STIs

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Sexually transmitted infections, sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, are a growing problem in the UK, with rates of infection spreading at sometimes alarming rates. Anyone who engages in sexual activity without taking adequate safety precautions is at risk of STIs, which can have very serious effects on your long-term health. In some cases, STIs can lead to infertility. It is very likely that one of the causes of the increasing number of STI diagnoses is the fact that many people are misinformed about STIs, as misconceptions about symptoms, causes and treatments are rife. For example, some people mistakenly believe you cannot contract a sexually transmitted infection through oral sex.

The reality is that any form of unprotected sex, including oral, anal and vaginal, places you at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. If you have had unprotected sex, we recommend that you take an STI test to find out for sure if you are infected. You should not be too distressed if this is the case, as the majority of STDs are bacterial and can be cleared up completely with a course of antibiotics. Here at OnlineClinic, you can find the treatment you need based on the infection you have contracted.

What are the most common STIs?

The two most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK are chlamydia and genital warts, though cases of genital herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis are also increasing. There are three types of sexually transmitted infection: bacterial, viral and parasitic. The distinction is important because bacterial and parasitic STIs are curable while viral STIs are incurable and can only be controlled by medication. A bacterial STI like chlamydia can be cleared completely with a simple and immediate course of antibiotics, but a viral STI like genital herpes will require antiviral medication on an as-needed basis to control and alleviate outbreaks.

What are the symptoms of STIs?

Though some sexually transmitted infections do present symptoms, it is important to understand that the majority of sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic. This means that it is very important to take an STI test if you have engaged in any form of unprotected sex, as it is entirely possible to be infected without displaying any symptoms at all. You should not assume that being symptom-free means you are uninfected.

If you do experience symptoms, they are likely to occur around the genital area, such as itching or a rash. Sores or blisters could also appear. You may experience some pain during urination, or an increased need to urinate. It is possible that you could notice some form of unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus.

How can STIs be spread?

As the name suggests, STDs are spread through sexual contact. This does not just mean vaginal penetration; any form of sexual activity without protection can put you at risk of contracting an STI. In some cases, such as with genital herpes, skin-to-skin contact is all that is needed to spread the infection. Sharing sex toys with an infected partner also places you at risk. Factors that could increase your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection are engaging in sexual activity at a young age, having unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners.

How do I treat an STI?

The course of treatment that you will require will depend on the particular sexually transmitted infection that you have contracted. Bacterial STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea will require a course of antibiotics, often in just a single dose. Viral STIs like genital herpes will require antiviral medications to control outbreaks when they occur. You can follow the relevant link on this page to the sexually transmitted infection you are infected with to find out what treatment you need.