Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
There are a variety of infections transmitted through sexual activity. Common ones are: Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU), Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Pubic Lice.
If you ever think you may have an STI, you must consult medical professionals for it to be correctly diagnosed and treated. Your sexual partners also need to be treated, and you may be asked for details of your sexual activities. The following information on some of the more common STIs are a guide only and it is important not to "self-diagnose". Proper treatment is available and full confidentiality is observed in all medical centres.
Chlamydia
The most common curable STI, the majority of women who are infected with chlamydia will have no symptoms, but some may notice: increased vaginal discharge, frequent or painful urination, lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, irregular periods. Chlamidia can cause infertility if left untreated.
Genital Herpes
Both men and women may experience an itching or tingling sensation and small fluid-filled blisters around the nose and mouth or around the genital and anal area. These burst and leave small sores that can be very painful. In time they dry out, scab over and heal. With the first infection they can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal properly. Recurrent infections are usually milder and the sores are fewer, smaller, less painful and heal more quickly.
Genital Warts
Pinkish/white small lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear on the vulva, penis, scrotum or anus, in the vagina and on the cervix. It usually takes 1-3 months from infection for warts to appear. They may itch but are usually painless. Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts.
Gonorrhoea
It is possible to be infected with gonorrhoea and have no symptoms. However, women may experience increased vaginal discharge, which may be thin, watery, yellow or greenish; pain or discomfort when urinating; irritation and/or discharge from the anus; a sore throat. It can cause fever, pain and can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy (where the baby begins to grow in the fallopian tubes, not the womb). Men may experience a white or yellow discharge from the penis; pain or discomfort when urinating; itching or discharge from the anus; inflammation of the testicles and prostate gland; a sore throat.
Hepatitis B
The number of cases of Hepatitus B has been increasing. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of the disease. Hepatitis results in an inflammation of the liver and it is caused through a virus which has many types, usually called Hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis B can cause long term liver damage in some people.
Symptoms tend to occur in three stages, but a person can have Hep B without any symptoms. The first stage usually occurs 1-6 months after contact with the infection, and brings flu-like symptoms, including severe tiredness and loss of appetite and pain in the joints. The jaundice stage is next, when the skin & whites of the eyes turn yellowish, urine turns darkish brown, stools become light and clay coloured, and there is soreness in the abdomen. This stage can last between 2-8 weeks. In the recovery stage, the yellowish tint in the skin and eyes will disappear and urine and stools return to normal. It is a serious illness and can be avoided by using condoms and not sharing injecting equipment. There is a vaccine against Hepatitis B.
Pubic Lice (crabs)
Itching in the infected areas. It may be possible to see droppings from the lice in underwear (black powder) as well as eggs in pubic or other hair. It is sometimes possible to see lice on the skin.
Scabies
An itchy rash on hands, wrists, elbows, underneath arms, abdomen, breasts, genitals and buttocks.
Syphilis
In the past months cases of Syphylis have been increasing rapidly. Outbreaks have been traced across the country. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and take adequate precautions against its transmission. Condoms are the most effective barrier and should be used for vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Syphilis has three stages. In the primary stage, sores can develop where bacteria entered the body; in the secondary stage, a rash can develop, warty growths on genitals and a flu-like illness may develop; and in the latent stage, if left untreated over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint and nervous system damage. In pregnancy syphilis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
Syphilis can be passed on during primary or secondary stages through vaginal, anal or oral sex, skin contact with any sores or rashes and from a mother to unborn child.
Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV)
Often TV has no symptoms, but in men and women discharge can occur along with genital soreness, pain when passing urine and pain during sex.
HIV and AIDS
HIV - Human Immuno-deficiency Virus - is the virus that causes AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Once infected with HIV, people appear to remain infected for life, during which time they may be perfectly well for much of the time. There is no vaccine or cure for HIV. Gradually HIV stops the body's natural defence mechanisms from working properly. People with HIV may develop AIDS eventually. You cannot catch AIDS.
How is HIV passed on?
There are four main ways in which HIV can be passed on:
- By having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has HIV. There is a small risk of contracting HIV through oral sex, particularly if there are any cuts, sores or ulcers in the mouth. It is best to use a condom for oral sex with a man or a dental dam (a latex square) for oral sex with a woman.
- By using needles, syringes or other drug-injecting equipment that is infected with HIV.
- From a woman with HIV to her baby (before or during birth) and by breastfeeding
- By receiving infected blood, blood products or donated organs as part of medical treatment. In the UK all blood products and donated organs are screened for HIV.
You cannot get HIV through kissing, touching, hugging, shaking hands, sharing crockery and cutlery, coughing or sneezing, contact with toilet seats, insect or animal bites, swimming pools or eating food prepared by someone with HIV.
Should I have a test for HIV?
If you are not 100% sure about past partners and their backgrounds or you are simply taking the test for peace of mind then there are various points to consider. The HIV test is a simple blood test, which detects the antibodies produced by your body when it encounters HIV. Antibodies take three months or more to show up in blood, so you cannot get a reliable result from a test taken less than 3 months after you have been at risk. If you are worried about confidentiality, a confidential testing service is offered at Hospital clinics - you can use an assumed name if you wish. Do not go to your GP if you do not wish the test to go on your medical record.
FURTHER INFORMATION
AWARE, 1 East Level 3, Tel: (38) 6906
National AIDS Helpline, Tel: 0800 567 123
Terrence Higgins Trust, Tel: (Bath): 01225 444 347
Tel: (Bristol): 0117 955 1000
Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service (BADAS), Tel: 01225 469 479
You can be tested for STIs and HIV at your local Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. For STIs, a doctor or nurse carries out a visual examination of your genital area. Samples are taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any places which may be infected - the cervix, urethra, anus or throat. Women are given an internal pelvic examination. A sample of urine may be taken. Samples taken are looked at under a microscope and it may be possible to make a diagnosis immediately. A second sample is sent to a laboratory for diagnosis or confirmation and results should be available within a week. If the tests are positive treatment is usually quite simple. You will be given a course of antibiotics or a special lotion depending on the STI. For HIV, a blood test is carried out. In all cases, you should not have penetrative sex (vaginal, anal, oral) until you have returned to the clinic and been given the all clear by the doctor.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND TESTING
AWARE, I East Level 3, Tel: (38) 6906
Medical Centre Tel: (38) 6655
GUM (Genito-Urinary Medicine) Clinic, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, Tel: 01225 824 617
Direct line appointments
Opening times:
Mondays 8.30- 4.30pm,
Tuesdays 2pm - 6.30pm,
Thursdays 8.30 - 2.30pm,
Fridays 8.30 -1.30pm.