What are the different types of STI?

There are quite a few different STIs, but the ones you're most likely to hear about in the UK are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

They fall into two main groups: bacterial and viral. The difference matters because it affects whether they can be cured.

Bacterial STIs (like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis) can be cured with antibiotics. You take the treatment, the infection clears up, and it's gone. These are also among the most common, especially chlamydia, which is the most frequently diagnosed STI in the UK.

Viral STIs (like herpes, HPV, and HIV) can't be cured, but they can be managed. Herpes outbreaks can be controlled with medication. HPV often clears up on its own, and there's a vaccine that protects against the most harmful strains. HIV can be managed with daily medication so that people live long, healthy lives.

There are also parasitic ones like trichomoniasis and pubic lice, which are treatable.

Most STIs are far more common than people realise, and most are either curable or manageable. The biggest risk with any of them is not knowing you have one, which is why testing matters.

The most common STIs are chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.

Some are caused by bacteria. These can be cured with antibiotics. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis are all in this group.

Some are caused by viruses. These cannot be cured but can be managed. Herpes outbreaks can be controlled with medicine. HPV often goes away on its own, and there is a vaccine. HIV is managed with daily tablets.

There are also parasitic ones like pubic lice, which are treatable.

Most STIs are more common than people think. The biggest risk is not knowing you have one, which is why testing matters.