sexual health

18 Sep 2009

:notes: I think its important to have some information on sexual health . This thread is for information purposes . Printable version Go to: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Only people who are infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can get AIDS. When someone has AIDS it means that their immune system has been badly damaged and they have developed other unusual infections or conditions as a result. Not all people who have HIV will develop AIDS and treatments for HIV infection may prevent it developing further. See also under human immunodeficiency virus. back to top B Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a heavier watery discharge from the vagina usually with a fishy smell which is often more noticeable after sex or during the menstrual period. It occurs because of an increase in some of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. The reasons for this occurring are unknown but it is not spread by sex. Some women notice that it might recur but if mild the symptoms may settle on their own. BV is diagnosed by examining specimens from the vagina. It can be easily treated using tablets or creams inserted into the vagina. Men cannot get BV and do not require treatment if their partner is infected. Balanitis Balanitis means redness a blotchy rash on the head (glans) of the penis sometimes with itching or soreness. (Picture) It is often due to not washing properly underneath the foreskin or washing too vigorously. Sometimes it is due to a reaction to something that the skin has come into contact with - such as shower gel, deodorants, chemicals. Certain skin disorders may cause balanitis and occasionally it is due to an infection such as thrush (candida). The condition often gets better by taking care of the skin, but some cases may require creams or the advice of a skin specialist. If thrush is diagnosed female sex partners may also require treatment. back to top C Candida (thrush) Candida is a yeast germ often found in the vagina, mouth, back passage (rectum) and sometimes the head (glans) of the penis. Normally it does not cause problems. However, if the yeasts start to spread both men and women may develop symptoms. The reasons for this happening are unclear. Thrush is more common during pregnancy and in people with diabetes. It may be sexually transmitted from women to men but does not appear to be spread sexually from men to women. Men: may notice of redness and burning at the tip of the penis (glans) Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½ see balanitis, and they may also notice a white discharge under the foreskin. Female partners may also require treatment. Women: may notice a thick white discharge from the vagina which also feels very itchy. The skin may sometimes be red and sore and occasionally it will sting when passing urine. Male partners do not require treatment unless they have symptoms. Candida is diagnosed by examining samples from the parts of the body thought to be infected. It is treated with creams, pessaries (vaginal tablets), or oral tablets. Chancroid A sexually transmitted infection commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical countries especially in Africa and Asia. Occassionally seen in the UK but usually Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½importedÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½ from abroad. Caused by a bacterium which produces multiple painful ulcers (sores) on and around the genitals. Easily cured with antibiotics Chlamydia Chlamydia is a germ most commonly passed on during sex being found in the fluids (semen, cum and pre-cum, discharges, vaginal moisture). It especially infects the tube from the bladder (urethra) in men and the neck of the womb (cervix) in women but may also infect the back passage (rectum) in those having anal sex. It can also infect the eyes if the infection is transferred by fingers. Chlamydia may lie unnoticed for weeks, months or years before it is detected so if it is found it does not necessarily mean that it has been caught recently. Untreated chlamydia can lead to inflammation of the womb, tubes and ovaries known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing in the tube from ovary to womb) and epididymitis (inflammation of the tiny tubes beside the testicles). Occasionally infertility may develop in both women and men. Women may pass on chlamydia to their baby during childbirth usually resulting in an eye infection. In unusual cases both men and extremely rarely women may develop pains in the joints (arthritis) called ReiterÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½s syndrome. Men: many men will notice a yellow, green or white discharge from the end of the penis commonly starting about seven Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½ 21 days after becoming infected. They may also have pain while passing urine (dysuria) or this may occur without a discharge. At least half of men diagnosed with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. Women: most women do not have any symptoms and are unaware that they are infected with chlamydia. Symptoms to be suspicious of include Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½spottingÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½ (small spots of blood from the vagina) either between periods or after sex because of inflammation of the neck of the womb, low tummy (abdominal) pain, an altered discharge from the vagina or pain passing urine (dysuria) although these often have different causes. Men and women: If the back passage is infected most people will have no symptoms although some will have inflammation of the rectum and may notice discomfort or discharge from the anus. Sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) may develop if the chlamydia germ has been passed there by fingers. Chlamydia is diagnosed from samples from the genitals, back passage or urine. It is easily cured with antibiotics but sex partners also need treatment and sex, even with condoms, must be avoided until everyone involved is treated. Crabs (Pubic lice) Crabs are small insects found in the body hair usually above the vagina or penis (pubic hair) but elsewhere (e.g. chest hair, armpits). Unlike head lice they cannot live in scalp hair. They are usually spread by close body contact (especially sex). Very rarely they can be passed by sharing beds, towels etc, but this is unusual. Many people notice an itch and small insects which look like tiny crabs clinging to the hairs, or nits (white oval eggs) sticking to their body hair. The nits will hatch after about seven days. Crabs are irritating but harmless. Crabs are diagnosed by recognising their appearance. They are easily treated by the application of a lotion to all hairy parts of the body. It is best to use the lotion twice and sexual partners should be treated. back to top E Epididymitis Epididymitis affects men when the tiny tubes besides the testicles become inflamed. This may be due to infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea or occasionally follows a bladder infection. Swelling and pain develop usually just in one testicle which is sore to touch. There may be a discharge from the penis or it is painful to pass urine. It is treated with antibiotics, pain killers and the wearing of firm supporting underpants. A check for sexually transmitted infections is recommended and sex partners should be checked and treated before having sex again. back to top G Gonorrhoea Also known as Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½the clapÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½. Gonorrhoea is spread during sex and is found in the fluids (semen, cum and pre-cum, discharges, vaginal moisture). It especially infects the tube from the bladder (urethra) in men and the neck of the womb (cervix) in women but may also infect the back passage (rectum) and the throat. Infection can also be passed to the eyes on fingers. Although gonorrhoea can lie unnoticed, especially in women in the throat and in the back passage, it usually develops symptoms within one - two weeks. Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to inflammation of the womb, tubes and ovaries known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing in the tube from ovary to womb) in women and epididymitis (inflammation of the tiny tubes beside the testicles) in men. Infertility can occur in both men and women. Some mothers may transmit the infection to their baby during childbirth. This may result in the baby being born with an eye infection caused by the gonorrhoea. Men: most men will notice a yellow, green, or white discharge coming from the tip of the penis around two Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½ 10 days after sex with someone who has gonorrhoea. Most will also complain of pain when they pass urine (dysuria) which may be severe (like Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½peeing broken glassÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½). Occasionally men with infection in the penis have no symptoms. Women: the majority of women will have no symptoms, including those who have the infection in the throat or rectum. Some women may complain of an increased vaginal discharge which may be yellow, green, white or Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½spottingÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½ (small spots of blood from the vagina) either between periods or after sex because of inflammation of the neck of the womb. Some women may notice pain when they pass urine (dysuria) or have low tummy (abdominal) pain. Men and women: infection in the back passage is often passed by anal sex but can also develop because infected material from the vagina seeps in or else infection is pushed in with fingers or other objects. There are often no symptoms although some people may notice pain or discharge at the back passage because of inflammation of the rectum. Infection in the throat, following oral sex, usually causes no symptoms although