“Sex is great, but safe sex is better“
By
[S]exual Health Week upon us, which means it’s time to have that awkward STI chat.
You might be in a loving relationship or think you’re a few decades past your sexual prime, but the STI talk isn’t just for teenagers. According to research last year there has been a surge in sexually transmitted infections in the over 45s (with a dramatic 25% increase in STI diagnosis in women over 65s).
Meanwhile, back in December, it was reported that a third of Brits with an STI caught it while in a relationship – the survey also revealed 39% of people didn’t tell their partner they had an infection.
STIs have been with us for centuries. In the past mercury, arsenic and sulphur were used to treat venereal disease – which had serious side-effects, including death due to mercury poising. The introduction of Penicillin and modern medicine in the 20th century meant, thankfully, the big difference now is that greater awareness and modern medicine means they can be treated much more effectively.
Prevention and education is best practice, so here are what you need to know about six of the more commonly-known STIs…
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK mainly due to many people not knowing that they have it. Symptoms can vary between men and women and most have no symptoms at all.
Men can experience pain or burning whilst urinating, cloudy discharge from the tip of their penis, and discomfort in their testes.
Women can sometimes experience a similar discomfort when urinating and discharge from their vagina, pain and/or bleeding during or after sex, and heavier or irregular periods. Usually though, they have no symptoms at all.
If chlamydia is untreated it can lead to serious pelvic infections and infertility so it is very much worth getting checked regularly.
How to treat it
Chlamydia can be diagnosed through a simple urine test, and fortunately can be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
2. Genital Warts
Genital warts are the second most common STI and can be identified as small fleshy growths around the genitals or anal area. The warts are generally not painful, however may be itchy and irritable. While condoms are the best preventative method for genital warts because they are spread by skin-to-skin contact the area around the genitals my still become infected.
Treatment
Creams and freezing can get rid of them.
3. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common infection and is caused by the same virus that causes cold sores (HPV).
Symptoms can occur a few days after infection and can generally be identified by small uncomfortable blisters which can really hurt – making urinating or just moving around very uncomfortable. The blisters go away by themselves after about 10 days but very often come back again whenever your immunes system gets a bit low or distracted.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for genital herpes, however each attack can be very effectively managed by using anti-viral medications which you can get from your doctor. Try to have the medications on hand because the sooner you use them in each attack the better they will work.
4. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. It can spread easily through intercourse, the symptoms are similar to those of chlamydia except usually more pronounced. If the person experiences discharge from their penis or vagina it can either be yellow or green in colour and there can be quite a lot of it.
Like Chlamydia though, the symptoms are not always present.
Treatment
The infection can be identified through a swab or urine test, and can be treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, bacteria is getting resistant to more and more antibiotics and treatment is getting more difficult. Right now, though it is still well treated with an antibiotic injection.
5. Pubic lice or ‘crabs’
Crabs have commonly been seen as the funny STI and are often the punch line to many a joke. But as with all STIs, the reality really isn’t very funny.
Also known as pubic lice, crabs can be easily spread through bodily contact. They are usually found in pubic, underarm and body hair, as well as in beards and sometimes in eyebrows and eyelashes. The lice crawl from person to person, and can take weeks to become visible. They are usually spotted due to itchiness and in some cases people can find eggs in their hair.
Treatment
Pubic Lice can usually be treated using creams or shampoos which can be purchased readily from pharmacies.
6. HIV
Of all the STIs mentioned HIV probably is the most famous and feared. In the 1980s having HIV was effectively a death sentence and, tragically, it brought with it huge stigma. Thankfully, today modern drugs have had a huge impact on the HIV community, enabling them to live happy and healthy lives. But what is it?
HIV is a virus which attacks the immune system and is most commonly spread through unprotected sex. Many people with HIV appear healthy and do not display any symptoms, but they may experience a flu-like illness with a fever when they first become infected.
The final stage of HIV is AIDS, this is where the immune system is no longer able to fight against infections and diseases.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for HIV – however, modern medicine has come a long way enabling people to live long and otherwise normal lives.
Sex is great, but safe sex is better. If you’re concerned about STI’s visit your local sexual health clinic for a screening.
Complete Article HERE!