Sexual Health
STI's - Sexually Transmitted Infections (they used to be called STD's - Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are usually caught through having unprotected sex with someone who already has the infection. Using condoms when having sex massively reduces the risk of infections (using condoms is called "Safer Sex"), but you can still get some STI's from other forms of sexual contact (like oral sex - you can get flavoured condoms for this).
If you have any questions or worries about STI's and your sexual health, you can always email us:
gygl@tht.org.uk
or 'phone us 024 76 224 090
If you find you have "something wrong down there" its a good idea to get it checked out at your local GU Clinic (GU stands for "Genitary Urinary" you might also see it as "GUM Clinic" - the M meaning Medicine) The local ones are:
Coventry 024 76 844 163 (females)
76 844 164 (males)
Nuneaton 024 76 865 162
Rugby 01788 545 218
Warwick 01926 495 321
Stratford 01789 205 831
Below is some info about the main STI's:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection amongst young people. It's dangerous because you don't always know you have got it. It's a big deal because it can make girls infertile. And no one wants to have trouble having babies because of an infection that's easily treatable by antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
There often aren't any symptoms.
But if there are they could include:
Girls:
Increased vaginal discharge.
Pain/burning sensation when you go for a pee.
Pain during sex.
Irregular periods.
Boys:
Discharge from the penis.
Pain/burning sensation when you go for a pee.
Chlamydia can even cause painful swelling and irritation in the eyes.
How do you get it?
Penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus).
Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
Mother to baby during birth.
Occasionally by touching the eyes after touching the genitals.
Testing and treatment
The test for chlamydia is often a urine test. Some clinics still take a swab from the penis or the vagina. If the test is positive, the treatment for chlamydia is a simple course of antibiotics.
Long-term effects
Chlamydia can cause serious fertility problems for girls. For boys it could mean a nasty infection in the testicles.
Genital Herpes
Herpes on the face is called a cold sore but you can get it on the genitals or anywhere else. There is no known cure for Herpes though there are treatments available that will help some people.
Signs and symptoms
Girls and Boys:
Itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area.
Small fluid-filled blisters. These burst and leave small painful sores. They will dry out, scab over and heal but it could take two to four weeks to heal.
Pain when going for a pee.
A flu-like illness, backache, headache.
How do you get it?
Kissing (mouth to mouth).
Penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus).
Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
Testing and treatment
Your genital area will be examined by a doctor or a nurse.
A sample will be taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any visible sores.
Girls may be given an internal pelvic examination.
A sample of urine is taken.
A course of tablets taken early may make the sores less painful and heal quicker.
Long-term effects
There is no known cure for Herpes. But it’s not something that’s there all the time. The first attack of sores is always the worst. Some people never get any more after that.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are quite common. They look like the warts you get on your hands but you get them down below.
They’re easily treated. But once you have the wart virus it can take months or years to clear it from your system in which time the warts can come back.
Signs and symptoms
Small pinkish/white lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps.
Can appear on the vulva, penis, scrotum or anus, in the vagina and on the cervix.
It usually takes 1-3 months from infection for warts to appear, but can take much longer.
They may itch but are usually painless.
Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts.
How do you get it?
Skin-to-skin contact, and during vaginal or anal sex.
Testing and treatment
A doctor or nurse can usually tell whether you have genital warts just by examining you. An internal examination may be carried out to check for warts in the vagina or anus though.
Commonly a clinic will prescribe an anti-wart liquid or cream such as Podophyllotoxin, which can be used at home. Another common treatment is freezing or laser treatment. Treatment may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Never try to treat genital warts by yourself - always seek medical advice.
Long-term effects
Some people find the warts come back at some point in future.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as 'the clap'. It’s serious because if not treated early it can lead to some very serious health problems.
The good news is it’s easily treated with antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
There are often none but if there are, boys are far more likely to notice symptoms than girls.
Girls
A change in normal vaginal discharge. This may increase, change to a yellow or greenish colour and develop a strong smell.
A pain or burning sensation when going for a pee
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Boys
A yellow or white discharge from the penis.
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Inflammation of the testicles and prostate gland.
How do you get it?
By penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus).
Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
And less often by:
Rimming (where a person uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate another person's anus).
Inserting your fingers into an infected vagina, anus or mouth and then putting them into your own without washing your hands in between.
Mother to child transmission at birth.
Testing and treatment
You can be tested for gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at your local sexual health (GUM) clinic.
A doctor or a nurse carries out an examination of your genital area.
Samples are taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any places which may be infected - the cervix, urethra, anus or throat
Girls are given an internal pelvic examination.
A sample of urine may be taken.
A course of antibiotics can be taken to treat gonorrhoea.
Long-term effects
If left untreated in girls, gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. In boys, it can mean a serious infection in the testicles.
