Essential Guide to STI's / STD's

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected.

• Sharing sex toys with someone who has chlamydia.

• A mother can pass it on to her baby at birth.

• Occasionally it can be transferred on the fingers from the genitals to the eyes (resulting in painful swelling & irritation).

• Examination of your genital area carried out by a doctor or nurse

• Samples of discharge are taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab from any place possibly infected..
MEN: from the tip of the penis
WOMEN: from the cervix
Note- Women will usually be given an internal pelvic examination.
Men are usually externally examined to check the testicles are healthy.

• Sample of urine is usually taken.
NB- None of these tests should be painful but may be uncomfortable.

• Samples form examination are sent to a lab for testing. Results are usually ready within a week.

• Treatment is simple & effective by being put on a course of antibiotics (men & women).

• Antibiotics can be in the form of a series of pills or a one-time liquid dose.

• You should not have penetrative sex (vaginally, anally or orally) until you have been given the all clear by the doctor.

• Return for check-ups regularly to make sure you are well & don’t have any other infections

• Use condoms during sex to reduce the chance of infection.

• Often no symptoms.

• Discharge from penis which may be white/ cloudy & watery.

• Pain or burning sensation with urination.

• Often no symptoms.

• Slight increase in vaginal discharge (cervix is inflamed).

• Need to pass urine often & is usually painful.

• Lower abdominal pain & sometimes nausea.

• Pain during sex.

• Bleeding between periods.

• Complications caused by Chlamydia are uncommon but it may lead to painful inflammation of testicles possibly resulting in infertility.

• Reiters Syndrome can result. It causes inflammation of the eyes, joints & sometimes a rash on the soles of feet & genitals.

• Appendicitis

• Can lead to PID (more info on this can be found further on in the chart) which can lead to infertility.

• If infected whilst pregnant you risk a premature birth & the baby has a high chance of being infected with Chlamydia in the eyes or lungs.

• Reiters Syndrome can result. It causes inflammation of the eyes, joints & sometimes a rash on the soles of feet & genitals.

• Appendicitis

• Skin-to-skin contact, therefore it is passed by sexual or genital contact with someone who is infected.

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex.

• Doctor or nurse can usually tell just by looking.

• If warts are suspected but cannot be seen, the doctor may apply a weak vinegar-like solution to the outside of the genital area. This turns the warts white.

• An internal examination may be necessary to look for hidden warts in the vagina or anus.

• As Genital Warts are a virus, antibiotics will not get rid of them.

• A brown liquid (podophyllin) can be painted onto the warts & must be washed off 4 hours later.

• You may be prescribed with podophylotoxin for use at home.

• Freezing the warts or laser treatment. Often more than one method of treatment is necessary before the warts are gone.

• NB- None of these treatment should be painful but they may be uncomfortable. If it hurts, tell the doctor.

• You should get advice from the doctor, nurse or health adviser about having sex during treatment.

• If you have genital warts:
Keep your genitals clean & dry.
Don’t use scented soaps, bath oils or vaginal deodorants as they will irritate the warts.
Use condoms during sex.
Get your partner checked out as well.

• Return regularly for treatment until the warts are gone.
NB- As it is a virus it will live in the body & may recur despite initial disappearance.

• Once infected it usually takes 1-3 months for the warts to appear on your genitals.

• Pinkish / white small lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps appear around the vulva, penis, scrotum or anus. They occur singularly or in groups.

• Possible itching (but they are painless).

• Once infected it usually takes 1-3 months for the warts to appear on your genitals.

• Pinkish / white small lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps appear on the cervix & vagina.

• If warts are on your cervix, they may cause slight bleeding or very rarely, an unusual coloured discharge.

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected.

• Rimming (oral sex on the anus)

• Inserting fingers into an infected vagina, anus or mouth & then putting them in your own mouth without washing them in-between.

• Sharing sex toys with someone who has gonorrhea.

• A doctor or nurse will examine your genital area.

• Samples are taken using a cotton-wool or spongy swab from suspected infected places

• cervix, urethra, anus or throat.

• Women are given an internal pelvic examination.

• Urine sample may be taken.
NB- None of these tests should be painful but may be uncomfortable.

• Samples from examination are sent to a lab for testing.

• Treatment is easy & essential. Antibiotics will be given either in tablet form or as a liquid or injection.

• Do not have penetrative sex until you have returned to the doctor & have been cleared.

