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STD / STI check-up FAQs
Sexually transmitted infections are a major culprit when it comes to both women's and men's sexual health. Early screening enables quick treatment and has in some cases literally saved lives. It is important to know what to look out for so below are some answers to common questions on different types of STI.
Please click on a question regarding STIs/STDs below.
1. Hepatitis B
What is it?
This is a serious condition that causes inflammation of the liver caused by a virus passed on through vaginal or anal intercourse.
How can I tell if I've got it?
Usually there are no symptoms but look for unusual tiredness. If you are concerned that you have been at risk of contracting any STI / STD, you should have a check-up.
What will clear it up?
There is no effective cure, but it some cases your body fights off the virus and the infection goes away.
What is a cervical smear?
A smear test is basically an internal examination whereby a nurse/doctor takes cells from a woman’s cervix in order to test they are healthy. Unhealthy cells can turn into cervical cancer. Having regular smears is important because it means any abnormal cells can be found early and easily treated.
2. Trichomoniasis
What is it?
This is a sexually transmitted infection which affects the vagina, cervix, urethra and bladder.
How can I tell if I've got it?
Females - look for a greenish-yellow discharge with a strong and offensive smell, itching of the vagina and a burning when urinating. Boys/men have no symptoms.
What will clear it up?
A swab will be taken and antibacterial drugs prescribed.
3. Pubic lice
What is it?
Pubic lice are small insects that are spread through sex and intimate contact (bedding, towels etc).
How can I tell if I've got it?
You'll have severe itching throughout your pubic region.
What will clear it up?
Usually a doctor will be able to tell if you have pubic lice and will prescribe a lotion to kill them off.
4. Syphilis
What is it?
An infection caused by a bacteria which left untreated can have very serious consequences.
How can I tell if I've got it?
A sore on your genitals, and a rash. If left untreated the symptoms become severe. If you are concerned that you might have contracted Syphilis or any other STI you should get a check-up.
What will clear it up?
Syphilis can be cured with one course of antibiotics.
5. Gonorrhea
What is it?
Gonorrhea is a disease caused by a bacteria. The danger of this is, if left undiagnosed, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
How can I tell if I've got it?
In five out of every six cases, there are no symptoms. Symptoms to look for are a discharge and a burning sensation when urinating.
What will clear it up?
Antibiotics.
6. Herpes
What is it?
There are two types of herpes which cause small, painful blisters. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 which usually causes cold sores and HSV Type II which causes genital sores. Herpes Type 1 is passed by kissing and herpes Type II is passed through sex. Though Type 1 can become Type II, through oral sex.
How can I tell if I've got it?
Look for small, painful clusters of sores.
What will clear it up?
There is no cure for herpes.
How is it diagnosed?
A sample may be taken for testing or a doctor may know just by looking. Remember, herpes is highly infectious and during an outbreak you should avoid sex and kissing (if you have cold sores). Outbreaks are treated with salt baths and/or medication.
7. Genital warts
What are they?
Genital warts are small fleshy lumps. They appear around your genitals and are caused by a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV).
How can I tell if I've got them?
There are often no symptoms, or the warts develop inside the vagina (usually on the cervix) so you can't see them. If they do appear they may itch but are usually painless.
What will clear them up?
If you have been infected the good news is that in many cases the body's immune system will cause most warts to disappear without treatment after 6 months, though large visible warts need to be treated. You will be given a special lotion which you will be asked to apply to the warts. If this doesn’t clear the warts, stronger lotions may be used. Occasionally, warts may be frozen or burned off and this is not usually painful.
8. Chlamydia
What is it?
This is the most common STI amongst young women and men. It's caused by a bacteria, which if left untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (a disease which infects your pelvic region and can lead to infertility in women and men).
How can I tell if I've got it?
In 15 - 20% of cases there will be symptoms five to ten days after infection. However, MOST people do not get any symptoms.
What will clear it up?
Antibiotics after a simple chlamydia test.
9. HIV & AIDS
What Is it?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which damages the body's immune system. When someone has AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) it means they are HIV+ and have gone on to get a series of serious illnesses. HIV can be passed on by having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV. HIV is only passed on through bodily fluids and blood, for example through sex, injecting drugs or from mothers to their unborn children.
How can I tell if I've got it?
You can't. The only way to then tell if you have HIV is to have a blood test.
What will clear it up?
At present there is no cure for HIV or AIDS but new combination therapies mean improved management of the illness.
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