Chlamydia
What causes it?
- Bacteria infection in semen (cum) and vaginal fluid
Symptoms?
- 70% of people have no symptoms
- Female: bleeding, pain, discharge
- Male: cloudy discharge, pain on peeing and in balls
Treatment?
- Single dose of antibiotics
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Gonorrhoea
What causes it?
- Bacteria infection in semen (cum) and vaginal fluid
Symptoms?
- 10% of Males and 50% of Females have no symptoms
- Female: discharge (watery, yellow, green), pain
- Males: white, yellow, green discharge, pain
- Very rarely: bleeding, pain in testicles
Treatment?
- Single dose of antibiotics
Syphilis
What causes it?
- Bacteria infection
Symptoms?
- 3 stages: 1st stage can involve sores that take 2-6 weeks to heal), 2nd stage can occur month or years later and symptoms include general illness, the 3rd stage that happens years later involved irreversible damage to organs such as the liver, the brain and can ultimately lead to death)
Treatment?
- Early antibiotics can prevent the chance of 2nd and 3rd stages – further treatment is beneficial but damage is permanent
Herpes
What causes it?
- Virus (like cold sores)
Symptoms?
- Can have no symptoms
- Can be flu-like
- Small, fluid filled blisters
Treatment?
- Antiviral tablets for outbreaks
Genital Warts
What causes it?
- Virus
Symptoms?
- Wart like growths on the genitals or anus
Treatment?
- Cream treatment
- Freezing
- Lazer
Non-specific Urethritis (NSU)
What causes it?
- Bacteria infection
Symptoms?
- Inflammation, pain on peeing, often no symptoms
Treatment?
- Antibiotics
Bacterial Vaginosis
What causes it?
- Bacteria
Symptoms?
- No symptoms, discharge (thin, watery, fishy smell)
Treatment?
- Antibiotics – tablets, vaginal gels
HIV
What causes it?
- Virus immune system to break down
Symptoms?
- Often no symptoms
- Flu-like
Treatment?
- Special antivirals
Hepatitis B
What causes it?
- Severe Inflammation of liver lead to damage, chirrosis and cancers caused by blood-borne virus
Symptoms?
- Flu-like symptoms
- General illness
- Jaundice
Treatment?
- Usually not treated (1% need treatment)
- Antivirals can be used
This is why it is so important to remember that prevention is better than cure:
- Condoms will protect from pregnancy and STIs – when used right! So register with the C-card scheme today!
- Reduce the amount of partners you are having sex with
- Have regular sexual health checks
- Don't share drug equipment