• Return to the doctor for a check-up. Some types of Gonorrhoea are resistant to certain antibiotics. Further tests will be done to make sure it has cleared & if not you’ll be given a different antibiotic.

• Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent infection again.

• Using a gum dam for oral sex on the anus.

• Often no symptoms.

• Yellow or white discharge from the penis.

• Irritation &/or discharge from the anus.

• Inflammation of the testicles & prostate gland.

• Burning with urination or bowel movement.

• Need to urinate more often.

• Often no symptoms.

• Change in vaginal discharge. It may increase or become a yellow or greenish colour & develop a strong smell.

• Irritation &/or discharge from the anus.

• Pain or burning sensation when passing urine.

• Can cause inflammation of the testicles & the prostate gland which causes pain.

• A narrowing of the urethra or abscesses can develop.

• Can lead to PID (more info on this can be found further on in the chart) which can lead to infertility.

• If you are pregnant whilst infected you can pass Gonorrhoea onto the baby when it is born. Your baby could also be born with gonoccocal eye infection. This must be treated with antibiotics as it can cause blindness.

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person.

• From blood exposure i.e. Using needles that are not properly sterilised.

• Sharing sex toys with someone who has Hep B.

• Vaccinations can be given so as to prevent infection.

• Use a condom during sexual Intercourse.

• Often there are no symptoms.

• Symptoms may arise 1-4 months after infection, most often within 2 months.

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

• Abdominal pain.

• Flu-like symptoms e.g. Nausea & vomiting.

• Lightening of the colour of stools & darkening of the urine colour to a brownish colour.

• Some patients can never recover fully & some can’t be cured.

• You can become a carrier, in which case, your symptoms go away but you can still pass the infection on to others.

• Permanent liver damage can occur & in extreme cases liver failure which can cause death.

• Can lead to death.

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with infected person.

• Herpes Simplex I – typically oral infection but can infect genitals through skin contact.

• Herpes Simplex II- typically genital infection but can infect mouth through skin contact.

• A swab of the area of suspected infected skin is taken & placed into a culture medium.

• A blood test can be given but is not entirely reliable.

• There is no cure.

• Medications can be given to prevent symptoms from occurring, available in pill form.

• As Herpes is a virus, it will stay in the body regardless of whether or not you are aware of symptoms. You can take medication for outbreaks.

• Use a condom or dental dams during sexual intercourse.

• Sometimes there are no symptoms.

• Symptoms can appear 1-30days after exposure.

• Flu-like symptoms.

• Itching of the skin before blisters appear.

• Small & painful blisters on mouth (cold-sores) or sex organs lasting from 1-3 weeks.

• From having vaginal or anal sex with a person who has HIV/AIDS.

• Occasionally but quite rarely spread through oral sex.

• Exchange of blood (or other bodily fluids) e.g. sharing of Hypodermic needles during drug taking with an infected person. Wound to wound contact.

• Exchange of bodily fluids from a mother to her infant before & during childbirth.

• Blood tests.

• Oral test – a swab of cells is taken from the inside of the cheek).
NB- If you are considering going for an HIV test you should investigate anonymous/ confidential testing, because if an insurance company sees your record & it is clear that you have been for an HIV test, regardless of whether or not you are negative, they may still refuse you certain policies or cover. HOWEVER, do not let this deter you from being tested.

• There is no cure.

• Medication is available to prolong the interval that a person with HIV infection can live without developing AIDS & its related illnesses. These medications have also been shown to delay death from AIDS.

• As an infected person keep a healthy lifestyle i.e. Cease smoking, drug use & excess alcohol intake.

• Have routine maintenance examinations.

• To prevent contracting HIV/AIDS, wear condoms during sexual intercourse. Do not use needles or other medical equipment unless you are sure that it is sterile. Do not share needles.

• Often there are no specific symptoms.

• Flu-like illness may develop within 2-6 weeks from being infected. This lasts 1-2 weeks & usually includes sore throat, fever, night sweats, lymph node swelling, throughout the body, muscle aches & a red rash over the entire body. Symptoms resolve on their own.

• Usually an infected person will remain symptom free for approx. 10 years. Possibly the only symptom encountered during this time is lymph node swelling & susceptibility to infections.

• A woman may suffer from frequent yeast infections.

• A doctor or a nurse will administer a physical examination.

• Samples are taken using a cotton-wool or a spongy swab from the penis or urethra.

