Guide to STIs

Understanding sexual health is essential for maintaining well-being and fostering healthy relationships. Having accurate information allows individuals to make informed choices about safe sex and their bodies, relationships, and overall health. This glossary provides a comprehensive guide to common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safer sexual practices, helping to spromote awareness and encourage preventive measures.

Sexual health encompasses more than just avoiding infections, it includes physical, emotional, and social well-being related to sexuality. Open and honest discussions about sexual health help reduce stigma, encourage regular testing, and promote healthy behaviours. Education about STIs is crucial, as many infections can be asymptomatic and go undetected without routine screening.

Left untreated, some STIs can lead to serious health complications, including infertility, chronic pain, and increased vulnerability to other infections. Fortunately, most STIs are manageable with proper medical care, and many are entirely preventable with vaccinations, barrier methods, and responsible sexual practices.

One of the most effective ways to maintain sexual health is through communication. Talking openly with sexual partners about STI status, testing history, and protection methods creates a safer and more informed experience for everyone involved.

Additionally, regular health check-ups, including STI testing, should be a routine part of sexual wellness, just like any other aspect of personal health care.

The stigma surrounding STIs often prevents individuals from seeking medical help or discussing their concerns with partners. It is important to remember that STIs are medical conditions, not moral failings. Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI (nobody is immune), and seeking treatment is a responsible step toward health and well-being.

 

What Are STIs?

STIs (sometimes called STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases) are infections that spread through sexual contact, including vaginal and oral sex. Some can also be passed through non-sexual means, such as from mother to baby during childbirth or through shared needles.

While the idea of an STI can sound scary, most are treatable, and many can be cured entirely. The key is to be aware, get tested regularly, and seek treatment when needed.

 

What the Difference Between STI and STD?

STD:

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. The term 'disease' suggests the presence of symptoms. Therefore, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are only classified as diseases when symptoms such as sores, itching, or discharge occur.

 

STI:

Now the preferred term in sexual health discussions, STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. The shift from 'disease' to 'infection' was made to help reduce stigma and to recognise that most of these infections do not cause noticeable symptoms.

 

Are STIs curable or treatable?

Curable: 

A curable STI is one that can be completely eliminated with appropriate treatment. Some examples of curable STIs include:

• Gonorrhea
• Pubic lice
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis.

These infections can be treated effectively, and it’s essential to do so, as leaving an STI untreated can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or even death, especially in the case of syphilis.

This is why it's crucial to get tested after each new sexual partner. If you test positive, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to establish a suitable treatment plan.

Read more: STIs Terminology Glossary

 

Treatable:

While some STIs cannot be fully cured, they can still be managed. This means that the symptoms of the infection can be controlled through medication and/or lifestyle adjustments. Treatable STIs include:

• HIV
• HSV
• HPV
  

Managing, rather than curing an STI may involve taking antiviral medication such as valacyclovir or acyclovir. These medications can be used either daily (suppressive therapy) or at the first sign of an outbreak (intermittent therapy). The best approach for you will depend on factors like medication costs and how often you experience outbreaks. Additionally, studies suggest that stress can increase the frequency of outbreaks in people with HSV (genital herpes), so managing stress levels is another crucial part of treatment.

 

 

Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in the UK

 

Chlamydia

Overview:

Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It's prevalent among sexually active individuals, particularly those under 25.

 

Transmission:

The infection spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. Pregnant women can also transmit chlamydia to their babies during childbirth, potentially leading to eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.

 

Symptoms:

Often termed a "silent" infection, chlamydia frequently presents no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• In Women: Abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation during urination, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between periods.
• In Men: Discharge from the penis, burning during urination, and testicular pain or swelling.

 

Complications:

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health issues:

• Women: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
• Men: Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), potentially leading to infertility.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosis involves laboratory tests, such as urine samples or swabs from the affected area. Chlamydia is treatable with prescribed antibiotics. It's crucial to complete the full course of medication and abstain from sexual activity until the infection is cleared. Regular screening is recommended, especially for those with new or multiple partners.

 

Prevention:

Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity significantly reduces the risk of transmission. Regular STI screenings and open communication with sexual partners about health and STI status are also vital preventive measures.

 

Gonorrhoea

Overview:

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It commonly affects the urethra, cervix, rectum, and throat.

 

Transmission:

The infection is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual. Mothers can also pass gonorrhoea to their infants during childbirth, potentially causing severe eye infections in newborns.