In rare cases it can get on the bloodstream and cause heart, skin and joint infections.
HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a virus that can damage the body's defence system so that it cannot fight off certain infections. If someone with HIV goes on to get certain serious illnesses, this condition is called AIDS which stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Most people with HIV look and feel healthy for a long time, so you can't tell who has the virus just by looking at them.
How do you get it?
There are four main ways in which HIV can be passed on:
1. By having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom with someone who has HIV.
2. By using needles, syringes or other drug-injecting equipment that is infected with HIV.
3. From a woman with HIV to her baby (before or during birth) and by breastfeeding.
4. By receiving infected blood, blood products or donated organs as part of medical treatment. In the UK all blood, blood products and donated organs are screened for HIV and infected materials are destroyed. This may not be the case in some developing countries and in eastern Europe.
You cannot get HIV through:
Kissing, touching, hugging, shaking hands
Sharing crockery and cutlery
Coughing or sneezing
Contact with toilet seats
Insect or animal bites
Eating food prepared by someone with HIV.
Testing and treatment
An HIV test involves taking a blood sample, which is then checked for antibodies to HIV.
There is still no cure for HIV although drugs have been developed which mean that some people can stay well for longer.
An Important tale: Becoming Positive
Ok here goes then (deep breath) in February last year I was diagnosed with HIV, which was a total shock. I’ve always tried to be careful but there were the odd times where I had not taken as much care as I should. Like many gay men I respect the need to use condoms but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, I have slipped up. That said in many years of having a healthy sex life I had successfully prevented getting infected with HIV more through luck than anything else I think? However these experiences could be counted on one hand over a 15-year period
Although I have always tried to use condoms during casual sex, I hated using condoms in a relationship that I considered worth it and long-term. Stopping during foreplay to slide a condom on always felt a little bit clinical and took the art of love making out of it for me personally. I had always suggested with long-term partners that we both got tested for everything and start a fresh with no condoms. Sex with a man you love and trust without the use of condoms had always been important to me..!
I now take you back to slightly earlier that year!
I was in a 9-month relationship that was about to end due to my partner being unfaithful. This hurt me very deeply and I guess I became more disappointed than anything else. Quite a few weeks later I fell ill with what I can now only describe as the flu from hell! It turned out to be something called Primary HIV Infection (PHI). The symptoms of PHI are very much like the flu with aches and pains and vomiting and in my case quite quick weight loss due to lack of appetite, and anyone who knows me knows I must be ill not to eat!
In short the HIV virus was attacking my immune system with all it had. I know this now but at the time I thought I had picked up a really nasty flu bug. It had knocked me off my feet for nearly 3 weeks during which time I had lost over a stone. I have never been in so much muscular pain before, but after nearly 3 weeks it vanished over night. I had been left with a few spots and swollen glands but felt so much better! Despite this nasty flu like experience I did not once think my body was being attacked by HIV. (This experience varies between individuals but my symptoms were particularly intense why I am not sure?)
Just before that episode I started dating a lovely lad who I am pleased to say I am very close to now and he is an amazing friend. We had a conversation about getting tested and sure enough we both went to the GUM clinic in my local town and had a full MOT and a same day HIV test. I had been many times before as I did treat it very much like an MOT and I wish that other lads would take this attitude! But it was his first time so I spent most of the day keeping his mind busy as he was starting to worry but before we knew it 4.30pm had arrived and time to get the results. We were the first to arrive amongst the familiar faces that were in the waiting room from that morning, so we checked in at reception and took our seats
All the people who came in way after us were being called in one by one to get the results every 5 minutes or so and we were left sitting there watching people come and go. We looked at each other with concern but neither of us saying what we were thinking. Then it was our turn but one of the nurses took my partner and I went with the GUM health advisor, I felt sick to my stomach and this was not a feeling I had felt at a test before.
I sat down with the health adviser and she asked me “what result were you expecting?” “Negative I hope” I said.
She shook her head slightly and said “Im afraid it looks like your result has come back as positive.” Never in my life have I felt so numb from all feelings.
To this day im not sure whether it was shock or the information had not settled in but even now as I write this I deal with it in a very similar way as my one thing that has made me get through this is the thought that there are people worse off than me in the world which I know sounds like a “miss world type comment” wanting world peace blah blah blah! But it’s true!
All I could think of was my partner in the other room, worrying he was hearing the same piece of news!
Followed by the thought “oh f**k im going to be single for the rest of my natural life”?
Then followed by the thought “what am I going to tell mum and dad?” Nothing made sense to me, you would expect the natural feeling to cry hearing such news but I felt nothing!
After a discussion with my health adviser about the future and where we go from here I knew I had to face my new partner I was praying he was ok.