• Sample of urine is taken.
NB- None of these tests should be painful but may be uncomfortable.

• Return to the doctor for check-ups once you have completed the treatment so as to ensure that the infection has gone.

• Do not have any form of sex, protected or not until the doctor has given you the all clear.

• Wear barrier contraceptives in the future during sexual intercourse.

• Often no symptoms.

• A white/cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis. This may be noticeable first thing in the morning (may only be seen as a stain in the underwear).

• Pain or burning sensation with urination.

• Feel the need to urinate frequently.

• A recurrence of NSU may be triggered by excessive friction during sex or masturbation, or by excessive alcohol consumption. Serious complications are rare but if they do occur you may experience:

• Inflammation of the testicles.

• Reduced fertility.

• Reiters Syndrome. It causes inflammation of the eyes, joints , urethra & sometimes a rash on the soles of feet & genitals.

• The doctor will examine your pelvic area for swollen or painful areas. You may be referred to a gynaecologist for specialist examinations.

• An ultrasound scan may be given if the doctor suspects that the infection has developed into an abscess.

• Laparoscopy, which may be carried out by a gynaecologist. This is a minor operation whilst you are under anaesthetic. A small cut is made usually just below the navel, to allow a gynaecologist to view your pelvic organs through a small telescopic camera.

• A course, usually only lasting 2 weeks, of antibiotics.

• Bed-rest & painkillers.

• Avoid rigorous activities including sex until any inflammation has gone.

• Use condoms during sexual intercourse.

• Go to the doctor/ nurse for regular check-ups to make sure you are clear from any infections.

• High temperature.

• Fast pulse.

• Nausea, vomiting.

• Fever, chills.

• Unusually long or painful periods.

• Vaginal discharge.

• Pain or discomfort during sex.

• Acute PID:

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Infertility due to scarring of the fallopian tubes.

• Can lead to death if untreated.

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone with crabs.

• Non-sexual contact with infected bedding, clothing, upholstered furniture & toilet seats.
NB- Pubic lice cannot travel up into the hair on the head, they travel by crawling from hair to hair, not by flying or jumping.

• A doctor will give you a physical examination as lice & eggs are visible to the naked eye.

• Lice look like miniature crabs, initially pale grey but become darker with blood engorgement.

• Eggs are white & clumpy at the bottom of the hair root that they are attached to.

• A special shampoo or lotion can be used to treat lice.

• You can choose to shave your pubic hair.

• Clothing, bedding & upholstery should be washed thoroughly.

• Itching may continue for weeks after treatment & medication can be taken to relieve it.

• Your sexual partner should be checked & treated.

• Avoid sexual contact with anyone during treatment.

• Return to the doctor for a check-up.

• Itching in the infected areas, genitals or anus.

• Black powder in underwear caused by dropping from lice.

• Brown eggs (nits) on pubic or other hair.

• Can be spread even during treatment.

• If un-checked, lice will continue to breed & multiply.

• Skin to skin contact with infected person either sexually or non-sexually.

• Contact with clothing or bedding used by infected person.

• Easily spotted by physical examination.

• Scrapings of lesions may be taken by a doctor so that evidence of burrowing & mite faeces can be found.

• A cream is applied from the neck down.

• Nodules that sometimes occur with scabies may take several months to disappear. Injections of steroids can be administered to speed resolution.

• Clothing, & bedding should be washed thoroughly.

• Itching may continue for 1-2 weeks after treatment & medication can be taken to relieve it.

• Your sexual partner should be checked & treated.

• Avoid sexual contact with anyone during treatment.

• Return to the doctor for a check-up.

• Itching & a rash will appear 2-4 weeks after the first infection. The rash will look like a series of wavy lines (where the mite has burrowed into the skin) & tiny bumps like blisters.

• First place for the rash to appear is on the hands and around the wrists.

• Rash can also occur:
- Around the waist
- Armpits
- In the crooks of the arms
- On the elbows
- On the buttocks
- Ankles & feet

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone with Syphilis.

• A mother can pass it to her infant before & during childbirth.

• Blood test.

• Specimen of fluid may be taken from any sores you may have.

• Samples are taken using a cotton-wool or spongy swab from any sores.

• Sample of urine is taken.

• Women are given an internal examination.
NB- None of these tests should be painful but may be uncomfortable.

• Usually you will be put on a 2 week course of penicillin injections, or, in some cases, antibiotic tablets.

