Did you know the number of sexually transmitted infections has more than doubled since 2017? That increase means that 1 in every 200 people aged under 25 has gonorrhoea.
How to protect yourself and others from STIs
STIs are passed on by having unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, including sharing sex toys.
The best way to reduce your risk of gonorrhoea, and other STIs, is to practice safer sex by using a condom.
There are two types of condoms: condoms worn on the penis and condoms worn inside the vagina.
In most areas you can get free condoms from:
- Sexual health clinics
- Some GP practices
- Some pharmacies
- Young people’s clinics
- In many areas you may be able to have free condoms delivered by post.
Find your local sexual health clinic here.
Getting Tested
Not all STIs have symptoms and if left untreated can cause long term health problems.
Get tested if you’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner. Testing is free, simple and painless. Contact your GP or sexual health service to arrange a test. Find your local sexual health clinic here.
Visit nhsinform.scot/safersex for more information.