I could see his big smile and look of watery-eyed relief as he gave me the thumbs up from the end of the corridor and I started to breath again!
He said to me in a relieved almost excited way “so you ok?”
I tried to hold my words, as I knew tears of relief for him would follow them.
Even though the waiting room was now empty it somehow did not feel the right place to say what I had to say.
My emotions came before anything else and I started to shake my head and his face became blurry as my eyes welled up and the next thing we were holding each other and I was now crying quite freely!
All he could say was “oh im so sorry babe, im so sorry” and he started crying too.
In the months that followed that day I had told all my close friends and work colleagues as I felt the need to be quite open about it knowing this would de-stigmatise the subject mainly for my benefit!
However I could not tell my parents, due to a couple of factors (a) my mother was going through the process of having tests done on her heart due to poor health and (b) any conversation I was going to have with them had to be full of facts and I had to sound confident in what I was going to say otherwise it would all go pear shaped!
Within those first few months I had also made the decision to end the relationship with the partner I had gone to the clinic with as I felt rightly or wrongly he was too young to deal with everything my life now involved! Not mean’t in a patronising way but I felt he needed to live a bit more life before he started to deal with these aspects of mine! To this day we are very close and I love him very much! (He now knows why I made my decision and more importantly I believe he really understands)
Nearly 8 months after finding out my life changing news I finally decided to tell my parents, so I called that morning and spoke with my mother on the phone advising her I needed to tell both of them some news! She asked straight away “is it bad news? Is everything alright?” after some reassurance I went round that evening feeling very confident and very open about things! I came right out with it! They didn’t seem overly surprised but to be honest with the amount of shocks and surprises my parents have had from me over my 31 years I’m not quite sure what reaction I was expecting?
But the most pleasing thing about that day was the amount of questions they both had about the subject and I have had nothing but support from both of them! However, I know this may have been more difficult had I not had all the facts and figures I needed to answer the questions and in this respect im very glad I waited all those months before we had the discussion.
We are now well and truly into 2006 and I have been living with HIV for just over a year now. I go to the clinic every month or so dependant on how well I am doing, to monitor my different levels and make sure I am remaining healthy and in the main part I am! However, I have not been blessed with a cast iron immune system like some you hear about where they can stay off the medication for years and years and never need treatment!
HIV affects your body's immune system to fight off infections like colds flu’s STI’s etc… If the HIV is left untreated, it will destroy a type of white blood cell called CD4 T-cells, which play an important part in your immune system.
The number of CD4 blood cells that you have is called your CD4 count. The lower your CD4 count is, the more likely you are to become ill. Some people remain well when their CD4 counts get lower, at least for a bit. And every month or so I have to go and get my levels checked! The higher your count the longer you should remain healthy before I was infected my counts would have been somewhere between 700 and 900 but now I am floating around the 300 mark!
My counts have slowly started getting worse and I feel constantly tired and it looks like I may be on medication at some point this year unless there is a dramatic turn around, which is quite frustrating as I don’t drink, smoke or take drugs and never have! I work out or swim every day and really take care of myself but this all seems in vain right now. So we will see what the future holds?(I am an optimist so watch this space)
One thing this whole experience has taught me!
“Life is too short to worry about things.”
The one thing I did fear was the stigma from the lads I fancied out and about, however
I have met some lovely lads and on the whole I have had such a surprising reaction to my news. One fear I had was to be alone, no one would want me now that im infected? But with a few exceptions this has been totally untrue. I have had a few short relationships since last year and I feel it is always best to be open and upfront with lads even if it’s just for sex!
So I take this opportunity to let the lads who I have either dated or had a relationship with know that you are truly wonderful people and im now glad to say fantastic friends!
The reason I say this with such sincerity is simple
Before I was diagnosed if I had been asked the question “would you sleep with or date etc… anyone who was HIV+?” the answer would have been “I am not sure?” and being totally honest looking back the answer would have been a straight “no”
Because I was obviously not capable of dealing with that at that time and we are only talking a year ago. Now the shoe is on the other foot, which makes me feel fairly shitty!
To think I could have judged someone like that before hand but now I can see it from both sides and I understand both points of view. So therefore I understand if people have any kind of issue with it regardless of size or nature of their problem as I felt the same only months ago myself!
I felt I had to write this article to help people out there understand that HIV is still very much out there and it really can happen to anyone even if you feel you are taking precautions and in my case caught while in a relationship, Another reason for writing this is to expose my own lack of understanding and my closed attitude to the subject before I became positive myself, I mean lets face it at the age of 31 and being a very sexually active guy you would have thought I would know all there was to know about this subject right? Well this was not the case and as I have discovered not the case for many other men out there! I guess my other reason is to try and humanise the whole thing as well?
