Sexually Transmitted Infections-(Stis)
Overview
Unprotected sexual contact can lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Early detection can be key to successful treatment, as most STIs can be cured with prompt medical attention. However, if left untreated, STIs can cause unpleasant symptoms and long-term health problems.
If untreated, STIs can become more severe and cause long-term health complications. Therefore, it is crucial to get tested each time you engage in unprotected sex to protect yourself and your sexual partners from potential risks.
Our video platform can diagnose and treat pubic lice and genital herpes. However, other STIs require further tests before a determination of disease can be made. If you have tested positive for Chlamydia, our doctors can provide treatment, but Gonorrhoea, HIV and Syphilis are best treated at a Sexual Health clinic.
Chlamydia
Many people who become infected will not show any signs, making it difficult to detect. Nonetheless, men and women may feel burning when going to the bathroom or notice an odd discharge coming from their genitalia.
Females may experience stomach pain or bleeding before or during intercourse and have heavier periods than usual. For males, their testicles may become enlarged and sore.
Testing is vital after any unprotected sexual activity, even without symptoms. If left untreated, the infection can cause severe health issues, especially in women. These can include infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and reactive arthritis. Pregnant women are also at risk of harm to the foetus, including conjunctivitis and pneumonia.
Antibiotic tablets are prescribed to treat Chlamydia, and it is essential to attend a follow-up appointment to ensure that the treatment is effective.
Genital Warts
Genital warts, the second commonly occurring sexually transmitted infection in the EU, can be contracted even when using a condom, as they are passed on through skin-to-skin contact.
The virus that causes genital warts may remain in your body for up to three months before producing physical symptoms. During this time, you can spread the virus to someone else even though you may not show any signs of infection. Eventually, you may develop small, hard lumps in the genital area that may be itchy or bleed. However, having the virus does not guarantee you will have these physical symptoms.
Warts can cause embarrassment and discomfort, so it is natural to want to remove them. Treatments for warts vary from topical creams to more intense interventions such as cryotherapy and laser surgery.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia have many similarities. The symptoms are usually the same for both genders, although half of infected women and one in 10 infected men may not show any signs.
For gonorrhoea treatment, you may need to take one tablet and receive one injection of antibiotics.
If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause the same potential risks as Chlamydia, such as pregnancy and fertility complications.
Pubic Lice
Contrary to popular belief, lice, specifically pubic lice, are not caused by poor hygiene but by sexual contact. This means that no one is exempt from the possibility of contracting them.
Pubic lice are small, approximately two millimetres long, and can be seen in the pubic hair. They attach their eggs to the hair, which take up to a week to hatch into adult lice.
In addition to itching, you may notice raised, blue or red bite marks on your skin. If you scratch the bite marks, it could cause further irritation or skin inflammation.
It would be best to use a special shampoo twice weekly to treat your condition. This will ensure that any active lice are eliminated, as well as any eggs that may have hatched since the first application.
Genital Herpes
Viruses such as herpes simplex cause cold sores. It can result in blisters on the genital area and pain when urinating. Nonetheless, most of those who contract herpes do not display any sores.
Herpes is a virus that can't be eliminated from the body. People with this virus may experience periodic outbreaks, which can be brought on by stress, illness, alcohol and a suppressed immune system. Recurrences of outbreaks may occur numerous times over the next several years.
If sores develop, antiviral tablets can be taken up to five times daily to manage the issue. This may be necessary if the sores are severe.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually contagious infection spread through contact with an infected person's sores on the genitals or around the mouth. These sores are the most common way for the virus to be transmitted.
In addition to painful sores, a rash may appear on your hands and feet. You may also notice white patches inside your mouth and experience symptoms like the flu.
If syphilis is diagnosed early, it can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, however, it can result in severe and irreversible damage to the body, including meningitis, stroke, dementia, vision problems, heart disease, and even death.
HIV
HIV weakens the body's immune system, making it harder to fight against diseases and infections it would generally be resistant to.
When a person is infected with HIV, they may experience symptoms that are similar to having a bad case of the flu, such as fever, fatigue, and a rash. HIV can be treated with medication, but if it is left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, which is a condition in which the immune system is too weak to fight off other infections.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV, but its symptoms can be managed with long-term antiviral medication. This medication must be taken regularly to control the virus and help prevent further health problems.
Consult a doctor today
If you are concerned that you may have contracted an STI, getting tested and receiving treatment immediately is essential to prevent any long-term effects. Our doctors are here to help you understand the best ways to protect yourself against STIs and provide the guidance and advice you need to take the following steps. Contact us today for a consultation.
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