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- Will I get an STI if I don't wear a condom?
- Condoms give very good STI protection so you may still be at risk if you are having sex without one. Genital herpes, for instance, can be transferred by genital contact alone, without any penetration (penis in vagina sex) taking place. You could discuss this with your doctor, practice nurse or at your local sexual health clinic. You could also think about asking them to test you for STIs—it's probably a good idea, to be sure. If you and your partner are clear of any STI's then you may both feel comfortable knowing that and want to have sex without a condom, as long as youi don't have sex with other partners and then with your own partner as someone else may have an STI and you could pass it on without the right protection. Condoms are free of charge for young people from ycentral or from some sexual health clinics. Thanks.
- Hi, I'm a 20 year old female and I had sex with a new partner last night and now today I have numerous red bumps surrounding the outside of my vagina and alongside my inner thighs. They don't itch but they are very painful. Some of the bumps have raised white centres, almost like they're pimples. If you could please tell me what this might be I'd really appreciate it because it really worries me. Thanks!
- You need to see a doctor and have an examination to confirm what these lesions are. Quite a few things can cause a rash like the one you describe. Folliculitis is an irritation/infection of the hair shafts. Some skin fungal infections can give an itchy rash which may look like pimples. Irritation from contact with products such as soaps, perfumes and some lubricants can produce a red itchy rash. Genital herpes can cause pimple like lesions too, so I strongly suggest you see a doctor. The above information has been reproduced from Somazone with permission from the Australian Drug Foundation. www.somazone.com.au Australian Drug Foundation 2009
- Q.I'm a 19 year old male and I have had these white little genital warts of some kind around the rim of the head of my penis (I'm not circumcised). It's on the inside of the foreskin and there's quite a few of them, is this curable and what should I do? I'm too ashamed to see a doctor and these have been on me for as long as I can remember. I haven't had any sexual contact either. I'm just hoping there is some sort of cream or medicine that could cure these.
- The lumps you describe could be normal glands which are found around the head of the penis. They are called pearly penile papules, some guys have a lot of them and they are very noticeable, whereas some guys have very few. The only way to be sure is to see a doctor as the other consideration is genital warts - the two are often confused. A doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic would be able to tell the difference between the two quickly. These services are free and confidential. The above information has been reproduced from Somazone with permission from the Australian Drug Foundation. www.somazone.com.au Australian Drug Foundation 2009