I have been very fortunate that my friends and family have been so wonderful and not forgetting my work colleagues! But I am also aware that is a minority reaction and I am surrounded by very down to earth well-educated people, and I mean educated by life rather than qualifications!
HIV affects not only the people who have it but all the people around them, I have told around 60 to 70 people so far that I know either on the scene, family and friends or at my places of work and if my story has made 70 people stop and think ”shit it really can happen and its happened to Scott” then it may have been a very necessary lesson we all needed to learn, Should anyone need advise on how to deal with this subject, whether it’s because you have recently become infected or you know someone that has been infected and you want to learn as much as you can, please contact the Terrence Higgins trust via there website http://www.tht.org.uk/home/ if by reading this story it makes you stop and think before you have sex then for now I have done my job!.
“There are always people worse off than yourself, even if you cannot see or hear them” imagine someone somewhere living your life with a few extra problems on top of what you’re already dealing with? Because somewhere they’re probably is!
And my favourite quote of all time and how true it is!
“Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what your gunna get?”
By Scott Houston
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It's much easier to get than HIV, and can cause permanent liver disease and cancer. Most people have no obvious symptoms, and there is no known cure.
Signs and symptoms
There often aren’t any symptoms But if there are they may include:
A short, flu-like illness
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Jaundice
Itchy skin
How do you get it?
By unprotected penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus) or sex which draws blood.
By oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
By sharing needles or other drug injecting equipment contaminated with blood.
By using equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body-piercing contaminated with blood.
From an infected mother to her baby.
Through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested - all blood for transfusion is tested in the UK.
Testing and treatment
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed by a simple blood test. Most people who acquire Hepatitis B as adults will clear the infection and become immune. Those who remain infected can get treatment though it is not always successful. A vaccine is also available to help protect against Hepatitis B.
Long-term effects
You are at risk of chronic liver disease. Always wear a condom and avoid sharing toothbrushes or razors as Hepatitis B can be passed on this way.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It's much easier to get than HIV, and can cause permanent liver disease and cancer. Most people have no obvious symptoms, and there is no known cure.
Signs and symptoms
There may be no symptoms at all.
But if there are they may include:
A short, flu-like illness
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Jaundice in a small number of cases
Itchy skin
How do you get it?
By sharing contaminated needles or other equipment for injecting drugs.
By using unsterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing.
By unprotected penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus) or sex which draws blood - this is relatively rare but possible.
By unprotected oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
Between 1-5% of infected mothers may pass it on to their child during pregnancy or at birth.
Through blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested for HCV - all blood for transfusion in the UK is tested.
Testing and treatment
A doctor or nurse will give you a blood test to see whether you have the virus. About 1 in 5 people manage to clear the virus from their blood. The others remain infected and after a number of years they could develop serious liver disease.
In the last couple of years a treatment has become available but it is often not very successful.
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on the skin and are often referred to as "crabs". They tend to infest hairy parts of the body, such as the pubic area or under the arms.
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptom is itching in the infected areas and it may be possible to see droppings from the lice in underwear (black powder) as well as eggs on pubic or other hair. It is sometimes possible to see lice on the skin.
How do you get them?
Pubic lice are usually sexually transmitted but can occasionally be transferred by close physical contact or by sharing sheets or towels.
Testing and treatment
You can usually see pubic lice just by looking. You can get rid of them by using a special shampoo or lotion - you can buy this from any Chemist's, brand names include Quellada, Derbac, Prioderm and Lyclear.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an infection that can spread without either partner knowing. The first signs are often painless sores or rashes followed by flu-like symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease or brain damage.
Signs and symptoms
Syphilis has three stages:
Primary stage symptoms - sores can develop where bacteria entered the body.
Secondary stage symptoms - sores in the mouth, a rash can develop, warty growths on genitals, and a flu-like illness may develop.
Latent stage symptoms - if left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint and nervous system damage.
How do you get it?
Oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Skin contact with any sores or rashes.
From a mother to unborn child.
Testing and treatment
Blood samples will be taken and swabs from sores. A visual examination will be carried out as well as an internal physical examination for women. Treatment for syphilis is often given as a single injection or course of penicillin injections, or in some cases antibiotic tablets or capsules.
Long-term effects
In pregnancy syphilis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and can be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb.
Scabies
Scabies appears in the form of an itchy rash. The rash is caused by a female mite laying her eggs beneath the skin surface.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of scabies is an itchy rash on hands, wrists, elbows, underneath arms, abdomen, breasts, genitals and bum.
How do you get it?
Any close physical contact can spread the infection.
Testing and treatment
A doctor can tell by looking at the rash whether or not you’ve got scabies. It’s easily treatable with a special shampoo or lotion.
