Sexual Health Information

Contraception is something used to prevent women getting pregnant. There is 12 different types of contraception which have been tested and approved.

Only two of these may protect from sexually transmitted diseases, which are the male and female condoms. Although both protect from STD’s the Male condom is more popular.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases that can be transmitted through body contact during sex. They are caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. They can also be known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or by their old name Venereal Diseases (VD). There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases. What they all have in common is that they can be spread by sexual contact, including vagina, anal and oral sex. The diseases discussed on this page are not a comprehensive list of all STDs, simply the most common ones.

Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is an inflammation of a man’s urethra. This inflammation can be caused by several different types of infection, the most common being chlamydia.
Signs and symptoms

NSU may be experienced months or even in some cases years into a relationship. The symptoms of NSU may include:

* pain or a burning sensation when passing urine
* a white/cloudy fluid from the tip of the penis. This may be more noticeable first thing in the morning
* feeling that you need to pass urine frequently

Often there may be no symptoms, but this does not mean that you cannot pass the infection on to your partner(s).
How NSU develops

NSU is almost always caused through sexual infection. Very rarely it can result from an allergic reaction, such as to bubble baths or washing powders or other chemicals.
Where to go for help

* Your local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic.

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* Your own GP.
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.

Genital warts are small fleshy growths which may appear anywhere on a man or woman’s genital area. They are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV).

There are more than 60 different types of HPV. Some types cause warts to grow on the genitals, others cause warts to grow on different parts of the body, such as the hands.
Signs and symptoms

After you have been infected with the genital wart virus it usually takes between 1 and 3 months for warts to appear on your genitals.

You or your partner may notice pinkish/white small lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear around the vulva, the penis, the scrotum or the anus. They may occur singly or in groups. They may itch, but are usually painless. Often there are no other symptoms, and the warts may be difficult to see. In women genital warts can develop inside the vagina and on the cervix. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual coloured vaginal discharge.

Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts.
How genital warts are passed on

Genital warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact. If you have sex or genital contact with someone who has genital warts you may develop them too.

They can be passed on during vaginal or anal sex.

(It is possible for warts to spread to the area around the anus without having anal sex.)
Where to go for help

* Your local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic.

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* Your own GP.
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus can affect the mouth, the genital area, the skin around the anus and the fingers. Once the first outbreak of herpes is over, the virus hides away in the nerve fibres, where it remains totally undetected and causes no symptoms.

However, in some people, genital herpes may come back (recur) on the skin surface, at or near the place where it was caught. This may be when the person is ill or run down. Some people never get another outbreak.
Types of the virus

There are two types of the genital herpes virus. Either type is infectious, but:

* Type I infects the mouth or nose. It is more likely to recur than if Type II infects this area
* Type II infects the genital and anal area, it is more likely to recur than if Type I infects this area.

Genital and anal infections used to always be caused by Type II, but Type I is becoming more common in these areas, because more people are having oral sex.
Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of the first infection usually appear one to 26 days after exposure and last two to three weeks. Both men and women may have one or more symptoms, including:

* an itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area
* small fluid-filled blisters. These burst and leave small sores which can be very painful. In time they dry out, scab over and heal. With the first infection they can take between 2 and 4 weeks to heal properly
* pain when passing urine, if it passes over any of the open sores
* a flu-like illness, backache, headache, swollen glands or fever.

At this time the virus is highly infectious.

Recurrent infections are usually milder. The sores are fewer, smaller, less painful and heal more quickly, and there are no flu-like symptoms.
How genital herpes is passed on

Genital herpes is passed on through skin contact with an infected person. The virus affects the areas where it enters the body. This can be by:

* kissing (mouth to mouth)
* penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus)
* oral sex (from the mouth to the genitals).

At this time the virus is highly infectious.
Where to go for help

* Your local sexual health (GUM) clinic.

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* Your own GP.
* The Herpes Viruses Association - for information and support for people who have herpes - tel. 0845 123 2305 (UK local rate).
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.

How it’s spread

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be spread in the following ways:

* by sharing contaminated needles or other drug-injecting equipment. If you have ever shared drug-injecting equipment, you may want to be tested for hepatitis C
* by using non-sterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing
* by unprotected sex which draws blood with someone who is infected. Also, if you have sex with an infected woman who is on her period, or if you have sex with someone who is infected and who has sores on their genitals that may bleed. Sexual transmission is not a common way of becoming infected with hepatitis C
* on rare occasions, from an infected mother to her baby, mainly during delivery. The risk may be greater if the mother is also infected with HIV
* through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested for the hepatitis C virus. All blood for transfusion in the UK is tested.
* by sharing notes used to snort cocaine.

Signs and symptoms

People may have no symptoms at all, but they can still pass on the virus to others. Symptoms, though not common, may include:

* a short, mild, flu-like illness
* nausea and vomiting
* diarrhoea
* loss of appetite
* weight loss
* jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
* itchy skin.

Some people may need to be admitted to hospital.

