Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs, are infections that are primarily, though not exclusively, transmitted by sexual intercourse. After the common cold, STDs are probably one of the most common types of infection, and most can be easily and successfully treated.

The more common STDs include Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Non Specific Urethritis (NSU), genital Herpes, genital warts, Thrush, Trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis. Syphilis and AIDS, though not common, are serious and further information about them can be obtained from your local hospital's Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic or `special' clinic.

Gonorrhoea
  • This a bacterial infection that can affect the vagina, cervix, and in both sexes, the urethra and rectum. This bacterium cannot survive outside the body, so it cannot be caught from toilet seats, swimming pool areas or by sharing towels or kitchen items such as spoons, cups etc. Men with gonorrhoea may develop yellowish discharge from the end of the penis, discomfort on passing urine, or an irritation or discharge from the anus or back passage.

  • Women may not notice any symptoms until the infection spreads to the cervix. A watery or yellow to green vaginal discharge may be present, and again pain or discomfort on passing urine.

  • Treatment is simple. Antibiotics such as penicillin, given as a tablet or injection usually clears up the infection. The doctor will usually ask you to return for follow up checks to ensure that the disease is totally cleared and to make sure that no other STD is present.

Chlamydia
  • This is one of the commonest STDs. It affects the genitals and rarely the eyes and throat. Symptoms may be similar to Gonorrhoea, but often in women Chlamydia can be present internally without causing any obvious symptoms until it spreads to the cervix or other pelvic organs, where it may cause infertility.

  • Treatment with antibiotics usually clears the disease within a couple of weeks.

Non Specific Urethritis (NSU)
  • This is an inflammation of the urethra, the tube which connects the bladder to the exterior. It can be caused by several different organisms one of the commonest being chlamydia. As with other STDs, the symptoms include pain on passing urine and a white cloudy discharge from the end of the urethra.

  • Treatment can be difficult, because in many cases the exact cause of the infection cannot be indentified. Nevertheless, antibiotics cure about 85% of cases.

Genital Herpes
  • Caused by a virus, this produces small, itchy, painful blisters on the genitals which take 10 to 20 days to clear. Headache, fever and feeling unwell are also common symptoms.

  • This condition cannot be cured, but antiviral drugs can limit the severity and length of the illness. About 15% of sufferers luckily do not get any further attacks, whereas others may suffer several flare ups annually for several years. As the herpes virus may be implicated in cervical cancer, women with genital herpes should have cervical smears performed annually.

Genital Warts
  • These are small fleshy growths which appear on the genitals, usually about three months after sexual contact with an infected person. These warts are caused by a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus, which like the herpes virus has been implicated in cervical cancer.

  • The commonest treatment involves painting the warts with a liquid called podophyllin, which should be applied by doctor or nurse. Warts may be slow to clear so do attend your follow up appointments.

Thrush, Trichomonas and Vaginosis
  • These common infections cause vaginal discharge and/or vaginal itchiness. A swab taken by the doctor will confirm which infection is causing the discharge and then the appropriate antibiotic or antifungal therapy will be prescribed.

Note: If you feel you might have caught a STD, contact your local hospital which will probably have a `special' clinic or Genito Urinary Medicine clinic. You don't need a letter from your doctor, and the clinic will not usually inform your doctor of your attendance there. The service is totally confidential.

IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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