STI's - Sexually Transmitted Infections (they used to be called STD's - Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are usually caught through having unprotected sex with someone who already has the infection. Using condoms when having sex massively reduces the risk of infections (using condoms is called "Safer Sex"), but you can still get some STI's from other forms of sexual contact (like oral sex - you can get flavoured condoms for this).
If you have any questions or worries about STI's and your sexual health, you can always email us:
gygl@tht.org.uk
or 'phone us 024 76 224 090
If you find you have "something wrong down there" its a good idea to get it checked out at your local GU Clinic (GU stands for "Genitary Urinary" you might also see it as "GUM Clinic" - the M meaning Medicine) The local ones are:
Coventry 024 76 844 163 (females)
76 844 164 (males)
Nuneaton 024 76 865 162
Rugby 01788 545 218
Warwick 01926 495 321
Stratford 01789 205 831
Below is some info about the main STI's:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection amongst young people. It's dangerous because you don't always know you have got it. It's a big deal because it can make girls infertile. And no one wants to have trouble having babies because of an infection that's easily treatable by antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
There often aren't any symptoms.
But if there are they could include:
Girls:
Increased vaginal discharge.
Pain/burning sensation when you go for a pee.
Pain during sex.
Irregular periods.
Boys:
Discharge from the penis.
Pain/burning sensation when you go for a pee.
Chlamydia can even cause painful swelling and irritation in the eyes.
How do you get it?
Penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus).
Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
Mother to baby during birth.
Occasionally by touching the eyes after touching the genitals.
Testing and treatment
The test for chlamydia is often a urine test. Some clinics still take a swab from the penis or the vagina. If the test is positive, the treatment for chlamydia is a simple course of antibiotics.
Long-term effects
Chlamydia can cause serious fertility problems for girls. For boys it could mean a nasty infection in the testicles.
Genital Herpes
Herpes on the face is called a cold sore but you can get it on the genitals or anywhere else. There is no known cure for Herpes though there are treatments available that will help some people.
Signs and symptoms
Girls and Boys:
Itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area.
Small fluid-filled blisters. These burst and leave small painful sores. They will dry out, scab over and heal but it could take two to four weeks to heal.
Pain when going for a pee.
A flu-like illness, backache, headache.
How do you get it?
Kissing (mouth to mouth).
Penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus).
Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
Testing and treatment
Your genital area will be examined by a doctor or a nurse.
A sample will be taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any visible sores.
Girls may be given an internal pelvic examination.
A sample of urine is taken.
A course of tablets taken early may make the sores less painful and heal quicker.
Long-term effects
There is no known cure for Herpes. But it’s not something that’s there all the time. The first attack of sores is always the worst. Some people never get any more after that.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are quite common. They look like the warts you get on your hands but you get them down below.
They’re easily treated. But once you have the wart virus it can take months or years to clear it from your system in which time the warts can come back.
Signs and symptoms
Small pinkish/white lumps or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps.
Can appear on the vulva, penis, scrotum or anus, in the vagina and on the cervix.
It usually takes 1-3 months from infection for warts to appear, but can take much longer.
They may itch but are usually painless.
Not everyone who comes into contact with the virus will develop warts.
How do you get it?
Skin-to-skin contact, and during vaginal or anal sex.
Testing and treatment
A doctor or nurse can usually tell whether you have genital warts just by examining you. An internal examination may be carried out to check for warts in the vagina or anus though.
Commonly a clinic will prescribe an anti-wart liquid or cream such as Podophyllotoxin, which can be used at home. Another common treatment is freezing or laser treatment. Treatment may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Never try to treat genital warts by yourself - always seek medical advice.
Long-term effects
Some people find the warts come back at some point in future.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), also known as 'the clap'. It’s serious because if not treated early it can lead to some very serious health problems.
The good news is it’s easily treated with antibiotics.
Signs and symptoms
There are often none but if there are, boys are far more likely to notice symptoms than girls.
Girls
A change in normal vaginal discharge. This may increase, change to a yellow or greenish colour and develop a strong smell.
A pain or burning sensation when going for a pee
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Boys
A yellow or white discharge from the penis.
Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.
Inflammation of the testicles and prostate gland.
How do you get it?
By penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina or anus).
Oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
And less often by:
Rimming (where a person uses their mouth and tongue to stimulate another person's anus).
Inserting your fingers into an infected vagina, anus or mouth and then putting them into your own without washing your hands in between.
Mother to child transmission at birth.
Testing and treatment
You can be tested for gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at your local sexual health (GUM) clinic.
A doctor or a nurse carries out an examination of your genital area.
Samples are taken, using a cotton-wool or spongy swab, from any places which may be infected - the cervix, urethra, anus or throat
Girls are given an internal pelvic examination.
A sample of urine may be taken.
A course of antibiotics can be taken to treat gonorrhoea.
Long-term effects
If left untreated in girls, gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. In boys, it can mean a serious infection in the testicles.
