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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Signs and symptoms
Women
Symptoms of infection may show up at anytime. Often this is between 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. However, symptoms may not emerge until a long way down the line. The majority of women who are infected with chlamydia will have no symptoms at all. Possible symptoms are:
* a […]
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection. It is sexually transmitted and can infect the cervix , urethra, rectum, anus and throat.
Women
Symptoms can include:
a change in vaginaln discharge. This may increase, change to a yellow or greenish colour and develop a strong smell.
a pain or burning sensation when passing urine
irritation and/or discharge from the anus
Men
Symptoms may include:
a […]