STD factfile and information

STD FACTS!!

CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) which may not induce symptoms in either men or women. Regular STD testing can determine the presence of Chlamydia.

The disease can easily be treated with antibiotics; if left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to infertility in men and women, and an increased risk of acquiring HIV. Untreated men, especially those over 50, may also become susceptible to prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and epididymitis (testicular infection).

Symptoms

Men
Symptoms in men include urethral discharge, pain on urination and irritation in the eyes.

Women
Chlamydia symptoms in women include vaginal discharge, frequent urination often accompanied by pain, irritated eyes, abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding.

Transmission

Chlamydia is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) and therefore can be transmitted via vaginal, anal, and less commonly oral sex. The disease can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth.

Diagnosis/Testing

Urine analysis and swab tests can diagnose Chlamydia in men and women.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used most successfully to treat Chlamydia. Ureaplasma and mycoplasma are similar to chlamydia.

GONORRHOEA

Symptoms of Gonorrhoea usually appear between 2 and 21 days of exposure. Gonorrhoea is curable, so visiting your doctor, STD clinic, or walk-in clinic is imperative if you suspect exposure. If left untreated, Gonorrhoea can lead to many health problems, including damage to reproductive organs, increased risk of acquiring other STDs like HIV, and a greater chance of ectopic pregnancy in women.

Symptoms

Men
Men with Gonorrhoea may experience a yellow, white, or green discharge from the penis, painful urination and/or swelling of the testicles.

Women
Change in the amount, colour, or smell of vaginal discharge, painful urination and intercourse, bleeding after sex, irregular menstrual bleeding, and abdominal pain are symptoms that may be experienced by women with this STD.

Transmission

Gonorrhoea is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) and therefore can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and from mother to child during birth.

Diagnosis/Testing

A Swab/Culture test and urine analysis can be used to detect Gonorrhoea.

Treatment

Antibiotics effectively treat Gonorrhoea.

SYPHILIS

Syphilis is widespread in Africa and Asia, and less prevalent in developed nations. It is easily treatable and early treatment can decrease the risk of contracting other STDs including HIV. First signs of the disease can be seen up to 6 weeks after contact, and because the symptoms of Syphilis are very similar to those of many other ailments, it is important to visit your doctor or STD clinic if you suspect you may have contracted the disease.

Symptoms (Men & Women)

Primary stage:
During this first stage of the disease, a painless sore or ‘chancre’, usually on one’s genitals or site of contact with an infected person may appear. Swollen lymph nodes may also be present near the site of infection.

Secondary stage:
This stage usually begins between 2 and 8 weeks after the appearance of the chancre. Sometimes the secondary stage begins when the chancre is still visible. Skin rash usually affecting the palms of hands and bottoms of feet, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, hair loss, weight loss, and fatigue are all possible symptoms of Syphilis in its secondary stage.

Tertiary stage:
Paralysis, mental deterioration, gradual blindness, and damage to major organs characterise the tertiary stage of Syphilis. It’s important to note that regular STD check-ups and if necessary, early treatment of this STD will prevent Syphilis from progressing to this stage.

Transmission

Syphilis is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) and therefore vaginal, anal, and oral sex, or direct contact with a sore which may be in the genital area, anus or mouth can fuel its transmission. The disease can also be passed from mother to fetus, increasing the risk of stillbirth or death of the baby shortly after birth.

Diagnosis/Testing

A simple blood test will detect this STD.

Treatment

An antibiotic injection is effective treatment of Syphilis

HERPES

Herpes is a Sexually Transmitted Disease that manifests itself in two forms – cold sores and Genital Herpes. There are two types of the virus - HSV-1, which mostly affects the mouth area, and HSV-2, often referred to as Genital Herpes. It is important to note, however, that HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both affect the mouth and genital areas. The disease can increase one’s risk of contracting HIV, so safer sex is a must for Herpes sufferers. While some may exhibit no symptoms, others may experience various symptoms frequently.

Symptoms (Men & Women)

Painful lesions on the genitals, anus, and surrounding area may occur in both men and women, and women may experience cervical blisters. Discharge from the penis, or irregular vaginal discharge may also indicate the presence of Herpes. Painful cold sores around the mouth, red swollen gums, flu-like symptoms, and painful urination are all Herpes symptoms.

Transmission

Herpes can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and mothers can pass the disease to their baby during birth. It is principally an STD (sexually transmitted disease).

Diagnosis/Testing

A sample of the sore, visual examination, and a simple blood test can all be used to diagnose Herpes, so visit your GP or STD clinic if you suspect Herpes infection.

Treatment

Antiviral medication and pain relievers can help Herpes sufferers. It is often advised that the Herpes sufferer keep the area dry and wear loose clothing.

GENITAL WARTS

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Regular STD check-ups can identify visible warts; only a specialist’s test can detect the virus itself. Symptoms can arise anytime from two weeks to several months after contact. Regular smear tests for women can determine whether changes in the cervix have occurred as a result of the disease, as well as check for changes which may be an indication of early cervical cancer. The new vaccine Gardasil, which is recommended for females between 12 and 26 years of age, can help protect against cervical cancer and Genital Warts.

Symptoms

Men
Pink/white small lumps surrounding the genital or rectal area in men may indicate the presence of Genital Warts. Such lumps may be itchy but painless.

Women
A woman with Genital Warts may experience small pink/white lumps in her genital or rectal area; they may be itchy but painless. Warts may also develop inside the vagina or on the cervix. Light bleeding is also a symptom.

