Question 1

What are some of the symptoms that I can be treated for?

Accepted Answer

Most STIs do not have symptoms, at least in the first few months of infection, but can cause long-term health problems if they are not treated. The common symptoms that can often go away with treatment include:

Itching or feeling uncomfortable in your genital area
Unusual discharge through the urethra or vagina
Burning sensation when passing urine
Urgency to pass urine and increased frequency
More frequent urination at night time
Ulcer, blister, spot, blemish, or break in the continuation of the skin or mucus
Swelling in the testes or vulva
Rash which can be red, flat or raised, itchy or non-itchy, painful or painless
Bleeding in between periods and after intercourse
Blood in urine
Difficulty or pain during sex
Pain during ejaculation
Pain in the vulva, clitoris or testicular area

For more information, please see the page for each STI.

Question 2

Are sexually transmitted infections common?

Accepted Answer

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are extremely common. Here are some statistics:

1 in 10 women in the age group of 16 to 20 have a Chlamydia infection
1 in 10 men in the age group of 20 to 24 have a Chlamydia infection
Syphilis has recently come back with a fifty-fold increase in its prevalence
More heterosexuals than homosexuals are becoming newly infected with HIV each year
The incidence of Gonorrhoea, Trichomonas, Hepatitis B, and C have all increased in the last year.
1 in 5 sexually active people have Genital Warts and/ or Herpes Type 2 virus
The age group chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis infections are increasing fastest in is those aged 50 and over.

Question 3

Why get tested for an STI or HIV?

Accepted Answer

Many STIs are asymptomatic for long periods of time. This means that you may be unaware that you are infected. Most people with an STI do not have any symptoms.

This may mean that your last partner did not know they had an STI and has passed it on to you. If you do not get tested then you may risk infecting your next partner.

However, serious additional medical risks also top the list of reasons to get tested. Among these potential consequences are:

Infertility: Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are the most important preventable causes of infertility. Other infections can increase the risk of miscarriage and pre-term pregnancy.

Increased risk of Cancer in men: Men with a history of Gonorrhoea are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Increased risk of Cancer in women: HPV Types 16 and 18 are found in most cases of cervical cancer in women. The HPV virus is passed on through sexual contact.
Increased risk of Cancer in men and women: Persistent HPV infections are now recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer, and may play a role in some cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis, mouth, throat, and oropharynx.

Increased risk of HIV and other infections: STIs are the primary risk factor in HIV transmission among heterosexuals. Individuals who are infected with STIs are at least two to five times more likely than uninfected individuals to acquire HIV infection if they are exposed to the virus through sexual contact.
STIs can be passed from Mother to Child during pregnancy: STIs can be passed on before, during, or after the birth from the mother to the baby. This can lead to an increase in the risk of death or disability. They can also cause: Severe neurological damage, mental retardation or death, miscarriage, pre-term delivery, blindness, eye infections, pneumonia, general deformities, delay in development, and seizures.

Question 4

Why should I be treated for STIs?

Accepted Answer

Most STIs do not present any signs or symptoms, especially in the first weeks and months following a new infection. They can have significant health consequences in the long term.

Chlamydia when left untreated can result in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Men can have inflammation of the testes, and prostate and suffer from infertility.

Syphilis if left untreated can cause heart failure and mental health disorders in the long term.

HIV can destroy your immune system and can result in opportunistic infections and cancers. It can even be fatal if not treated in a timely manner.

Hepatitis B and C, over many years, can cause liver failure and may require a transplant.

It is important to test for STIs regularly so that you can get any treatment that you need.

Question 5

Can I get an STI from kissing?

Accepted Answer

The most common STI you can catch during a kiss is Herpes. It is usually Herpes type 1. It most often happens when one person has a cold sore in the corner of their mouth (an active Herpes outbreak) and kisses someone else.

It is possible to catch Syphilis from kissing if one person has a chancre (syphilis sore) at the time of the kiss.

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