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The science of sex
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are passed on from one person to another by means of unprotected sex (sex where a couple does not use a condom) or sometimes through non penetrative genital contact. You can get tested for these infections at a public sexual health clinic, GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic or your doctor's surgery. This page gives a summary of various infections and gives you links to find more information on these conditions. ChlamydiaChlamydia is a common STI. Most people who have a Chlamydia infection don't notice any symptoms and won’t know they are infected. In cases where there are symptoms, these include pain on urination, unusual penile or vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse. Diagnosing Chlamydia is easy; a test of urine or a swab of the infected area will reveal the situation. Chlamydia is treated effectively with antibiotics, but if untreated the consequences can be serious, including infertility. Read more about Chlamydia.
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Genital wartsGenital warts are familiar to many people, as they are common. Small fleshy growths, small bumps or skin changes on or around your genital or anal area can be warts, and are caused by a viral skin infection associated with HPV, aka human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact, so penetrative sex is not necessarily a factor in the transmission of the disease. Several treatments such as creams and cryotherapy (freezing the warts) are available. Read more about genital warts. Genital herpesGenital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). After infection, the virus may remain dormant (inactive) for much of the time, and you may have few or indeed no symptoms for a while. Unfortunately, various triggers will activate the virus, which may lead to painful blisters on your genitals and skin around the area. There's is no permanent cure for genital herpes, but herpes symptoms can be effectively controlled with antiviral medicines. Read more about genital herpes. GonorrheaGonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterial infection. It produces an unusual discharge from the end of the penis or vagina, and is associated with pain when urinating. It can easily be identified by a simple swab test and is treated successfully with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, gonorrhea can produce somewhat more serious long-term health problems and may even cause infertility. Read more about gonorrhea. SyphilisSyphilis is also a bacterial infection. It is more serious than gonorrhea, and causes a highly infectious sore on your genitals (occasionally around the mouth) which persists for two to six weeks before disappearing. This is painless. later, secondary symptoms, including skin rash and sore throat, then develop. And even though these may disappear in a few weeks, and are followed by a symptom-free phase, the long term effects can be serious: stroke, paralysis, blindness or death. That is why early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is needed. read more about syphilis. HIVHIV is commonly caught through unprotected sex or sharing infected needles. HIV weakens your body's ability to destroy infections and cancer. HIV infection can lead to AIDS, and your body cannot then fight life-threatening infections including cancer. There is currently no cure for HIV but long term treatments enable people with the virus to live a long and comparatively normal life. Read more about HIV and AIDS and what to do with a positive HIV test. TrichomoniasisTrichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Women develop soreness and itching around the vagina and some vaginal discharge. Men have pain after urination and ejaculation. Men and women are treated with a compound called metronidazole, which is very effective. Read more about trichomoniasis. Pubic licePubic lice are usually known as crabs. They are blood-sucking insects which will live in coarse human body hair such as the pubes. They cause itching and red spots. They can be killed with insecticide medicines available over the counter in most pharmacies, or you can get the same products from a doctor or sex clinic. Read more about pubic lice. ScabiesScabies is a contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. Scabies is spread through skin-to-skin contact for long periods of time with someone who is infected. The mites are killed with cream containing insecticides. Read more about scabies. Yeast infection Caused by Candida albicans, men and women alike can get a yeast infection of the genital area. This causes a lot of irritation and itching, and may also produce vaginal discharge and a red rash. Candidiasis is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast cells when the healthy bacteria which normally hold them in check are depleted for some reason (often a side effect of medication). Yeast infections can be treated with a yeast infection home remedy and cured quite quickly.
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