Sexually Transmitted Disease and Infection information

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Chlamydia trachomatis is the UK's most prolific sexually transitted disease
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among men
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection on the increase
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection on the increase
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses
Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease
If abnormal vaginal discharge can be due to a sexually transmitted disease
HIV means 'human immunodeficiency virus'. It can be acquired through unprotected sex
Pubic lice are parasitic insects often found in the genital area
Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, mild viral infection that affects the skin causing small pearly white papules
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infectious disease characterized by painful ulcers
Thrush is often mistaken as an STD
A list of resources for sexually transmitted diseases and infections
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Gonorrhoea
WHAT IS GONORRHOEA?
It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
HOW IS GONORRHOEA TRANSMITTED?
  • Sexual intercourse with an infected person (vaginal, anal or oral sex)
  • Mother-to-child (during normal child birth)
  • Casual social contact and toilet seats are not recognised modes of transmission
INCUBATION PERIOD
Symptoms appear 2 to 7 days after infection
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS?
As with other sexually transmitted infections, there may be different presentations. An infected person may have no complaints or present with the following symptoms:
Males:
  • Urethral discharge: white or yellow (urethra = urinary canal)
  • Burning pain or irritation when urinating (dysuria)
Females:
  • Vaginal discharge: yellowish or greenish (vagina = birth canal)
  • Dysuria
Males And Females:
Gonorrhoea of the throat and rectum may not cause any symptoms, or may cause a sore throat and rectal discharge.
Babies
  • Conjuctivitis (infection of the eyes) may lead to blindness
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS?
Males:
Spread of infection to the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate may lead to acute or chronic infection of these organs
Females:
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
Males And Females:
  • Generalised spread of infection may involve the joints, skin and heart
HOW IS GONORRHOEA DIAGNOSED?
  • Smear test and culture from secretions of the infected parts (urethra, throat, rectum and cervix)
  • Urine tests
  • Blood tests do not help in diagnosis
WHAT IS RESISTANT GONORRHOEA?
  • It is an infection caused by strains of bacteria which are able to resist conventional doses of antibiotics
  • Some strains produce an enzyme called penicillinase that is capable of completely neutralising penicillin
CAN GONORRHOEA BE CURED?
Yes, if it is detected and treated in the early stages with appropriate antibiotics
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
  • Seek treatment immediately from your doctor who will administer the appropriate antibiotics
  • Refrain from sexual intercourse until your doctor has confirmed that you are cured
  • Do not self medicate as this will suppress the signs of infection and lead to complications due to incomplete treatment
  • Inform your doctor of any drug allergy
  • Ensure that your sexual partner(s) come for a check-up so that he/she can be treated early if found to be infected
  • Repeated infections can occur as there is no permanent immunity
WHAT IS SAFER SEX?
  • This is sex without the exchange of body fluids, e.g. vaginal secretions or semen, during sex
  • Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex
  • Do not consume alcohol before or during sex, this may impair your judgement

 

 
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