancers.

Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms. Some types cause genital warts. High-risk types can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, or throat.

Transmission

Skin-to-skin contact, often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Treatment

There is no cure for the virus itself, but genital warts can be treated.

Complications

Certain strains can lead to cancer.

Prevention

HPV vaccination is highly effective against common cancer-causing and wart-causing types; consistent condom use helps.

Note

WHO has a global strategy for eliminating cervical cancer, centered on HPV vaccination.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

Inflammation of membranes around the brain and spinal cord; bacterial or viral causes. Can be very serious and needs urgent care.

Symptoms

Sudden severe headache, stiff neck, fever, confusion, and light sensitivity.

Transmission

Close contact with an infected person: coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing utensils.

Treatment

Depends on cause. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency treated with antibiotics; viral meningitis often improves on its own.

Complications

Can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, or death.

Prevention

Vaccines exist for some bacterial types; avoid close contact with infected individuals.

Note

The Dutch RIVM publishes public health information on meningitis.

This is not a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect meningitis, seek immediate medical care.

A viral disease spread through close contact; during the recent outbreak many cases were linked to intimate or sexual contact.

Symptoms

Distinctive rash that can look like pimples or blisters; may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

Transmission

Direct contact with rash, scabs, or body fluids; possible via respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact.

Treatment

Most cases are mild and resolve on their own; some may use antivirals.

Complications

Can cause severe illness in some people, especially with weakened immune systems.

Prevention

Avoid close contact with people who have a compatible rash; a vaccine is available in some settings.

Note

WHO provides detailed information on mpox.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.

A bacterial infection that progresses in stages and can be serious if untreated.

Symptoms

Primary: painless sore (chancre) at site of infection. Secondary: rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes. Late: damage to internal organs.

Transmission

Direct contact with a chancre during sexual activity.

Treatment

Curable with antibiotics, especially in early stages.

Complications

If untreated, can cause severe damage to the heart, brain, and other organs; can be life-threatening.

Prevention

Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has a visible chancre; consistent condom use lowers risk.

Note

WHO provides extensive resources on syphilis and its stages.

This is not a substitute for medical advice.