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A-Z of STIs
Chlamydia & NSU
Chlamydia is a bacteria which affects the genitals and sometimes
the throat and eyes. It is very common and causes NSU (Non
Specific Urethritis) in men. Chlamydia is passed on through
vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Symptoms
Women often show no signs until the Chlamydia has spread elsewhere
but may notice extra discharge and pain when passing urine.
Men may get symptoms of NSU if infected: a white cloudy discharge
from the penis and a burning sensation when passing urine.
Treatment
Both Chlamydia and NSU are easily treated with a short course
of antibiotics. If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious
problems in women such as pelvic inflammatory disease
which can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic
pain.
In men, untreated Chlamydia or NSU can lead to serious
problems with the prostrate gland (which makes semen) and
sometimes the testicles causing a painful swelling. As the
symptoms are so easily missed and the consequences so serious,
it is worth asking to be tested at your local GP or GUM Clinic.
A simple self-test is available at UNISEX.
There is also a postal test service avaialble for women under
the age of 25 living or studying in Sussex for more information
click here.
Prevention
Using a condom and water based lubricant for vaginal sex and
anal sex will help to prevent transmission.
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Crabs
Not an infection - more of an infestation! Pubic lice are very easy
to catch but also to get rid of. They are transmitted most commonly
through sex, though any close body contact provides an opportunity.
They can also be transmitted by sharing towels, clothing and bed linen.
Symptoms
Look for small black insects, they have crab like claws and cling
to pubic hair. Although crabs are particularly fond of pubic hair
they can also live in armpits and even eyebrows and eyelashes. They
are big enough to see, although because they live in pubic hair they
often go unnoticed.
Treatment
Easily treated with a lotion that can be bought direct from a chemist.
All towels, bedding and clothing should be washed when treatment begins.
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Cystitis
Cystitis is an inflamation inside the bladder. It is very common in women and many will suffer repeated episodes. Men can also get cystitis but it is much less common. Although cystitis can be very painful and distressing it is not usually a danger to your health. Cystitis is not technically an STI as it can not be passed on through sex, however, friction during sex can cause it to develop. In addition, it can develop if the bacteria which normally lives in your bowel gets into your urethra or bladder and/or if you have a particularly sensitive bladder. Symptoms
If you have cystitis you may experience a burning sensation when you urinate (occasionaly there may be blood in the urine or it may be cloudy), a feeling like you need to urinate very frequently even though there may be hardly any urine to pass and/or a dragging ache in the lower back or abdomen. Treatment
It is possible for women to buy over the counter treatments for cystitis at pharmacies. However, if the problem persists or if you have any concerns you should make an appointment to see your GP (General Practitioner). A man who thinks he may have cystitis should always see a doctor. Your doctor will ask you for a urine sample to test. If you do have cystitis the doctor will give you a course of antibiotics. It is very important that you finish the treatment, if interupted you may have to start the treatment again. Prevention
If you are prone to cystitis you may find you can avoid further episodes if you: drink at least three pints of liquid per day, urinate when ever you feel the need (and make sure you completely empty your bladder), always wipe your bottom from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus, and avoid using perfume products in the genitial areas. If you get cystitis after sex it may help to wash and pass water before and after sex (and ask your partner to do the same) and use a lubricant when having penetrative sex. Back to Top
Gardnerella &
Bacterial vaginosis
Occurs when bacteria that normally grow in the vagina multiply.
Symptoms
A grey watery discharge appears, particularly after sex, which has a strong fishy smell.
Treatment
Bacterial vaginosis is easily treated with antibiotics. Men do not get this infection,
but if your partner is a man and you repeatedly get this infection, he should also get treatment.
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Genital & anal warts
Occur both in men and women and are caused by the human
papilloma virus (HPV) of which there are over 50 types. Some cause
fleshy growth to appear on any part of the body whilst others affect
just the genital and anal area. The virus is passed on by skin-to-skin
contact so it is easily transmitted through vaginal and anal sex.
Symptoms
Once infected with the virus it can take 2 weeks to 1 year for the
warts to appear. They can be either small and flat or large and lumpy;
on their own or in large groups.
Warts are usually painless but may itch. Genital warts are found in
the vulva, cervix, vagina and the penis, anus and urethra.