In rare cases it can get on the bloodstream and cause heart, skin and joint infections.
HIV
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a virus that can damage the body's defence system so that it cannot fight off certain infections. If someone with HIV goes on to get certain serious illnesses, this condition is called AIDS which stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Most people with HIV look and feel healthy for a long time, so you can't tell who has the virus just by looking at them.
How do you get it?
There are four main ways in which HIV can be passed on:
1. By having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom with someone who has HIV.
2. By using needles, syringes or other drug-injecting equipment that is infected with HIV.
3. From a woman with HIV to her baby (before or during birth) and by breastfeeding.
4. By receiving infected blood, blood products or donated organs as part of medical treatment. In the UK all blood, blood products and donated organs are screened for HIV and infected materials are destroyed. This may not be the case in some developing countries and in eastern Europe.
You cannot get HIV through:
Kissing, touching, hugging, shaking hands
Sharing crockery and cutlery
Coughing or sneezing
Contact with toilet seats
Insect or animal bites
Eating food prepared by someone with HIV.
Testing and treatment
An HIV test involves taking a blood sample, which is then checked for antibodies to HIV.
There is still no cure for HIV although drugs have been developed which mean that some people can stay well for longer.
An Important tale: Becoming Positive
Ok here goes then (deep breath) in February last year I was diagnosed with HIV, which was a total shock. I’ve always tried to be careful but there were the odd times where I had not taken as much care as I should. Like many gay men I respect the need to use condoms but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, I have slipped up. That said in many years of having a healthy sex life I had successfully prevented getting infected with HIV more through luck than anything else I think? However these experiences could be counted on one hand over a 15-year period
Although I have always tried to use condoms during casual sex, I hated using condoms in a relationship that I considered worth it and long-term. Stopping during foreplay to slide a condom on always felt a little bit clinical and took the art of love making out of it for me personally. I had always suggested with long-term partners that we both got tested for everything and start a fresh with no condoms. Sex with a man you love and trust without the use of condoms had always been important to me..!
I now take you back to slightly earlier that year!
I was in a 9-month relationship that was about to end due to my partner being unfaithful. This hurt me very deeply and I guess I became more disappointed than anything else. Quite a few weeks later I fell ill with what I can now only describe as the flu from hell! It turned out to be something called Primary HIV Infection (PHI). The symptoms of PHI are very much like the flu with aches and pains and vomiting and in my case quite quick weight loss due to lack of appetite, and anyone who knows me knows I must be ill not to eat!
In short the HIV virus was attacking my immune system with all it had. I know this now but at the time I thought I had picked up a really nasty flu bug. It had knocked me off my feet for nearly 3 weeks during which time I had lost over a stone. I have never been in so much muscular pain before, but after nearly 3 weeks it vanished over night. I had been left with a few spots and swollen glands but felt so much better! Despite this nasty flu like experience I did not once think my body was being attacked by HIV. (This experience varies between individuals but my symptoms were particularly intense why I am not sure?)
Just before that episode I started dating a lovely lad who I am pleased to say I am very close to now and he is an amazing friend. We had a conversation about getting tested and sure enough we both went to the GUM clinic in my local town and had a full MOT and a same day HIV test. I had been many times before as I did treat it very much like an MOT and I wish that other lads would take this attitude! But it was his first time so I spent most of the day keeping his mind busy as he was starting to worry but before we knew it 4.30pm had arrived and time to get the results. We were the first to arrive amongst the familiar faces that were in the waiting room from that morning, so we checked in at reception and took our seats
All the people who came in way after us were being called in one by one to get the results every 5 minutes or so and we were left sitting there watching people come and go. We looked at each other with concern but neither of us saying what we were thinking. Then it was our turn but one of the nurses took my partner and I went with the GUM health advisor, I felt sick to my stomach and this was not a feeling I had felt at a test before.
I sat down with the health adviser and she asked me “what result were you expecting?” “Negative I hope” I said.
She shook her head slightly and said “Im afraid it looks like your result has come back as positive.” Never in my life have I felt so numb from all feelings.
To this day im not sure whether it was shock or the information had not settled in but even now as I write this I deal with it in a very similar way as my one thing that has made me get through this is the thought that there are people worse off than me in the world which I know sounds like a “miss world type comment” wanting world peace blah blah blah! But it’s true!
All I could think of was my partner in the other room, worrying he was hearing the same piece of news!
Followed by the thought “oh f**k im going to be single for the rest of my natural life”?
Then followed by the thought “what am I going to tell mum and dad?” Nothing made sense to me, you would expect the natural feeling to cry hearing such news but I felt nothing!
After a discussion with my health adviser about the future and where we go from here I knew I had to face my new partner I was praying he was ok.
