Common infections
It only takes one unprotected episode!
You could get infected with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) via sexual intercourse, close sexual contact, including oral sex or genital contact with an infected partner. You don’t have to sleep around to get an STI, it only takes having sex once with someone who’s already infected.
It’s easy to stay clear – protect yourself with free condoms. But if you are worried you might have put yourself at risk, get tested and treated. Check the Clinic Locator to find the your nearest Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) or Sexual Health Clinic.
Most common STIs
Most common bacterial STI, symptoms are rare. Please see chlamydia page for more information.
Genital warts –
What are they?
Genital warts are small fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes that appear on or around the genital or anal area. Genital warts are the result of a viral skin infection that is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Genital warts are usually painless and do not pose a serious threat to a person’s health. However, they can appear unsightly and cause psychological distress.
Treatment
There are several treatments available to get rid of the warts, such as creams and cryotherapy (freezing the warts) and they have a good rate of success. But there is no cure for the virus so it Is possible for warts to return in the future!
Genital herpes –
What is it?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2. It causes painful blisters to appear on the genitals and the surrounding areas. It is a chronic (long-term) condition, with most individuals having recurrences.
Symptoms
- painful red blisters that burst to leave open sores around your genitals, rectum (back passage), thighs and buttocks
- blisters and ulcers on the cervix (lower part of the womb) in women
- vaginal discharge in women
- pain when you pass urine
- a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or over
- a general feeling of being unwell, with aches and pains
These symptoms may last for up to 20 days. However, the sores will eventually scab and heal without leaving any scarring.
Treatment
There is no actual cure for genital herpes but sufferers are given anti-viral medicines to stop it multiplying.
Gonorrhoea –
What is it?
Gonorrhoea is bacterial STI, similar to Chlamydia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gonorrhoea usually show up within two weeks of being infected, but it is possible to not experience any!
In women, symptoms of gonorrhoea can include:
- an unusual discharge from the vagina, which may be thick, and green or yellow in colour
- pain when passing urine
- pain or tenderness in the lower abdominal area (this is less common)
- bleeding between periods or heavier periods (this is less common)
In men, 90% will experience symptoms after they are infected, which can include:
- an unusual discharge from the tip of the penis, which may be white, yellow or green
- pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- inflammation (swelling) of the foreskin
- pain or tenderness in the testicles or prostate gland (this is rare)
Treatment
Gonorrhoea is treated with antibiotics and it is important to receive medication as quickly as possible to avoid more serious health problems.
Syphilis –
What is it?
Syphillis is bacterial STI.
Symptoms
The symptoms of syphilis are the same for men and women and can be difficult to recognise. They are often mild, which means you can pass on the infection without knowing you have got it. It can form in 3 stages, and the symptoms can include:
- small, painless sore or ulcer (called a chancre)
- swollen lymph glands
- a non-itchy skin rash appearing anywhere on the body, but commonly on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- tiredness
- headaches
- fever
- weight loss
- patchy hair loss
- joint pains
These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks, or come and go over a period of months. Untreated syphilis may, after many years, start to cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, other internal organs, bones and nervous system. At this stage syphilis can lead to death.
Treatment
Syphilis is treated with penicillin or antibiotics and it is important to receive medication as quickly as possible to avoid more serious health problems.
HIV & AIDS – HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, causing high risk of getting a serious infection/disease. AIDS is the later stage of HIV when the immune system stops working.
Please see the HIV & AIDS page for more information.
