Most STI’s are very treatable but early detection and treatment is vital to prevent any later complications. Conditions such as chronic pelvic infection, malignant conditions, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and infections in newborn babies can arise as a result of untreated STI infection. Many STIs have no signs or symptoms. People who are infected may look perfectly healthy. However, if you are sexually active and notice any of the following conditions you should contact your doctor or STI clinic immediately.

• Unusual discharge from penis or vagina
• Pain when passing urine
• Unusual sores or blisters in the genital area
• Itching or irritation in the genital area
• Pain during intercourse

Types of STI’s

• AIDS/HIV:

  • People with HIV may have no visible symptoms. However, if left untreated, HIV can develop into AIDS. Then there may be various symptoms including pneumonia, skin lesions, night sweats and severe weight loss.
  • It remains an infectious disease, although new treatment is available which help control and suppress the virus. But there is no cure for it.

• Genital Warts:

  • These are painless fleshy growths or lumps around the genital area.
  • A liquid treatment may be applied over a period of weeks or months or the warts may be removed by freezing.
  • There may be a link between genital warts and cancer of the neck of the womb.
  • It is advisable to have an annual smear test following infection.

• Gonorrhoea:

  • Also known as “The Clap”.
  • In women; 80% have no symptoms, however some may experience vaginal discharge, abdominal pain and burning when passing urine.
  • In men; symptoms include severe pain when passing urine and discharge from the penis.
  • Only 5-10% of men have no symptoms.
  • Antibiotics clear the infection. Early detection and treatment is necessary.

• Herpes:

  • Some painful sores or blisters or itching in the genital area. Flu-like symptoms. Pain or burning sensation when passing urine.
  • No specific cure. Anti-viral tablets ease symptoms and promote healing.

• Non-Specific Urethritis (NSU):

  • May vary. A few days to six weeks after infection-abnormal discharge from the vagina, urethea, penis or back passage. Inflammation of genital area, pain or burning sensation when passing urine.
  • Antibiotics should be taken early to avoid complications.

• Chlamydia:

  • 80% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms.
  • In women, symptoms can include vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse and a burning sensation when passing urine.
  • In men, symptoms may include discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when passing urine.
  • Antibiotics treat this infection. Early treatment is essential. If left untreated, fertility may be a problem.

• Pubic lice.

  • Severe itching. Eggs (nits) on the pubic hair/underwear.
  • Special lotions are available.

• Syphillis:

  • Three stages:

    (1) sores appear in genital area within 1-12 weeks after infection,
    (2) 2-6 months later a rash may develop with flu-like symptoms.
    (3) Damage to the heart, brain and vital organs of left untreated.

  • Early treatment with antibiotics is necessary to prevent serious implication.

• Trichomonas:

  • There are often no symptoms in men. Women may experience frothy vaginal discharge, itching in the vaginal area and burning during urination.
  • There are tablets you can take to clear this up.

• Hepatitis B:

  • Symptoms often occur in two stages:
  • Up to six months after transmission of infection a person may experience flu-like symptoms, tiredness and pain in the joints.
  • Jaundice, yellowing of skin, brown urine and abdominal pain.
  • There is no specific treatment. A healthy diet and restful lifestyle may help recovery. There is also a vaccine available.

For further information and advice please follow the links below:

• www.yoursexualhealth.ie