...:::Sexually Transmitted Infections:::... 



 
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Sexually transmitted infections - The Facts

Quote:
STIs are transferred from person to person 
during close physical contact and sexual intercourse. 
Most STIs can be passed on during vaginal and anal intercourse, 
oral sex and other sexual foreplay
The risk of contracting infections such as gonorrhoea 
and syphilis through oral sex is much greater than 
the risk of contracting HIV. 
However, recent studies suggest that the potential 
risk of HIV through oral sex is higher than previously estimated.
(taken from NHS Direct)

Sexually Transmitted Infections:

Are a major cause of ill health

Can cause ectopic pregnancy
(an ectopic pregnancy where the egg is 
fertilised and becomes embedded in the fallopian tubes) 
leads to potential life endangerment if not treated 
- the fallopian tube can rupture causing internal bleeding.

Can cause infertility in both Males and Females

Since 1995 there has been a marked increase 
in reported STI's - possibly down to people knowing 
more and seeking help at GU Clinics 
and Doctors Surgeries.

Pregnant women can pass on some infections to their babies

Can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Not necessarily symptomatic - 
eg A person with Herpes may never ever suffer from a 
cold sore but can still pass the STI to partners during sex

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Sexually Transmitted Infections - The Myths

Oral Sex is totally safe. 
Oral sex is often seen as the safest form of sex - It is not!

Currently the United Kingdom is suffering 
an epidemic proportion of reported cases of Syphilis 
which can live happily at the back of the throat


So what are the symptoms?

Can vary dependant on which STI is involved. 
The following list is not finite but if in doubt medical 
advice should be sought from qualified medical outlets

Unusual discharges from either Penis or Vagina. 
Can be odourless or discoloured.

Itching around the Vagina or Penis or Anus and the surrounding areas

Burning when urinating

Rashes of any kind around the genitals

Bleeding between Periods and/or heavy prolonged periods

Swollen and painful Testicles




Please note NOT EVERYONE will exhibit symptoms 
which makes it very important to practice safe sex 
for your own sake
- Don't rely on others - 
YOU are responsible for YOU

A person can still have an STI without 
developing any of the symptoms above (ie be asymptomatic) 
- prime examples of STI's which come into this 
category are Chlamydia, Herpes, Genital Warts

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A selection Box of some of the Sexually 
Transmitted Infections Out there


CHLAMYDIA. 
A white or cloudy looking discharge 
from the penis or vagina, 
pain when passing urine, and bleeding between 
periods or after sex (women only).

TRICHOMONAS VANGINALIS (TV).
Sometimes there are no symptoms, 
but if there are there is an increased yellow/ green discharge 
from the vagina with soreness. 
Men usually act as carriers and do not show symptoms.

GONORRHOEA. 
This infection can affect the genitals, 
anus, rectum and throat, 
and can affect both men and women. 
Around half of all women infected by gonorrhoea 
and over 90% of men experience symptoms, 
including a thin, watery discharge from the vagina 
or tip of the penis that can appear yellow 
or green, and pain when urinating.

NON-SPECIFIC URETHRITIS. 
Discharge and discomfort from the male urethra.

GENITAL HERPES. 
This condition often presents 
no symptoms and can remain undiagnosed for long periods of time. 
Symptoms may show in the form 
of flu-like symptoms, itchiness, burning or tingling 
around the genitals, small, fluid-filled 
blisters that burst to leave sores, and pain passing urine.

PUBIC LICE.
Symptoms include itchy skin, 
black powder (lice droppings) in underwear and white eggs.

SCABIES.
Scabies can occur anywhere on the body, 
but sometimes the signs are hard to see. 
Symptoms can appear weeks after first contact 
and include itching (especially at night), a rash and tiny spots.

HIV. 
There are no symptoms after infection. 
The only way to know if you are HIV-positive is to have a test.

SYPHILIS. 
Symptoms usually begin with a small 
sore on the penis or vagina. 
Up to six months after the 
initial symptoms occur, the patient may 
experience flu-like symptoms such as achiness and shivering.

THRUSH. 
Symptoms include intense itching around the 
penis or vagina, with a thick, white discharge likened 
to cottage cheese in women, and the 
appearance of tiny white spots around the genitals.

GENITAL WARTS. 
Few people who contract the virus 
actually show recognisable symptoms, this is 
why the infection can go undiagnosed for a long time. 
If symptoms are present they will include small white 
spots or white lumps, but they may be 
hidden inside the vagina or anus.! 


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I would like to thank my good friend Steph at 
Swingers United 
for allowing me permission to use this article.


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The Legal, The Emotional and The Medical Side

Basic First Aid Tips


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