Current evidence suggests that only about 20% of individuals who have been infected with the hepatitis C virus appear to clear the virus from the blood, whilst about 80% will remain infected and can pass on the virus to others. If a person continues to be infected over a number of years with the hepatitis C virus, they could develop the following complications:

* chronic hepatitis
* liver cirrhosis
* liver cancer.

Where to go for help

* Your local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any NHS clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics do not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* A hospital Accident and Emergency department.
* Your own GP
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.

How it’s spread

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is very common worldwide. It is very infectious.

The virus can be spread in the following ways:

* by unprotected (without a condom) penetrative sex (when the penis enters the anus, vagina or mouth) with someone who is infected. Also by sex which draws blood with someone who is infected
* by sharing contaminated needles or other drug-injecting equipment
* by using non-sterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing
* from an infected mother to her baby, mainly during delivery. Immunisation of the baby at birth prevents the transmission of hepatitis B
* through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested for the hepatitis B virus. All blood for transfusion in the UK is tested.

Signs and symptoms

People may have no symptoms at all, but they can still pass on the virus to others. Symptoms may include:

* a short, mild, flu-like illness
* nausea and vomiting
* diarrhoea
* loss of appetite
* weight loss
* jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
* itchy skin.

Some people may need to be admitted to hospital.

Most adults infected with the hepatitis B virus fully recover and develop life-long immunity. Between 2% and 10% of individuals infected as adults will become chronic carriers, which means they will be infectious to others and can develop chronic liver damage. Infected children, especially new-born babies, are much more likely to become chronic carriers.

If a person continues to be infected over a number of years with the hepatitis B virus, they could develop the following complications:

* chronic hepatitis
* liver cirrhosis
* liver cancer.

Where to go for help

* Your local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic.

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any NHS clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)

If appropriate, these services may refer you to a hepatologist or specialist gastroenterologist.
* A hospital Accident and Emergency department
* Your own GP
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.

How it’s spread

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a common infection in many parts of the world. It is possible to become infected through eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

The hepatitis virus is found in faeces. It can be passed on if even a tiny amount of faeces from a person with hepatitis A comes into contact with another person’s mouth.

This means the virus can also be passed on sexually through practices such as rimming. Personal hygiene, with careful hand washing, can minimise the risk of the virus being passed on.
Signs and symptoms

People may have no symptoms at all, but they can still pass on the hepatitis virus to others. Symptoms may include:

* a short, mild, flu-like illness
* nausea and vomiting
* diarrhoea
* loss of appetite
* weight loss
* jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces)
* itchy skin.

Some people may need to be admitted to hospital.
Where to go for help

* Your local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic.

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any NHS clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of syphilis are the same in both men and women. They can be difficult to recognise and may take up to 3 months to show after having sexual contact with an infected person. Syphilis has several stages. The primary and secondary stages are very infectious.
Primary stage

One or more painless sores appear at the place where the syphilis bacteria entered the body. On average, this will be after 21 days. You may not notice them.

These sores can appear anywhere on the body but mainly:

* on the vulva (lips of the vagina), the clitoris and around the opening of the urethra (the water passage)
* on the cervix (neck of the womb) in women and on the penis and foreskin in men
* around the anus and mouth (both sexes)

The sore (or sores) is very infectious and may take from 2 to 6 weeks to heal.
Secondary stage

If the syphilis infection remains untreated the secondary stage usually occurs 3 to 6 weeks after the appearance of sores. The symptoms include:

* a non-itchy rash covering the whole body or appearing in patches
* flat, warty-looking growths on the vulva in women and around the anus in both sexes
* a flu-like illness, a feeling of tiredness and loss of appetite, accompanied by swollen glands (this can last for weeks or months)
* white patches on the tongue or roof of the mouth
* patchy hair loss

When these symptoms are present, syphilis is very infectious and may be sexually transmitted to a partner.

Treatment at any time during these first two stages of syphilis will cure the infection.
Latent stage

Latent syphilis refers to the presence of untreated syphilis. You can have no symptoms or signs of the infection, which is diagnosed by a positive blood test. If left untreated, you may develop symptomatic late syphilis. This would usually develop after more than 10 years. It is then that syphilis can affect the heart, and possibly the nervous system.

If treatment for syphilis is given during the latent stage the infection can be cured. However, if there has been heart or nervous-system damage before treatment is started this may be irreversible.
How syphilis is passed on

Syphilis can be transmitted by:

* having sex with someone who has the infection
* a mother to her unborn baby

Where to go for help

* Your local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic.

You can find details of your nearest NHS sexual health clinic in the phone book under genito-urinary medicine (GUM), sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). Or phone your local hospital and ask for the ’special’ or GUM clinic. Our help and advice page links to websites which can tell you where to find your nearest clinic.

You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country - you don’t have to go to a local one - and you don’t have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)
* Your own GP.
* If you are in the UK, go to www.playingsafely.co.uk to find details of STD clinics.