I could see his big smile and look of watery-eyed relief as he gave me the thumbs up from the end of the corridor and I started to breath again!
He said to me in a relieved almost excited way “so you ok?”
I tried to hold my words, as I knew tears of relief for him would follow them.
Even though the waiting room was now empty it somehow did not feel the right place to say what I had to say.
My emotions came before anything else and I started to shake my head and his face became blurry as my eyes welled up and the next thing we were holding each other and I was now crying quite freely!
All he could say was “oh im so sorry babe, im so sorry” and he started crying too.
In the months that followed that day I had told all my close friends and work colleagues as I felt the need to be quite open about it knowing this would de-stigmatise the subject mainly for my benefit!
However I could not tell my parents, due to a couple of factors (a) my mother was going through the process of having tests done on her heart due to poor health and (b) any conversation I was going to have with them had to be full of facts and I had to sound confident in what I was going to say otherwise it would all go pear shaped!
Within those first few months I had also made the decision to end the relationship with the partner I had gone to the clinic with as I felt rightly or wrongly he was too young to deal with everything my life now involved! Not mean’t in a patronising way but I felt he needed to live a bit more life before he started to deal with these aspects of mine! To this day we are very close and I love him very much! (He now knows why I made my decision and more importantly I believe he really understands)
Nearly 8 months after finding out my life changing news I finally decided to tell my parents, so I called that morning and spoke with my mother on the phone advising her I needed to tell both of them some news! She asked straight away “is it bad news? Is everything alright?” after some reassurance I went round that evening feeling very confident and very open about things! I came right out with it! They didn’t seem overly surprised but to be honest with the amount of shocks and surprises my parents have had from me over my 31 years I’m not quite sure what reaction I was expecting?
But the most pleasing thing about that day was the amount of questions they both had about the subject and I have had nothing but support from both of them! However, I know this may have been more difficult had I not had all the facts and figures I needed to answer the questions and in this respect im very glad I waited all those months before we had the discussion.
We are now well and truly into 2006 and I have been living with HIV for just over a year now. I go to the clinic every month or so dependant on how well I am doing, to monitor my different levels and make sure I am remaining healthy and in the main part I am! However, I have not been blessed with a cast iron immune system like some you hear about where they can stay off the medication for years and years and never need treatment!
HIV affects your body's immune system to fight off infections like colds flu’s STI’s etc… If the HIV is left untreated, it will destroy a type of white blood cell called CD4 T-cells, which play an important part in your immune system.
The number of CD4 blood cells that you have is called your CD4 count. The lower your CD4 count is, the more likely you are to become ill. Some people remain well when their CD4 counts get lower, at least for a bit. And every month or so I have to go and get my levels checked! The higher your count the longer you should remain healthy before I was infected my counts would have been somewhere between 700 and 900 but now I am floating around the 300 mark!
My counts have slowly started getting worse and I feel constantly tired and it looks like I may be on medication at some point this year unless there is a dramatic turn around, which is quite frustrating as I don’t drink, smoke or take drugs and never have! I work out or swim every day and really take care of myself but this all seems in vain right now. So we will see what the future holds?(I am an optimist so watch this space)
One thing this whole experience has taught me!
“Life is too short to worry about things.”
The one thing I did fear was the stigma from the lads I fancied out and about, however
I have met some lovely lads and on the whole I have had such a surprising reaction to my news. One fear I had was to be alone, no one would want me now that im infected? But with a few exceptions this has been totally untrue. I have had a few short relationships since last year and I feel it is always best to be open and upfront with lads even if it’s just for sex!
So I take this opportunity to let the lads who I have either dated or had a relationship with know that you are truly wonderful people and im now glad to say fantastic friends!
The reason I say this with such sincerity is simple
Before I was diagnosed if I had been asked the question “would you sleep with or date etc… anyone who was HIV+?” the answer would have been “I am not sure?” and being totally honest looking back the answer would have been a straight “no”
Because I was obviously not capable of dealing with that at that time and we are only talking a year ago. Now the shoe is on the other foot, which makes me feel fairly shitty!
To think I could have judged someone like that before hand but now I can see it from both sides and I understand both points of view. So therefore I understand if people have any kind of issue with it regardless of size or nature of their problem as I felt the same only months ago myself!
I felt I had to write this article to help people out there understand that HIV is still very much out there and it really can happen to anyone even if you feel you are taking precautions and in my case caught while in a relationship, Another reason for writing this is to expose my own lack of understanding and my closed attitude to the subject before I became positive myself, I mean lets face it at the age of 31 and being a very sexually active guy you would have thought I would know all there was to know about this subject right? Well this was not the case and as I have discovered not the case for many other men out there! I guess my other reason is to try and humanise the whole thing as well?
