Sexually Transmitted Disease and Infection information

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Chlamydia trachomatis is the UK's most prolific sexually transitted disease
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Non-specific urethritis (NSU) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among men
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection on the increase
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection on the increase
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses
Genital warts are soft wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a viral skin disease
If abnormal vaginal discharge can be due to a sexually transmitted disease
HIV means 'human immunodeficiency virus'. It can be acquired through unprotected sex
Pubic lice are parasitic insects often found in the genital area
Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabei
Molluscum contagiosum is a common, mild viral infection that affects the skin causing small pearly white papules
Chancroid is a sexually transmitted infectious disease characterized by painful ulcers
Thrush is often mistaken as an STD
A list of resources for sexually transmitted diseases and infections
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Genital Warts

WHAT ARE GENITAL WARTS?

It is a sexually transmitted infection of the anogenital skin caused by the Human Papilloma

Virus (HPV). Warts at other sites like hands, feet and finger are not sexually transmitted and are caused by varieties of HPV different from those causing anogenital warts.


HOW ARE GENITAL WARTS TRANSMITTED?

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
  • An infected mother may pass the infection to her baby during its passage through the birth canal
  • Autotransmission from the hands and fingers to the anogenital region is possible


WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GENITAL WARTS?

  • Warts appear as fleshy growths on the skin
  • There may be a mild itch
  • They may be small to large, single or multiple
  • In females they tend to be on the cervix, vagina and vulva
  • In males they tend to be on the penis and urethra (urinary canal)
  • In both males and females genital warts may also appear around the anus and in the anal canal


WHAT IF I LEAVE THE GENITAL WARTS ALONE?

  • They will persist and most of them will grow quite slowly
  • Under certain conditions (eg. pregnancy) they may grow faster


WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF GENITAL WARTS?

  • Some varieties of HPV may lead to cancer
  • Untreated genital warts are infectious to others


HOW ARE GENITAL WARTS DIAGNOSED?

  • These lesions are diagnosed by their characteristic appearance
  • Vaginal and cervical warts need a speculum examination for diagnosis
  • Blood tests cannot be used to diagnose genital warts


HOW ARE GENITAL WARTS TREATED?

  • There are several methods to treat genital warts:
  • Chemicals like podophyllin paint, podophyllotoxin paint, and TCA (trichloracetic acid)
  • Liquid nitrogen
  • Aldara cream
  • Surgery with laser, electrocautery and scapel
  • Sometimes a combination of methods are used, and repeated courses of treatment may be necessary

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

  • Seek medical attention
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant
  • Do not self medicate
  • Complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor until the warts are cleared
  • Females should seek advice on routine cervical PAP smears to detect cancer of the cervix


WHAT IS SAFER SEX?

  • This is sex without the exchange of body fluids, e.g. vaginal secretions or semen, during sex
  • Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex
  • Do not consume alcohol before or during sex, this may impair your judgement


 

 

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