some people develop a sore throat. Pus-laden, sticky eyes (conjunctivitis) may develop if gonorrhoea has been passed there by fingers. Gonorrhoea is diagnosed by taking specimens from all parts of the body that may be infected. It can easily be cured with antibiotics but sex partners also need treatment and sex, even with condoms, must be avoided until everyone involved is treated. Granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis) A sexually transmitted infection found in tropical and sub-tropical countries and only very rarely in the UK (when imported). back to top H Hepatitis viruses A, B, C All these viruses attack the liver and may turn the skin a yellow colour (jaundice). These three infections are diagnosed by blood tests. Hepatitis A: usually caught from infected food or water, symptoms develop within two to four weeks. Not usually sexually transmitted although outbreaks have been reported in gay and bisexual men. The illness is short-lived and usually settles on its own without any ongoing problems. A vaccine is available to protect against hepatitis A and it is recommended to those travelling to countries with high levels of hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis B: most commonly spread by injecting drugs and sharing the equipment used although also spread sexually through genital fluids (cum, pre cum, semen, discharges and vaginal moisture). Higher levels of infection found in gay or bisexual men. Many people can become infected without symptoms and clear the virus, some become jaundiced and recover but a few will become a carrier of the virus (and can spread it) or develop serious liver disease. Treatment is available and a vaccination protects against becoming infected. Hepatitis C: most commonly spread by injecting drugs and sharing the equipment used. Other methods of spread are unclear but rarely include sex (probably more likely in gay and bisexual men) and possibly people living closely together. Chronic liver disease can develop but treatment is available. There is no vaccine. Herpes Herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV), the same or similar to the virus that causes cold sores (ulcers, breaks in the skin) around the mouth. It is passed by skin-to-skin contact (during sex, especially oral sex, kissing, or sometimes by even touching the genital area with fingers that have touched a sore) with someone who is carrying the herpes virus. Carriers often shed the virus without showing any signs of infection. People who are infected for the first time may begin to feel pain in the skin within two to 10 days of contact with an infected partner. However, many people have been infected with herpes and carry the virus, although they may never develop sores. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, HSV 1 which more commonly affects the mouth, and HSV 2 which usually causes sores around the penis, vagina and back passage. It is possible to get HSV2 around the mouth and HSV 1 frequently occurs around the genitals and anus. Many people get recurrences as the virus can live within the body and although it can be treated the virus cannot be removed. The first attack of herpes is usually very painful but often recurrences are much less painful and do not need any treatment. There are four stages of infection: a) skin in the genital area may feel tingly or sore b) small lumps will appear that turn into blisters c) the blisters burst and look like ulcers (breaks in the skin) d) the ulcers develop a crust and then heal over Some people say that they feel generally unwell and have flu like symptoms with a first attack. They may also complain of sore lumps in their groin (swollen glands). It is possible for women to pass herpes to their baby during childbirth with a recent first attack. This can be dangerous for the baby and it is very important that if herpes is suspected the doctor or midwife is informed. Herpes is diagnosed by taking swabs from the ulcers. There is no available test to detect carriers who may shed the virus. It can be treated with anti-viral tablets and sometimes pain killers such as paracetamol and bathing in water containing salt help. The symptoms will normally go away in about two weeks. There is no need for sexual partners to be checked, unless they have symptoms. For further information see Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½Useful linksÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½. HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)This is the virus that can lead to AIDS. It is passed on through body fluids (blood, semen, cum, pre-cum, discharges, vaginal moisture). It has also been picked up following oral sex so fluids in the mouth may transmit the infection. Men having anal sex with other men or anyone having sex with people in high-risk areas such as sub-Saharan Africa and Thailand are at increased risk of becoming infected. People who inject drugs such as heroin and share needles are also at risk of catching HIV. In the past people were infected by blood