STD / STI check-up FAQs |
|
Sexually transmitted infections are a major culprit when it comes to both women's and men's sexual health. Early screening enables quick treatment and has in some cases literally saved lives. It is important to know what to look out for so below are some answers to common questions on different types of STI. For a copy of our full STI chart, please click here. Please click on a question regarding STIs/STDs below.
What is it? This is the most common STI amongst young women and men. It's caused by a bacteria, which can affect the penis, cervix, urethra, fallopian tubes, anus, rectum and less commonly the throat and eyes. It is sexually transmitted or transmitted via fingers from genitals to the eyes. How can I tell if I've got it? In many cases it has no symptoms. Symptoms appear 2-3 weeks after contact but might not show for years. Women should look for unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex and urinating, bleeding after sex and abdominal pain. Men should look for discharge from tip of penis, pain when urinating and/or pain/ swelling of testicles if left untreated. Treatment. Chlamydia can be treated by antibiotics after a simple Chlamydia test. If left untreated in women it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), potentially causing chronic pain and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy or even infertility. What are they? Genital warts are small fleshy lumps. They appear around your genitals and are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). Transmitted via close skin contact usually during unprotected sex. Sometimes there is no identified source of transmission of the virus. How can I tell if I've got them? Look for visible warts/cauliflower-like clusters (can be single or multiple) in the genital area (vagina/penis) and/or anus. They may be itchy but are usually painless. Treatment. If you have been infected the good news is that in many cases the body's immune system will cause most warts to disappear without treatment after 6 months, though large visible warts need to be treated. Small warts can be removed with nitrogen (freezing), diathermy (heat) or a chemical paint. Usually a few treatments are needed as there is a risk of warts coming back. What is it? Gonorrhea is a disease caused by a bacteria. The danger of this is, if left undiagnosed, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. How can I tell if I've got it? Symptoms usually appear within 3-5 days of infection. Treatment. Antibiotics. What is it? This is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the liver caused by a virus passed on through vaginal or anal intercourse. How can I tell if I've got it? Often there are no symptoms but look for unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin and white of the eyes, dark urine, nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. If you are concerned that you have been at risk of contracting any STI / STD, you should have a check-up. Treatment. There is no effective cure, but it some cases your body fights off the virus and the infection goes away. Drug treatment may be effective for some carriers. Long term medical supervision is required for people with chronic Hepatitis B. Alcohol and some other drugs should be avoided. Immunisation for prevention is available. What is it? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which damages the body's immune system. When someone has AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) it means they are HIV+ and have gone on to get a series of serious illnesses. HIV can be passed on by having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV. HIV is only passed on through bodily fluids and blood, for example through sex, injecting drugs or from mothers to their unborn children. How can I tell if I've got it? Most people develop a glandular fever like illness (fever, sweats, diarrhoea, rash, mouth ulcers) between one and six weeks after becoming infected with HIV. This may last a few days to a few weeks. Many have no symptoms for several years. The only way to then tell if you have HIV is to have a blood test. Treatment. At present there is no cure for HIV or AIDS but new combination therapies mean improved management of the illness. What is it? Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: Type 1 is usually found around the lips and is commonly known as a cold sore. Type 2 is usually found around the genital or anal areas. Herpes Type 1 is passed by kissing and herpes Type 2 is passed through sex, though Type 1 can become Type 2, through oral sex. How can I tell if I've got it? Look for blisters on the genitals which usually burst leaving sore ulcers, painful urinating, swelling of glands, soreness/irritation. The first attack may be the worst. Recurrent episodes are usually less severe and of shorter duration. Treatment. Medication cream for mild cases i.e. cold sores. Antiviral tablets for outbreaks or to suppress recurrent outbreaks, saline baths for pain relief. There is no known cure so herpes can recur. Sexual contact should be avoided from the first indication of an infection until the skin has returned to normal.
What is it? Pubic lice are small parasitic insects that are spread through sex and intimate contact (bedding, towels etc). How can I tell if I've got it? You'll have inflammation, irritation and/or intense itchiness in and around your pubic area. Treatment. Usually a doctor will be able to tell if you have pubic lice and will prescribe a lotion/shampoo to kill them off. You should also wash your clothing and bedding.
What is it? An infection caused by a bacteria which left untreated can have very serious consequences. How can I tell if I've got it? You may have a single, painless clear ulcer usually on your genitals (usually appears after a few weeks), enlargement of the glands in the groin, a rash on your body and flu-like symptoms usually follow several months later. There also may be no symptoms. Treatment. Syphilis can be cured with one course of antibiotics. What is it? This is a sexually transmitted infection which affects the vagina, cervix, urethra and bladder. How can I tell if I've got it? Women should look for a yellow, frothy discharge with a strong and offensive smell, itching of the vagina and a burning when urinating. Treatment. A swab will be taken and antibacterial drugs prescribed. |
