Sex is fun, disease isn't. It's not something any of us wants to do, but getting tested is essential, both for your wellbeing and your partners...

1. Syphilis:
Left untreated, it can lead to internal damage, nerve damage, dementia or death.
How it's checked: Blood test.

2. HIV:
It takes 10 years to develop into full-blown Aids – but can go undetected for many of those years.
How it's checked: Blood test.

3. Chlamydia:
Left untreated, it's especially dangerous for women; it can damage the fallopian tubes, which can increase the risk for an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
How it's checked: Urine test or lab test of swab sample.

4. Genital Herpes:
It can cause potentially fatal infection in babies.
How it's checked: Physical exam, blood test and/or lab test of swab sample.

5. Gonorrhoea:
It can spread through the blood to joints, causing arthritis-like symptoms.
How it's checked: Urine test and/or lab test of swab sample.

6. Hepatitis B & C:
Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
How it's Checked: Blood test.

7. Human Papilloma Virus:
It can lead to cervical cancer.
How it's checked: Pap test.

8. Trichomoniasis:
It can cause babies to be born early or at low birth weight.
How it's checked: physical exam and/or lab test of swab sample.

9. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
It can permanently damage female reproductive organs or cause an ectopic pregnancy.
How it's checked: Physical exam and/or ultrasound.

10. Bacterial Vaginosis:
It can cause PID or increase the risk of pre-term delivery in pregnant women.
How it's checked: Physical exam and/or lab test of vaginal fluid.