Treatment
Genital warts are easily treated and removed either by freezing them
or a liquid that is painted on.
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Gonorrhoea
This is a common infection caused by bacteria affecting the cervix,
rectum, urethra and the throat. It may be passed on through vaginal,
anal or oral sex.
Symptoms
Easily detected in men but hard to detect in women. Symptoms include:
sore throat, pain when passing urine, itching or a discharge from the
anus, an increase in vaginal discharge and a white or yellow discharge
from the penis.
Treatment
Gonorrhoea is easily treated with antibiotics.
In women, untreated Gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory
disease which can lead to infertility.
In men, untreated Gonorrhoea can lead to serious problems with
the prostrate gland (which makes semen) and sometimes the testicles.
Prevention
Using a condom and water based lubricant for vaginal sex and anal
sex will help to prevent transmission. Using a condom or dental dam for oral sex will prevent gonorrhoea of the throat.
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Hepatitis A
This is caused by a virus found in faeces (shit). It is spread when very small amounts of faeces get into the mouth. This can happen during sex that involves fingering, licking (rimming) or penetration of the anus or handling condoms that have been used for anal sex. Food and water can become infected and this is common in countries with poor hygiene.
Symptoms
These can be mild and may include flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, sickness and tiredness. Urine becomes dark and faeces become pale.
Treatment
You need plenty of rest and to avoid alcohol and other drugs to allow time for your liver to recover.
Prevention
A vaccine is available for Hepatitis A. Gay and bisexual men in particular should consider getting vaccinated. Without the vaccination, risks can be reduced by washing your hands after using the toilet, using condoms and plenty of lubricant for anal sex, gloves and plenty of lubricant for fisting and a barrier (dental dam, cut-up condom or non-microwaveable clingfilm for rimming).
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Hepatitis B
This is a highly infectious and potentially life threatening infection caused by a virus (HBV) which is found in virtually all body fluids, faeces and vomit. HBV infects the liver, and symptoms vary from minor to chronic infection, liver damage, sometimes liver cancer and occasionally death.It is spread by direct blood contact with infected body fluids so transmission is likely to occur through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, sharing needles and other injecting equipment and sharp instruments contaminated with blood. HBV is at least 100 times more infectious than HIV as unlike HIV, HBV remains infectious in dried blood for up to a week. Because of this HBV can be transmitted through sharing razors or toothbrushes that have blood on them.
Symptoms
HBV can cause flu like symptoms, muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale faeces and stomach pains. It can cause jaundice where the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow. Most people do recover from their symptoms, suffer no long term damage and stop being infectious. Some people (1 in 10) become carriers which means that they recover from the symptoms but remain infectious to others.
Treatment
There is no cure for Hepatitis B and no effective medical treatment for acute Hepatitis B infection, just rest and avoid alcohol and other drugs. However, there is a vaccine against Hepatitis B which can be obtained from a GUM Clinic. Gay and bisexual men in particular should consider getting vaccinated.
Prevention
A vaccine is available for Hepatitis B. Gay and bisexual men in particular should consider getting vaccinated. Without the vaccination, risks can be reduced by using condoms for vaginal sex, condoms and plenty of lubricant for anal sex, a barrier (dental dam, cut-up condom or non-microwaveable clingfilm) for rimming and avoid getting piss in the eyes and mouth if you're into watersports.
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Hepatitis C
This is not commonly a sexually transmitted infection as it passed mainly through the sharing of injecting equipment, but it is a blood-borne virus so there is a chance of transmission if bleeding occurs during unprotected sex. Sharing toothbrushes and razors can also aid transmission.
For more information about Hepatitis contact the British Liver Trust (New Window)
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Herpes
Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus (herpes simplex 1 usually causes cold sores around the mouth and nose and sometimes the eyes and genital area.
Symptoms
A few days after infection, small painful blisters appear on the vaginal lips, penis or anal area (they can also be inside the vagina, urethra, rectum and on the cervix). Flu like symptoms may occur and sometimes pain in the thighs, legs and groin. The blisters burst forming sores and it can be painful to pass urine. These symptoms will usually disappear within a week or two but can last longer. The first attack is usually the most severe and long-lasting. Once infected with the virus you will always have it but this does not mean the end to your sex life! When the sores have healed, the virus will still be present, but in MUCH smaller quantities than when the sores are present. There is a VERY small risk of passing on herpes once the sores have healed. Waiting a few days after they've healed will reduce the risk and using a condom will offer extra protection. Even when you do have active symptoms, there are many ways you can be sexual with your partner without him/her coming into contact with the sores.