• Treatment within the first 2 stages of the infection should cure it.

• If treatment is given in the latent stage, it can be cured. However, if there has been heart or nervous-system damage before treatment is started it may be irreversible.

• Once treatment is completed you will need to go to your clinic / surgery for regular blood tests.

• Use condoms during sexual intercourse.

• There are 3 stages to Syphilis:

PRIMARY: (very contagious)

• Approx. 21 days after infection.
1 or more painless sores appear at the part of the body where the bacteria entered…e.g. Anus & mouth; WOMEN -vulva, clitoris, opening of urethra & cervix; MEN- penis & foreskin.

SECONDARY:

• Approx. 3-6 weeks after the appearance of sores.

• Non-itchy rash covering body.

• Flat warty growths around anus & vulva (in women).

• Flu-like illness.

• Fatigue.

• Loss of appetite.

• Swollen glands.

• White patches on the tongue or roof of mouth.

• Patchy hair loss.

LATENT:

• No symptoms.

• If not treated, you may develop symptomatic late syphilis in the latent stage. This can effect the heart & nervous system.

• Brain damage & death can occur.

Chances of developing it are increased if you:

• Are pregnant.

• Wear lycra shorts or tight nylon clothes.

• Use too much vaginal deodorant or perfumed bubble bath.

• Have vaginal sex with someone who has thrush.

• You will be examined by a doctor or nurse.

• Samples may be taken with a cotton-wool or spongy swab.

• Women may be given an internal examination.

• A sample of urine may be taken.

• Return for regular check-ups.

• Uncircumcised men (who are more susceptible to thrush) should clean thoroughly under their foreskin daily.

• Use condoms during sexual intercourse.

• Irritation, burning or itching under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis.

• Redness under the foreskin or on the tip of the penis.

• Thick cheesy discharge under the foreskin.

• Difficulty in pulling back the foreskin.

• Slight discharge from the urethra.

• Discomfort when passing urine.

• Itching, soreness & redness around the vagina, vulva or anus.

• A thick, white discharge from the vagina that looks like cottage cheese & smells yeasty.

• Swollen vulva.

• Pain when having sex.

• Pain when passing urine.

• A pessary (long tablet) may be given to insert into the vagina using an applicator.

• Cream can be given for external use.

• Heterosexual sex (penis to vagina).

• Sharing of sex toys amongst women.

• Samples will be taken with a cotton-wool or spongy swab.

• A women will receive a pelvic examination.

• Use condoms during sexual intercourse.

• Clean sex toys in-between person if you are sharing them or use a new condom on them.

• Usually no symptoms.

• Burning with urination.

• Discharge.

• Irritated sensation in the penis.

• Sometimes there are no symptoms but if so they usually show 1-2 weeks after infection.

• Yellow-green frothy discharge in the vagina.

• Vaginal & labial itching, irritation & redness.

• Fishy odour form vagina.

• Painful during sex.

• Lymph node swelling in the groin.

• Burning with urination.

• Possible pain in the abdomen.

It occurs when the acidity in the vagina changes. This can be caused by:

• Sex without a condom – semen is in the vagina.

• Using vaginal deodorants or douching too often.

• Using strong detergents to wash underwear in & using too much perfumed soap or bubble bath.

• A physical examination will be done by a doctor or nurse.

• Samples will be taken with a cotton-wool or spongy swab.

• Acidity of your vagina may be measured using pH paper.

• Internal pelvic examination may be given.

• Sample of urine may be taken.
NB- None of these tests should be painful but may be uncomfortable.

• Return to the doctor for regular check-ups.

• Use a condom during sexual intercourse.

• Sometimes there are no symptoms.

• Change in vaginal discharge, possibly an increase. It may become thin & watery & change to a white/grey colour & develop a strong fishy smell particularly after sex.

• Redness or soreness in & around vagina.

• Sometimes itching or swelling around vagina.

• From having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person.

• Sharing sex toys with an infected person.

• A physical examination will be given.

• Samples will be taken with a cotton-wool or spongy swab.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably cotton clothing.

• Douching is discouraged.
-Use a condom during sexual intercourse.

• Redness & itching of the genital area & a clumped discharge that looks like cottage cheese though it may be thinner in consistency.

• Itching can be intense internal or external.

• Burning sensation with urination.

• Bread-like ‘yeasty’ smell.

• Pain during intercourse.