Have I got an STI?

There's something weird going on downstairs, and you're pretty sure it's a sexually transmitted infection. Here's the best way to deal with it.

Admit it

The worst thing you can do is pretend nothing's happening. Admit to yourself you need to do something about the problem and act quickly. Don't take the risk with your health. Okay, it might turn out to be just a pimple or an allergy but be honest; you won't be able to relax until you know what's wrong.

Get help

Look online, in the phone book or call the nearest large hospital. Find out where the GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic is, and what the opening times are. Then GO - don't keep putting it off. Yes, you might find it embarrassing and a bit frightening when you turn up, but the staff are professionals and they've seen it all before.

"49% of you who responded to TheSite.org's Sexual Health Survey worry about catching an STI."

It's confidential; you don't even have to give your real name. You will get the right diagnosis, good advice, and the right treatment and it's all free. If you don't know very much about protecting yourself from STIs, they will give you lots of information about safer sex, and plenty of free condoms to take home.

Tell partners

They need to know. Try to trace anyone that you might have passed the infection on to; don't just assume that they will notice something is wrong and go to a clinic. Break the news to them as calmly as possible and tell them they need to go for tests.

There's no point in getting angry and blaming your girlfriend or boyfriend if they have infected you; safe sex is the responsibility of both partners. It doesn't necessarily mean anyone was unfaithful; you, one of you could have been carrying the infection for a long time without having any symptoms.

Take your medicine

If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish the full course of tablets, otherwise the infection can come back. Avoid sex until you are given the all-clear by the doctor.

Don't be tempted to go to a GP pretending to have a chest infection when you know you've got an STI - chances are you will be given the wrong type of antibiotic, or a dose that is too weak.

Learn to cope

If you are unlucky enough to be infected with something that can't be cleared up by antibiotics (like genital herpes or HIV), you will need support and advice on how to cope with it. GUM clinics have counselling available and there are specialist charities and agencies that can help too.