transfusions, but all blood in the UK is now checked to make sure it does not have HIV before it is given. All pregnant women in the UK are offered a blood test for HIV at their ante natal appointments. It is not passed on by normal contact (sharing cups, toilets, towels etc) and is not passed by kissing or touch. Most people who have HIV do not know that they have it. It has very few symptoms although some people complain of a Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½flu like illness or rash a few weeks after they have been infected. The immune system of many people with HIV will become damaged and if they are not given treatment they will develop AIDS. HIV is diagnosed by a simple blood test although it may take up to three months from catching the infection for the blood to show a positive test result.. The treatment given to people with HIV is very effective and allows people to live a much longer and healthier life. Some people with HIV never need treatment and remain well. Human Papilloma Virus The cause of warts Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½ see under Warts. back to top L Lymphogranuloma Venereum Until recently LGV has been considered to be a sexually transmitted infection found in tropical and sub-tropical countries and seen only very rarely in the UK (usually when imported). However since 2003 there have been increasing reports of LGV affecting homosexual and bisexual men in the UK, Europe and the USA. It usually presents as inflammation of the rectum (lower bowel) with pain, diarrhoea and bleeding. It can be diagnosed by a swab and cured with appropriate antibiotics. back to top M Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) Caused by a virus called a pox virus. It is spread by skin-to-skin contact or in warm moist situations such as gyms, swimming pools etc. The virus produces small harmless spots (MC) with a dimple in the middle that can appear anywhere on the body. It normally takes two Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½ 12 weeks to show up, sometimes longer. This is very common in children but also appears in adults in the genital area when they are usually sexually transmitted. The spots commonly disappear on their own (within 2-3 months) although they may recur. They may be unsightly and are easily treated. They are harmless to pregnant women and their babies. They are diagnosed by their appearance and there is no test to detect the virus. Treatment involves freezing the spot with a cold spray. back to top N Non-Specific Urethritis This is something only men get. It is caused by an inflammation of the urethra (tube that leads from the bladder to the tip of the penis). This is called urethritis. Non specific means that the cause is not gonorrhoea which helps in deciding on the best treatment. There are many different causes of NSU, usually germs that are sexually transmitted especially chlamydia. Other causes include reaction to physical damage (e.g. very vigorous sex and squeezing) or chemical damage (e.g. from disinfectants). Men may notice a cloudy, white or yellow discharge from the end of the penis and pain when they pass urine (dysuria) although either of these can occur on their own. NSU is diagnosed by taking tests from the penis and sometimes from a urine sample. It is treated with antibiotics but sex partners also need treatment and sex, even with condoms, must be avoided until everyone involved is treated. back to top P Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) This means infection or inflammation of the womb (uterus), ovaries and the tubes (Fallopian tubes) joining the two. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia and can lead to sterility (inability to get pregnant) or ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy develops in the Fallopian tube instead of the womb). Women usually complain of some or all of the following: low tummy (abdominal) pain, feeling sickly, pain during sex (called dyspaerunia), discharge from the vagina, and Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½spottingÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½ blood from the vagina between periods or after sex. It is usually diagnosed by an internal examination and swab tests from the genitals. Sometimes a blood sample helps. PID can be serious if not treated and it is important that antibiotics are taken and sexual partners tested and treated for any sexually transmitted infection before sex resumes, even with a condom. Pubic Lice See crabs back to top R ReiterÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½s syndrome See under SARA (sexually acquired reactive arthritis) back to top S SARA (sexually acquired reactive arthritis) Arthritis (inflammation of a joint or joints) usually triggered by urethritis - inflammation of the urethra (urinary tube) - or bowel infection. Low back pain is common with painful swelling of hips, knees and ankles frequently seen. It may occur with other complaints including conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane covering the eyes), inflammation of ligaments and tendons of the lower limbs and mild skin rashes, especially involving the soles of the feet (called keratoderma blennorrhagica). The condition is often called ReiterÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½s syndrome when the arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis occur together. The urethritis is often caused by sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, non-specific urethritis and gonorrhoea although they very rarely lead to arthritis. The bowel infections include dysentery and similar bowel disorders. The main problem for most people is the arthritis which may persist and recur over weeks, months and occasionally years. Symptoms can be relieved by taking non-steroidal inflammatory drugs but if severe it may require rheumatological advice. Scabies Caused by a tiny insect, invisible to the naked eye, called a mite that burrows into the skin. It is passed by skin-to-skin contact (e.g. in families, holding hands or sometimes during sex). It often occurs in children and places where groups of people live together (homes, schools etc). Symptoms usually start after four to six weeks following contact with someone with scabies. If the genitals are involved raised pink itchy spots appear (on the penis, skin covering the testicles and dry skin covering the lips around the vagina). There are usually different spots elsewhere, usually small, especially between the fingers and skin folds. All the spots are extremely itchy, particularly at night. It is usually diagnosed by its appearance although sometimes the mite can be seen using a microscope from skin scales. Treatment is with a lotion applied to the body from the neck down. Partners and people living closely together should also be treated. Syphilis Used to be called Ã¢ï¿½ï¿½the poxÃ¢ï¿½ï¿½. Syphilis is caused by a bacterial germ that is almost always spread sexually. It is more common in gay and bisexual men and frequently spread by oral sex. It cannot be caught by sharing crockery, bedding, toilets etc. The first sign (called primary syphilis) is an ulcer (sore, break in the skin) called a chancre which is often fairly painless and may appear in the mouth, around the genital area or back passage. It usually appears two - four weeks following infection and disappears in about 12 weeks. A rash (secondary syphilis) may then appear all over the body, sometimes with unusual ham coloured spots on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. These symptoms will also eventually disappear. Someone with syphilis can be infectious to others for about two years without appearing to have any symptoms. Without treatment people infected may develop serious illnesses affecting the brain, heart, bones, skin, liver and eyes which may occur many years later. Women can pass on syphilis to their unborn baby. All women in the UK are offered a blood test at ante natal appointments to make sure that they do not have syphilis. Syphilis is diagnosed in the early stages by seeing the bacterial germ from samples taken from the ulcers using a microscope and then by a simple blood test although this may take up to three months from catching the infection to show up. It can be cured by proper antibiotic treatment in high dosage, usually penicillin injections. back to top T Thrush See Candida Trichomonas (TV) TV is caused by a germ passed in genital fluids (semen, cum, pre-cum, discharge, vaginal moisture). It can infect both men and women but men very rarely have symptoms and therefore will not know that they have been infected. Symptoms in women are usually a green/yellow frothy discharge from the vagina with discomfort and irritation of the skin around the vagina which may look very red. TV is diagnosed from specimens taken from the vagina. It can be cured with antibiotics but sexual partners must also be treated otherwise the woman is likely to become re-infected back to top U Urinary Tract Infection Infection of the urinary system, usually the bladder, by bacteria found growing naturally in the bowel and around the anus. It is not a sexually transmitted infection although it may be aggravated by sex. Commonly occurs in women when it causes pain passing urine (dysuria) and a desire to pass urine, often in small volumes, more frequently. These symptoms are caused by inflammation of the bladder (cystitis). Young men are much less prone to UTI as the long urethra within the penis makes infection of the bladder by these bacteria less likely. However it can occur and may cause a discharge from the penis as found in non specific urethritis back to top V Venereal disease Refers only to syphilis, gonorrhoea or chancroid Vulvitis This means inflammation of the skin surrounding the opening of the vagina. It is extremely common and causes itching, discomfort and even pain. There are lots of causes, usually not related to infection. The most common cause is something coming into contact with the skin causing irritation especially if that person has sensitive skin or a tendency to allergies. In such situations it is important to consider avoiding scented or medicated soaps, bubble baths and other such washing preparations, feminine deodorant preparations, creams used incorrectly and certain external types of sanitary protection. A number of infections may cause vulvitis and the most common being candida back to top W Warts Warts are typically small fleshy growths that sometimes itch although sometimes they can be hard and flat. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is very common and usually spread by skin-to-skin contact (especially during sex) with an infected partner. People may catch the virus without the warts ever appearing and in some people the virus can lie dormant for weeks, months or years before the warts appear. When sexually transmitted warts usually occur around the genital area i.e. penis, scrotum (skin covering the testicles), vagina, vulva (lips & skin around the vagina) and anus. There are many different types of the virus, but the type that usually causes these warts is harmless and does not cause any serious illness. Warts eventually go away on their own therefore people can choose not to be treated if they wish although they are unsightly, can spread, so most prefer treatment. Partners of people with the wart virus may develop the warts themselves usually within three - nine months. Warts are diagnosed by recognising their appearance. There is no routine test for the virus or to see if people are carrying the virus. Treatment is either with a special cream to apply at home or by attending the clinic to have the warts frozen with a cold spray or special paint and the choice largely depends on the type and number of warts. Women who are pregnant often have trouble getting rid of the warts during their pregnancy, but the warts often disappear on their own after the baby is born. The warts do not usually cause any harm to the baby. There are other types of HPV virus that cause cervical cancer (cancer of tyhe neck of the womb). They are sexually transmitted but do not cause warts. There is a vaccine effective against 70% of these viral strains to be provided to all school girls from 2009

18 Sep 2009

STI CLINICS Dublin St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8 The Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases (GUIDE) Clinic Tel: (01) 4162315 / 4162316 Appointments / Emergency Walk-in Service STI Clinics General Monday & Friday - Tuesday & Thursday - (By appointment only) Young Person's Clinic (appointment) Thursday - Syphilis Screening & Treatment Tuesday & Thursday - HIV Clinics General Monday - Wednesday - New patients (Diagnostic Evaluation Unit) Wednesday - (By appointment only) Infectious Diseases Clinic Friday - (By appointment only) Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin 7 Tel: (01) 830 1122 Monday - Thursday (STI Clinic) - - Thursday (HIV Testing) - - Tuesday (Follow up medical monitoring for patients with chronic infectious diseases, including HIV) - - Baggot Street Clinic, 19 Haddington Road, Dublin 4 Tel: (01) 6602189/2227. Gay Men's Health Project Tuesday - Wednesday - Women's Health Project Wednesday - Aisling Clinic, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10 Tel: (01) 620 6010 HIV Clinic - Tuesday - City Clinic, 108 Amiens Street, Dublin 3 Tel: (01) 855 5310 HIV Testing - Monday - IFPA 5/7 Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01 - 872 7088 / 874 2110 Fax: 01 - 872 5734 OPENING HOURS Monday: - 8pm Tuesday: - 7pm Wednesday: - 7pm Thursday: - 8pm Friday: - 7pm Saturday: - 4pm Sunday: Closed CLARE Ennis General Hospital. Tel: Limerick (061) 482 382 Monday - (by appointment only) CORK Victoria Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork. Tel: (021) 4966 844 Monday/Tuesday/Thursday - Wednesday - & - All clinics are by appointment only. GALWAY University College Hospital, Newcastle Road, Galway Tel: (091) 525 200 (by appointment only) Monday - Friday - First Thursday of the month - KERRY Tralee General Hospital, Tralee, Co. Kerry Tel: Friday - By appointment only. LIMERICK Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick Tel: (061) 482 382 (by appointment only) Tuesday & Friday - & - MAYO Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel (094) 21733 Tuesday - SLIGO Sligo Regional Hospital, The Mall, Sligo Tel: (071) 70473 Tuesday - (walk-in basis) TIPPERARY Nenagh General Hospital Tel: (061) 482 382 Wednesday - (by appointment only) WATERFORD Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford Tel: (051) 845149 Monday - Thursday - NORTHERN IRELAND BELFAST Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Tel: (048 from ROI) Monday - Wednesday & Friday - Tuesday & Thursday - COLERAINE Causeway G.U.M. Clinic, Coleraine Tel: 7 Ext. 2080 (048 from ROI) Tuesday - Friday - DERRY Altnagelvin Hospital, Glenshane Rd., Derry Tel: (048 from ROI) GUM Drop-In Clinic Monday, Wednesday & Friday - Monday - Wednesday - NEWRY Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry Tel: 0, Ext. 2243 Wednesday - 12