Transmission

Direct contact with an infected partner’s skin, and vaginal and anal sex may transmit the disease.

Diagnosis/Testing

A simple visual examination or skin swab test may be performed by your doctor, STD clinic, or walk-in medical centre to detect whether the disease is present.

Treatment

Genital Warts can be removed, ‘frozen’, or treated with topical medication. Your doctor or STD clinic associate can determine the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a different virus but may also be sexually transmitted.

HIV/AIDS

HIV, the virus which causes AIDS, is probably the most well-known and most feared Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). There is no current cure for HIV/AIDS but with the right treatment, one can live a normal life for many years. Regular condom use and testing are key to avoiding the spread of this STD. Walk-in clinics, STD clinics, GPs, and private doctors offer HIV testing, some offering instant results. Today’s tests can be taken 28 days after suspected contact, but should be repeated three months later. HIV symptoms may or may not arise.

Symptoms (Men & Women)

Flu-like symptoms, unexplained weight loss, fever, cough, diarrhoea, and fatigue may occur one to two months after a man or woman contracts HIV. A rash or skin growths susceptible to bleeding may also appear. Women may experience recurring yeast infections (thrush).

Transmission

HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and less frequently oral sex. The virus can also be contracted by sharing needles. One can contract HIV from a blood transfusion; however, there is an extremely low risk of this happening in the UK or any other Western nation. HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding, so every expectant mother and women planning a family should of course be tested for HIV.

Diagnosis/Testing

A regular blood test or instant HIV test taken by a private doctor can detect HIV.

Treatment

Medication is used to treat HIV, and a very wide range of drugs are currently available.

HEPATITIS

Hepatitis refers to a swollen liver. There are many types of Hepatitis – A, B, and C being the most common. Both Hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination. Hepatitis B and C can be easily contracted through unprotected sex with an infected person. In some cases, the disease leads to severe liver damage including liver cancer. Because many people infected with this disease do not exhibit symptoms, regular testing is recommended for those at risk.

Symptoms (Men & Women)

Possible symptoms of Hepatitis include yellow skin (Jaundice), loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue, abdominal pain, darker urine, and muscle pain.

Transmission

Hepatitis can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, in addition to ‘rimming’. Blood to blood contact, including sharing needles can transmit the virus. While less risky, sharing straws or other utensils to ingest drugs can also spread Hepatitis.

Diagnosis/Testing

A simple blood test is used to detect Hepatitis.

Treatment

Medication will be prescribed for patients affected by this disease.

PUBIC LICE

Pubic Lice, also known as ‘crabs’ can very easily be contracted from an infected person. This STD is curable. Visit your doctor or STD clinic if you suspect you have contracted Pubic Lice.

Symptoms (Men & Women)

Itching in and around the genital area, black droppings on one’s underwear, blue specks or small specks of blood in the genital area, thighs or abdomen, and the presence of tiny white eggs in pubic hair are all possible signs of Pubic Lice.

Transmission

All types of sexual activity can put one at risk of contracting Pubic Lice; however, close contact with someone infected by this ailment can also put one at risk, even if intercourse is avoided.

Diagnosis/Testing

A visual examination is sufficient in detecting Pubic Lice.

Treatment

Topical medication (creams, shampoos, etc…) successfully treats Pubic Lice.

NSU (Non-Specific Urethritis)

NSU is a very common Sexually Transmitted Disease, particularly within the gay community. NSU only occurs in men. Women who have unprotected sex with a man infected with NSU are at risk of contracting Chlamydia and other infections. Symptoms, if they do arise, will appear about a week after exposure. NSU is curable.

Symptoms

Painful and frequent urination, white discharge from the penis, and pain near the urethral opening are possible symptoms of NSU.

Transmission

Vaginal, anal, and oral sex without using protection can put one at risk of contracting NSU. This infection can also be caused by Chlamydia, so regular STD check-ups are a necessity for those at risk.

Diagnosis/Testing

A swab test or urine analysis can detect NSU.

Treatment

Medication is used to treat NSU.

TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS

This Sexually Transmitted Disease is easily curable. Many people do not exhibit symptoms. Symptoms normally arise between 3 and 21 days after contact. Like many other STDs, Trichomonas Vaginalis can increase one’s risk of acquiring HIV if the infected person engages in sexual activity with an HIV positive individual.

Symptoms

Men
White discharge from the penis and painful urination are possible symptoms.

Women
A change in vaginal discharge (change in colour or smell, for example), an itchy and irritated genital area, painful urination, and a sore abdomen may be signs of Trichomonas Vaginalis in women.

Transmission

Vaginal, anal, and oral sex can transmit this infection. It can also be passed from mother to child during birth.

Diagnosis/Testing

A swab test or urine analysis can detect Trichomonas Vaginalis. An internal examination performed by a healthcare professional can detect this infection in women.

Treatment

Medication is used to treat this STD.

CHANCROID

Chancroid is rampant in tropical areas and uncommon in Western nations. Uncircumcised males have a greater risk of contracting this STD. Those who come in contact with Chancroid usually exhibit symptoms within ten days of contact. The disease is curable.

Symptoms (Men & Women)

Painful ulcers (often pus-filled) and swelling in the genital area characterise symptoms of Chancroid.

Transmission

Vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as direct contact with Chancroid ulcers are possible ways of contracting this STD.

Diagnosis/Testing

A swab test performed by a healthcare professional can detect Chancroid.

Treatment

Medication successfully treats Chancroid.