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Some STIs have no symptoms so you won’t know you have them. Young people are especially at risk of an STI called chlamydia. If chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease with can cause infertility.
Most STIS are easily treated so it's important to have a test for STIs if you have had unprotected sex or think you have any symptoms. These tests are quick and painless and can be free of cost.
Any genital change – such as an ulcer – or symptom that appears and then settles without treatment should be reported to your doctor; this may indicate the presence of an STI such as syphilis. Untreated this could lead to significant health problems.
Remember that condoms are the only form of contraception that will protect you from STIs and an unplanned pregnancy.