 

Symptoms:

Many individuals with gonorrhoea may not exhibit symptoms. When present, symptoms can include:

• In Women: Increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, intermenstrual bleeding, and pelvic pain.
• In Men: White, yellow, or green penile discharge, painful urination, and testicular pain or swelling.

 

Complications:

Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to:

• Women: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
• Men: Epididymitis, potentially causing infertility.
• Both: Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), affecting joints and skin.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests, including urine samples or swabs from the affected area. Gonorrhoea is treatable with antibiotics; however, some strains have developed resistance, making treatment more complex. It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions and ensure all sexual partners are informed and treated to prevent reinfection.

 

Prevention:

Using condoms consistently and correctly during all forms of sexual activity reduces the risk of transmission. Regular screenings and honest discussions with partners about STI statuses are crucial components of prevention.

 

Syphilis

Overview:

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It's known for its varied symptoms and progression through distinct stages.

 

Transmission:

Syphilis spreads through direct contact with syphilitic sores, known as chancres, during vaginal or oral sex. Pregnant women can transmit the infection to their newborns, leading to congenital syphilis, which can cause severe complications or stillbirth.

 

Symptoms:

Syphilis progresses through four stages, each with distinct symptoms:

1. Primary Stage: Characterized by painless sores (chancres) at the site of infection, which typically heal on their own within a few weeks.
2. Secondary Stage: Symptoms include skin rashes (often on the palms and soles), mucous membrane lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, and muscle aches.
3. Latent Stage: A symptom-free period where the infection remains in the body. This stage can last for years.
4. Tertiary Stage: If untreated, syphilis can damage the brain, nerves, heart, and other organs, leading to serious complications, including neurosyphilis.

 

Complications:

• Congenital Syphilis: Infected pregnant women can pass syphilis to their babies, leading to severe birth defects, developmental issues, or stillbirth.
• Neurosyphilis and Cardiovascular Syphilis: In the later stages, syphilis can cause neurological disorders, blindness, dementia, and heart complications.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Syphilis is diagnosed through blood tests or direct examination of sores. Early stages are easily treatable with antibiotics, typically penicillin. However, late-stage syphilis damage may be irreversible. Regular testing and early treatment are crucial.

 

Prevention:

Consistent condom use, routine STI screenings, and limiting the number of sexual partners can help prevent transmission. Pregnant women should undergo syphilis screening to prevent congenital infection.

 

Trichomoniasis

Overview:

Trichomoniasis, or "trich," is a common STI caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It often affects the vagina and urethra.

 

Transmission:

Trich is transmitted through unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner. It is less commonly spread through nonsexual means, such as shared damp towels.

 

Symptoms:

Many individuals experience no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Women: Vaginal itching, frothy yellow-green discharge with a strong odor, painful urination, and discomfort during sex.
• Men: Discharge from the penis, burning during urination, and irritation inside the penis.

 

Complications:

• Increases the risk of acquiring other STIs, including HIV.
• May lead to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed through lab tests on vaginal or urethral samples. It is treated with oral antibiotics, typically metronidazole or tinidazole. Both partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

 

Prevention:

Consistent condom use, regular STI screenings, and open communication with sexual partners help prevent transmission.

 

How to Prevent STIs?

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some key ways to reduce your risk:

• Use Condoms: Male and female condoms offer excellent protection against most STIs. Free condoms are available at sexual health clinics and some pharmacies.

• Get Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine can prevent serious infections.

• Regular Testing: If you’re sexually active, routine STI checks (at least once a year or more often if you have multiple partners) are crucial.

• Limit Partners & Communicate: Reducing the number of sexual partners and having open discussions about sexual health can lower your risk.

• Avoid Sharing Needles: If you use drugs, never share needles or syringes.

 

Where to Get Tested for STIs in the UK?

Getting tested is simple, free, and confidential in the UK. Here’s where you can go:

• Sexual Health Clinics (GUM Clinics): Offer free testing and treatment for STIs.

• GP Surgeries: Some GPs provide STI testing or can refer you to a specialist.

• Online Testing Kits: Many NHS services and charities offer free home test kits for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, and more.

• Pharmacies: Some pharmacies provide rapid HIV tests and chlamydia screening.

Find out more information regarding STI testing on the NHS website.

 

 

← Previous Post