STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are bacteria, viruses and parasites that can
pass from one person to another through sexual contact or sharing of sex toys.
Most people that have an STI have no symptoms at all, that
is why it is so important to regularly get tested after unprotected sex.
What are the symptoms?
- A change in vaginal discharge
- Itching/burning sensations
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain when urinating
- Discharge from the anus
- New lumps and bumps
- Rashes
- Painful blisters
- Pain in the testicles
- Pain when having sex
If you have a penis and symptoms, please make sure that you
do not have a wee 2 hours before your appointment. This is to make sure that
your test results are accurate.
Chlamydia is a
bacterial infection and one of the most common STIs, can be cured with
antibiotics.
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial
infection and also known as the ‘clap’, it can also be cured with antibiotics
but some strains are resistant to common antibiotics.
Herpes is a
very common virus indeed, most people have had it at some point in their life,
however, many will never show any symptoms. It is also known as the ‘cold sore
virus’ or ‘herpes simplex virus’ or “HSV”.
Syphilis is a
less common bacterial infection, it can be treated with antibiotics.
HIV is a viral infection that affects the immune system, it can
be managed with antiviral
medications. If you get tested and start treatment, you will have a normal life
span. You cannot pass on the virus to a sexual partner as long as you take
effective medication regularly.
Genital warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can be managed with creams and freezing therapy.
Trichomonas vaginalis also known as TV, Trich and trichomoniasis is a tiny little
parasite and can be treated with antibiotics.
Scabies is not always an STI and can be passed on through close body
contact, it is a tiny little mite that burrows into the skin it is treated with
insecticide cream.
Pubic lice is a tiny parasitic insect that lives on pubic hair and is also known as ‘crabs’ it is
treated with insecticide cream.
Thrush is not an STI but can sometimes happen after sex, it is
caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that normally lives on our bodies, it is
treated with antifungal medications.
Bacterial Vaginosis is not an STI but can sometimes happen after sex, and is not
an infection either. It is also known as BV and is a lack of normal vaginal
bacteria called lactobacilli.
