Chlamydia

What?

Chlamydia is an STI caused by a tiny bacterium, Chlamydia Trachomatis.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK, it affects both men and women and is most common amongst 18-24 year olds.

Symptoms

Chlamydia is treatable but is very often a silent disease. Some women may experience...

• Cystitis
• A change in vaginal discharge
• mid lower abdominal pain

Some men may experience...

• Discharge from the penis
• Mild irritation at the tip of the penis

What damage can it do?

In women Chlamydia can...

• Cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause the Fallopian Tubes to block which leads to infertility in women.
• Women with PID can fall pregnant but the risk of Ectopic Pregnancy increases.

In men Chlamydia can...

• Affect sperm function and male fertility
• Trigger joint inflammation.

Testing

DIY Chlamydia tests are readily available around campus. Collect one from the Welfare Officer, Student Advice Centre or University Health Service.

You can also request a free postal Chlamydia test today at www.freetest.me

Gonorrhoea

What?

Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that can grow and multiply easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes in women and the urethra in both men and women.

Gonorrhoea is a very common STI and is spread through contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus. Ejaculation does not have to occur for Gonorrhoea to be transmitted or acquired.

Symptoms

Some men may experience no symptoms at all. However some may have signs or symptoms that appear two or five days after infection.

In men symptoms can include...

• A burning sensation when urinating
• A white, yellow or greenish discharge from the penis
• Painful or swollen testicles

In women symptoms can again, not be present or non-specific and thus can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.

In women symptoms can include...

• A painful or burning sensation when urinating
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding between periods.

What damage can it do?

In women Gonorrhoea can...

• cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and lead to Ectopic pregnancies and infertility.

In men Gonorrhoea can...

• Cause Epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may lead to infertility.

In both men and women Gonorrhoea can spread to the blood or joints and increase the risk of contracting HIV.

Testing

Testing for Gonorrhoea is available from your doctor or the GUM clinic.

Genital Warts

What?

Genital Warts are an STI caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Genital Warts can be flat with stalks, or cauliflower like and are most often seen on the genitals or the area around the rectum.

Genital Warts are very common amongst young people in their 20s.

Symptoms

Genital Warts do not appear until two to four weeks after infection and sometime months pass before the warts become visible. Genital Warts can be itchy.

In men Genital Warts...

• Often appear on the penis or underneath the foreskin

In women Genital Warts...

• Appear on the lips of the Vulva, in the Vagina or by the Urethra.

Genital Warts can also be so flat that they are invisible to the naked eye but make themselves felt through an itch and burning sensation.

What damage can it do?

Some wart types are thought to be connected to the occurrence of cell changes on the neck of the Uterus and cancer in the sexual organs. Therefore for women with Genital Warts it may be advisable to have a smear test.

Testing

A clinical examination usually does the trick but to detect invisible warts a doctor will swab the skin with acetic acid. Genital Warts can be treated through freezing.

Pubic Lice / Crabs

What?

Pubic Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in pubic hair. They are yellowy grey in colour, have a crab like appearance and are about 2mm long.

Symptoms

Some people may experience no symptoms but you may experience...

• Itching
• Black powdery droppings from the lice in your underwear
• Brown eggs on pubic or other hair
• Irritation and inflammation of the affected area
• Sky blue dots or very tiny specks of blood on the skin

Testing and Treatment

In most cases you will be able to tell by looking closely if you have Pubic Lice. Otherwise free testing is available from the GUM clinic.

Treatment is simple and involves using a special cream, lotion or shampoo.

Genital Herpes

What?

Genital Herpes is a contagious disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus which infects the skin and mucus membranes of the genitals and around the rectum.

Herpes appears as redness and small watery blisters on the genitals.

Symptoms

The first cycle of Herpes will appear four to seven days after the time of infection

• The first sign is an uncomfortable prickly and piercing sensation. A few hours or up to two days later small blisters will appear on the skin. After 2-3 weeks the blisters will turn into small ulcers.
• Other symptoms may consist of fever, muscular pains and headaches along with a burning and itching pain in the genitals and around the rectum.
• There may be discomfort when urinating.

What damage can it do?

Herpes can spread to the eyes and damage your sight.

In severe cases Herpes can spread from the genitals to the buttocks and thighs.

Oral sex can spread Genital Herpes to the mouth and throat and cause very painful tonsillitis.

Treatment

Treatments are available to slow down the virus multiplying. People who experience Herpes frequently may take continuous treatment to try reduce the occurrence and a GP may be able to prescribe this.