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Pelvic Inflamatory Disease
Pelvic Inflamatory Disease (PID) only affects women and is caused by infections which enter the body through the cervix and work their way up into the pelvic cavity. It can range from a mild infection to a serious disorder. The bacteria which cause the sexually transmitted infections, chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are thought to be chiefly responsible for PID, although other bacteria may play a part. Symptoms
The symptoms of PID vary from woman to woman which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. It can be an accute (sudden and severe) or a chronic (long term) infection. The most common symptom of accute PID is severe abdominal pain. However, other symptoms may include a high temperature, nausea, vaginal discharge, fast pulse and/or pain or discomfort during sex. The most common symptoms of chronic PID are constant abdominal pain or discomfort, weakness and tiredness, very heavy, painful periods, pain or discomfort during sex and/or intermenstrual bleeding. Sometimes PID can be almost or entirely symptomless. Treatment
PID is treated with antiobotics, bed rest and painkillers. In severe cases a stay in hospital may be necessary. You may also be advised to avoid vigourous activities, including sex, until any inflamation has gone. Prevention
In order to prevent PID from developing it is important that any sexually transmitted infections(STIs) are treated as soon as possible. Having regular sexual health check-ups may be a way of ensuring you do not have any STIs (see local services for further details of local sexual health clinics). Back to Top
Scabies
A very common skin infection that is caused by tiny parasitic mites which burrow under the skin and cause itching. These are easily passed on through body contact during sex.
Symptoms
Itching can be mild and the mites are too small to be seen so it is possible not to realise you have it. Itching can also be intense and the mites can leave red lines especially around the wrists and between the fingers.
Treatment
A lotion such as Quedella can be bought from a chemist or obtained free from a GUM clinic. This is applied to the whole body and left on for 24 hours.
Prevention
Scabies can be stopped from spreading by washing clothing and bedding. People who may have come into close contact with you may also need to be treated.
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Syphilis (also known as VD)
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium which is passed on through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex. It can be present with hardly any symptoms but is still infectious.
Symptoms
There are three stages of syphilis infection. During the first stage and usually a few weeks after infection, painless sores might appear on the body (most commonly on the genitals or mouth), these can take anything from 2-6 weeks to heal and are highly infectious. The second stage, which usually occurs some weeks after the sores, can include a painless rash on the body, growths on the genitals and flu like symptoms. If it is still not treated, the infection may progress to the third or latent stage,
which is still infectious although a person may not have any symptoms. If it is still not treated syphilis can cause serious damage to internal organs and could be fatal.
Treatment
It is easily treated with antibiotics if detected early. Untreated syphilis can cause insanity, blindness, paralysis and eventually death. The only way to find out if you have syphilis or not is with a simple, free check-up at a sexual health (GUM) clinic.
For details contact Brighton Claude Nicol Clinic
Prevention
Using a condom and water based lubricant for vaginal sex and anal sex will help to prevent transmission. For information on preventing infections through oral sex see our Oral Sex page
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Thrush
Caused by an organism called candida albicans which normally lives harmlessly on the skin and in the mouth and gut. Sometimes it multiplies and causes discomfort. This can happen if you are unwell, have diabetes, are taking antibiotics, are pregnant or if you have had sex with someone infected.
Symptoms
Itching or soreness around the vagina, vulva, anus or penis and pain during sex or when passing urine. A thick white yeasty vaginal discharge.
Treatment
Thrush is easily treated with cream, pessaries and/or pills. You can also reduce your chances of getting thrush by wearing cotton underwear, using unperfumed soaps, non biological washing powders and eating natural yoghurt.
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Trichomoniasis (TV)
TV is caused by a parasite that is sometimes found in the vagina and urethra.
Symptoms
A thin yellow or green discharge that smells fishy and soreness or itching inside and around the vagina.
Treatment
TV is treated with a short course of antibiotics. Sex must be avoided until the infection has completely gone.
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The information contained on this page is not intended to replace a consultation with a medical professional. For further information contact your local GUM Clinic (see local services information ) or GP.
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