I have been very fortunate that my friends and family have been so wonderful and not forgetting my work colleagues! But I am also aware that is a minority reaction and I am surrounded by very down to earth well-educated people, and I mean educated by life rather than qualifications!
HIV affects not only the people who have it but all the people around them, I have told around 60 to 70 people so far that I know either on the scene, family and friends or at my places of work and if my story has made 70 people stop and think ”shit it really can happen and its happened to Scott” then it may have been a very necessary lesson we all needed to learn, Should anyone need advise on how to deal with this subject, whether it’s because you have recently become infected or you know someone that has been infected and you want to learn as much as you can, please contact the Terrence Higgins trust via there website http://www.tht.org.uk/home/ if by reading this story it makes you stop and think before you have sex then for now I have done my job!.
“There are always people worse off than yourself, even if you cannot see or hear them” imagine someone somewhere living your life with a few extra problems on top of what you’re already dealing with? Because somewhere they’re probably is!
And my favourite quote of all time and how true it is!
“Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what your gunna get?”
By Scott Houston
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B (HBV) is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It's much easier to get than HIV, and can cause permanent liver disease and cancer. Most people have no obvious symptoms, and there is no known cure.
Signs and symptoms
There often aren’t any symptoms But if there are they may include:
A short, flu-like illness
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Jaundice
Itchy skin
How do you get it?
By unprotected penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus) or sex which draws blood.
By oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
By sharing needles or other drug injecting equipment contaminated with blood.
By using equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body-piercing contaminated with blood.
From an infected mother to her baby.
Through a blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested - all blood for transfusion is tested in the UK.
Testing and treatment
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed by a simple blood test. Most people who acquire Hepatitis B as adults will clear the infection and become immune. Those who remain infected can get treatment though it is not always successful. A vaccine is also available to help protect against Hepatitis B.
Long-term effects
You are at risk of chronic liver disease. Always wear a condom and avoid sharing toothbrushes or razors as Hepatitis B can be passed on this way.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It's much easier to get than HIV, and can cause permanent liver disease and cancer. Most people have no obvious symptoms, and there is no known cure.
Signs and symptoms
There may be no symptoms at all.
But if there are they may include:
A short, flu-like illness
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Jaundice in a small number of cases
Itchy skin
How do you get it?
By sharing contaminated needles or other equipment for injecting drugs.
By using unsterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing.
By unprotected penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina or anus) or sex which draws blood - this is relatively rare but possible.
By unprotected oral sex (from mouth to the genitals).
Between 1-5% of infected mothers may pass it on to their child during pregnancy or at birth.
Through blood transfusion in a country where blood is not tested for HCV - all blood for transfusion in the UK is tested.
Testing and treatment
A doctor or nurse will give you a blood test to see whether you have the virus. About 1 in 5 people manage to clear the virus from their blood. The others remain infected and after a number of years they could develop serious liver disease.
In the last couple of years a treatment has become available but it is often not very successful.
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on the skin and are often referred to as "crabs". They tend to infest hairy parts of the body, such as the pubic area or under the arms.
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptom is itching in the infected areas and it may be possible to see droppings from the lice in underwear (black powder) as well as eggs on pubic or other hair. It is sometimes possible to see lice on the skin.
How do you get them?
Pubic lice are usually sexually transmitted but can occasionally be transferred by close physical contact or by sharing sheets or towels.
Testing and treatment
You can usually see pubic lice just by looking. You can get rid of them by using a special shampoo or lotion - you can buy this from any Chemist's, brand names include Quellada, Derbac, Prioderm and Lyclear.
Syphilis
Syphilis is an infection that can spread without either partner knowing. The first signs are often painless sores or rashes followed by flu-like symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease or brain damage.
Signs and symptoms
Syphilis has three stages:
Primary stage symptoms - sores can develop where bacteria entered the body.
Secondary stage symptoms - sores in the mouth, a rash can develop, warty growths on genitals, and a flu-like illness may develop.
Latent stage symptoms - if left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint and nervous system damage.
How do you get it?
Oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Skin contact with any sores or rashes.
From a mother to unborn child.
Testing and treatment
Blood samples will be taken and swabs from sores. A visual examination will be carried out as well as an internal physical examination for women. Treatment for syphilis is often given as a single injection or course of penicillin injections, or in some cases antibiotic tablets or capsules.
Long-term effects
In pregnancy syphilis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and can be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb.
Scabies
Scabies appears in the form of an itchy rash. The rash is caused by a female mite laying her eggs beneath the skin surface.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of scabies is an itchy rash on hands, wrists, elbows, underneath arms, abdomen, breasts, genitals and bum.
How do you get it?
Any close physical contact can spread the infection.
Testing and treatment
A doctor can tell by looking at the rash whether or not you’ve got scabies. It’s easily treatable with a special shampoo or lotion.