Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Unleash Your Power: A No-Nonsense Guide to STIs!
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) aren't just a topic for hushed conversations—they demand our full attention! Forget the usual suspects like BV, Thrush, and Cystitis; STIs are the real deal, playing in the big leagues of vaginal and urinary systems.
Get ready for the lowdown on the most common STIs—symptoms, risks, and how to keep them at bay. Knowledge is your weapon, and this guide is your ammo. Take charge, stay informed, and make smart choices for your sexual health! It's time to level up, and we've got your back.
Let's Get Nerdy!...
Sexually Transmitted Infections include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Trichomoniasis
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STI.
It is caused by having unprotected sex with a partner who is infected. In most women there are no symptoms, but if you have an unusual discharge that is not obviously Thrush or BV, you have pain in your tummy and bleeding after sex or in between your periods, you should go to your doctor or to the STI clinic.
Chlamydia can cause serious problems like infertility and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or if pregnant, an ectopic pregnancy (where the foetus tries to grow in the fallopian tube). It is quite treatable with a short course of antibiotics so if you are sexually active you should take a visit to your GP or to the STI clinic every year for a simple swab test to make sure you don’t have it. The NHS recommends that all sexually active young women under 25 should have a yearly Chlamydia test. For your own sexual health, always use a non-spermicidal condom – it protects you from STI’s and it helps to stop your Vaginal Microbiome and vaginal pH from becoming unbalanced.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by a bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. After Chlamydia, it is the second most common sexually transmitted infection though it is much more common in gay and bisexual men than in women. Gonorrhoea is spread by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be passed from one person to another via infected sex-toys.
The symptoms of gonorrhoea are a thick green or yellow discharge from your vagina and pain when you go for a pee. In pre-menopausal women it can cause bleeding between periods It is important to be aware that gonorrhoea can be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby so if you are pregnant and suspect that you might have this infection, you must seek treatment immediately.
You can protect yourself against gonorrhoea by using a non-spermicidal condom and if you share sex toys with your partner, making sure that they are clean before you use them cover them with a condom. If you think you have gonorrhoea, you must see your doctor or go to an STI clinic as soon as possible. Gonorrhoea can be successfully treated by an antibiotic injection.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. It can be passed to you by unprotected sex with someone who has the infection. The symptoms of syphilis can go unnoticed and can change over time.
Symptoms of syphilis include:
- small sores on your vagina, or around your bottom (anus) – these are usually painless and you may only have one of them
- sores in other areas, including in your mouth or on your lips, hands or bottom
- white or grey warty growths most commonly on your vagina or around your anus
- a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body. This rash doesn’t usually itch.
- white patches in your mouth
- flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness
After becoming infected, syphilis can stay in the body for many years without causing any symptoms. The infection can become active again and if it is not treated syphilis can cause damage to the heart, brain or other organs. This damage can be life threatening.
Syphilis can be treated by antibiotics. If you think that you may have syphilis, see your doctor or go to an STI clinic as soon as you can.
You should not have sexual contact if you think you have an STI until it has been treated or you have the all-clear.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a virus that can be spread by having sex with an infected person. In most cases (9 out of 10) HPV comes and goes causing you no problems at all.
In some cases it can turn into Genital Warts or into Cervical cancer. Genital warts look like small bumps in and around your vulva and vagina. They can be flat, raised or like little cauliflowers. A doctor will be able to diagnose these with an examination.
HPV can cause cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus or in the back of the throat from oral sex. HPV is best prevented rather than treated.
The best way to prevent HPV is to:
- Have the HPV vaccine. A large study showed a 90% reduction in Cervical cancer in women who had been vaccinated. This is the easiest and best way to prevent HPV and it is available free of charge on the UK National Health Service (NHS) for all girls under the age of 25.
- Wear a condom. The protective barrier of a condom is very effective at stopping transmission of the HPV virus. Use a non-spermicidal condom as this will not affect your vaginal microbiome.
- There is growing evidence that a healthy vaginal microbiome, dominated with Lactobacillus is important in the prevention and clearance of HPV infections.
All cancers are best treated as early as possible. It is recommended that women have a HPV cervical screening test every 3 years between the age of 25-49 and every 5 years after the age of 50 – 65.
Trichomoniasis
In the UK, Trichomoniasis (often called Trich) is relatively uncommon, with just 6000 case compared to the 600,000 infections per year of Chlamydia.
It is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis and is much more common in women than in men. Most cases of Trich have no symptoms and cause no problems. The most common symptoms are a clear and yellowish or greenish coloured discharge that smells bad. It can cause intense itching and pain when having sex or when having a pee.
An infection can last for months or even years if you don’t see a doctor and get it treated. If you think that you have Trich, you should see your doctor or visit an STI clinic.
The treatment for Trich is an antibiotic. It is usually very effective but you must not have sex again until you have completed your course of treatment. Re-infection is common and usually because your partner has Trich too.
You may be advised to be re-tested after a few months and for your partner to be treated.
If you are treated with antibiotics, you may wish to take a vaginal microbial supplement like Perfect V to help support the balance of your vaginal microbiome after treatment.