You might think sexually transmitted infections (STIs) only happen to other people but the fact is, any kind of sexual activity can put you at risk.

STIs, including Chlamydia, HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, syphilis and gonorrhoea and human papillomavirus are sometimes thought of as diseases that people who sleep around get.

It only takes one time to contract one of these infections and you are at risk even if you have a long-term partner.

If you’re still not convinced, consider this: three out of four people diagnosed with a STI last year were aged between 15 and 29. That accounts for three-quarters of the total 70,000 cases in Australia in 2008.

Not only does that suggest young people are being reckless when it comes to safe sex, it means that STIs are spreading fast.

For example, Chlamydia rates have quadrupled in the last 10 years and an estimated 10 per cent of the population now caries the virus responsible for genital herpes. One in 10 people also have gonorrhoea which can cause infertility in women.

If left untreated STIs can lead to serious and painful health consequences, ranging from infertility to cancer, so it is important to learn about the warning signs and get yourself tested if you’re worried.

The Department of Health and Ageing has launched a National Sexual Health Campaign to help raise young people’s awareness about the risks and prevent the spread of these common illnesses.

You might see some ads around on television and in the papers or hear them on radio in the coming months but the best information is online.

Go to www.australia.gov.au/sti to learn how to protect yourself from getting an STI, how to get tested, the different types and how they affect your health and how to stop the spread of these infections.

The site also has useful info on condoms and tips on what to do if your partner doesn’t want to use them.