If you are at risk of pregnancy - then you're also at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. Sexually Transmitted Infections are usually called STIs - and there are lots of different ones. The most common way of getting an STI is through sex - but you don't have to have full sex to get infected. If you think you may have an STI it's important to get treatment as soon as possible.

Some of the common signs are:

• Pain or discomfort when you wee
  
• Unusual discharge from your penis or vagina
  
• Itching or a rash around your penis or vagina
  
• Pain during sex
  

BUT - some infections have no symptoms so can stay hidden for many years

You can get free, confidential advice and treatment from a Genitourinary Medicine Clinic (GUM clinic). There are three in the Tees area - at James Cook University Hospital, the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton and the University Hospital of Hartlepool (Hartlepool General). The contact numbers for the clinics are on the address list - you will need to ring for an appointment - the list also shows the times the clinics are open.

If you want to read more about Sexually Transmitted Infections you can look on a number of websites:

www.ruthinking.co.uk
www.fpa.org.uk