Sexually Transmitted Infections

In my work, whether as a family doctor, medical officer at a rave or working as the duty doctor in prisons, I'm still surprised at some of the strange view held by people, and even some healthcare workers, regarding sexual transmitted infections (STIs). Hopefully, this article will debunk some of the more common myths that I come across.

 

 

Fact: It is true that most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be completely cured if they are caught at an early stage. The treatment may indeed be as simple as a course of antibiotics. This is one of the reasons why you should be tested regularly, and why you should immediately approach a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about an STI. 

 

Left untreated, however, Infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can both lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) . This can lead to long-term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, infertility and ectopic pregnancy in women, and pain and inflammation of the testicles and the prostate gland in men. Some STIs like Genital warts and genital herpes are common viral infections, which antibiotics will not treat. They can be treated with antiviral medications, but both conditions can recur.

 

Although anti-retroviral drugs have been developed to slow the progression of HIV to AIDS, there are now some drug-resistant strains of HIV emerging. Remember, there is no cure for AIDS, and no way of getting rid of the HIV virus once infected.

 

• Itching around the genitals or anus
• Burning or pain when you urinate
• Bleeding and pain during or after sex
• Rashes, blisters or bumps around the genitals or anus
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.

 

Myth: Condoms protect your against all STIs.

 

Fact: Using a condom correctly for oral, anal and vaginal sex is a good protection against infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. Condoms are also important in preventing the transmission of HIV. However, according to the Family Planning Association, there is little evidence to suggest that condoms protect against the transmission of genital warts. It is also uncertain whether or not condoms can protect against genital herpes.

 

Using a condom is always important because it helps to prevent the transmission of many sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But because condoms cannot protect against every form of STI, it is also important to limit the number of sexual partners you have, and to be tested for STIs on a regular basis.

 

 

Fact: Although homosexual men remain the group most at risk of getting HIV in the UK, heterosexual transmission has risen steadily over the last 15 years. In 1999, the rate of heterosexually transmitted HIV infection overtook the rate of infection between homosexual men for the first time. There were 2,225 reports of heterosexually transmitted acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) during 2001, and heterosexuals were far more likely to have their condition diagnosed at a later stage than homosexual men.

 

As far as drug users, needle exchange programs in the UK have limited the risk of infection to injecting drug users. Nobody can assume that they are exempt from the risk of AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safer sex is the best way that you can limit your risk of the disease.

 

Myth: You know someone has an STI by the way they look.

 

Fact: According to Government figures in The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV, almost all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are becoming more common in the UK. The number of visits to genito-urinary medicine clinics has doubled since the early 1990s. Cases of genital chlamydia have almost doubled over this period of time, and there has also been an increase in the number of cases of syphilis. The number of newly diagnosed HIV infections in 2000 was the highest since reporting began.

 

STIs are common enough to affect anyone who is sexually active. You don't have to have a large number of sexual partners to contract an STI. 'Gut instinct' is not a reliable way of judging the likelihood of infection from a partner. Safer sex and medical tests are the only sensible solution.

 

 

Fact: Non-barrier contraceptives only offer protection against pregnancy. They do not offer any protection whatsoever against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Using a condom to protect yourself against STIs is usually the best option. You may, however, chose to combine condoms with the Pill or another contraceptive method for increased protection against unwanted pregnancy.