STIs Hi Readers! This week, we will expand our knowledge on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). If you are worried that you have an STI, go for a check-up at a sexual health clinic as soon as you can. Do not have sex, including oral sex until you have had a check-up. Some clinics offer home testing kits for some STIs. STI symptoms: Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anusPain when urinatingLumps or skin growths around the genitals or anus A rashUnusual vaginal bleedingItchy genitals or anusBlisters and sores around the genitals or anus Chlamydia Chlamydia is one of the most common STI in the UK. It gets passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. If you are under the age of 25 and are sexually active, it is highly recommended you get tested for chlamydia every year or when you change sexual partners. Symptoms: Pain when urinatingUnusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anusFor women, pain in the tummy, bleeding after sex and bleeding in between menstruationFor men, pain and swelling in the testicles You can get chlamydia through: Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sexSharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom each time they are usedYour genitals coming into contact with your partner’s genitals – this means you can get chlamydia from someone even if there is no penetration, orgasm or ejaculationInfected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eyeIt can be passed on by a pregnant woman to her baby. Chlamydia cannot be passed on through casual contact such as kissing, hugging or sharing baths, towels, swimming pools and toilets. Treatment: Chlamydia is treated with a course of antibiotics. Gonorrhoea The bacteria that cause gonorrhoea are mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid. This STI is easily passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, sharing sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they’re used. The bacteria can infect the entrance to the womb (cervix), the tube that passes urine (urethra), the rectum and, less commonly, the throat or eyes. The infection can be passed on from a pregnant woman to her baby. If you are pregnant and may have gonorrhoea, itIis important to get tested and treated before your baby is born because without treatment, gonorrhoea can cause permanent blindness in a newborn baby. Gonorrhoea cannot spread by kissing, hugging, swimming pools, toilets, sharing a bath, towels, cups, plates or cutlery. The bacteria cannot survive outside the human body for long. Symptoms: Thick green or yellow discharge from vagina, penis, pain when peeing and in women, bleeding between menstruation. However, around 1 in 10 infected men and almost half of infected women do not experience any symptoms (NHS). Treating Gonorrhoea Usually treated with a course of antibiotics.You should avoid having sex until you have been told you no longer have the infection.Previous, successful treatment for gonorrhoea does not make you immune to catching it again. Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is a STI caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). In women, this parasite mainly infects the vagina and the urethra. In men, the infection mostly affects the urethra, but the head of the penis or prostate gland can become infected in some cases. The parasite is usually spread by having sex without using a condom. You can also contract trichomoniasis by sharing sex toys if they were not washed or covered by a condom. You do not have to have multiple sexual partners to catch trichomoniasis. You cannot get or pass on trichomoniasis through kissing, hugging, sharing cups, plates, cutlery or toilet seats. Symptoms: Symptoms usually develop within a month of infection, but approximately half of the people will not develop any symptoms (but they can still pass the infection). Trichomoniasis can be difficult to diagnose as it has similar symptoms to many STIs. Trichomoniasis in women:Abnormal vaginal discharge that may be thick, thin or frothy and yellow-green in colour.Producing more discharge than normal, which may also have an unpleasant fishy smell.Soreness, swelling and itching around the vagina – sometimes the inner thighs also become itchy.Pain or discomfort when passing urine or having sex. Trichomoniasis in men:Pain when passing urine or during ejaculationNeeding to pee more frequently than usualThin, white discharge from the penisSoreness, swelling and redness around the head of the penis or foreskin The best way to prevent trichomoniasis is to have safe sex, which means using a condom when having sex, covering any sex toys with a condom and washing your toys after every use. Treatment: This parasite is unlikely to go away without treatment. It can be effectively treated with antibiotics. It is important to avoid having sex while on treatment. Wait until the infection clears up before resuming your sexual activities. Complications: Complications of trichomoniasis are rare, although some women with the infection may be at an increased risk of further problems. If you are infected with trichomoniasis while pregnant, the infection may cause your baby to be born prematurely or have low birth weight. Genital warts Genital warts are a common STI passed on by vaginal and anal sex, sharing toys and rarely by oral sex. You can get genital warts from skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal and anal sex, sharing sex toys and oral sex, though this is less common. Symptoms: 1 or more painless growths or lumps around your vagina, penis or anus. Itching or bleeding from your genitals or anusA change to your normal flow of urination.A sexual partner who has genital warts, even if you do not have symptoms Treatment for genital warts: The treatment needs to be prescribed by a doctor. The type of treatment will depend on what the wart looks like and where they are.Treatment can be cream or liquid, surgery or freezing. If you notice these warts, consult your GP and/or sexual clinic as soon as you can. If you have genital warts and are pregnant, tell your GP or midwife. Genital warts during pregnancy can grow and multiply, might appear for the first time, or come back after a long time of not being there. They can still be treated safely (but some treatment should be avoided); they may be removed if they’re very big to avoid problems during birth. These may be passed to the baby during birth, but it is rare. Genital herpes Genital herpes is a STI passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. You can get genital herpes from skin-to-skin contact with an infected area (including vaginal, anal and oral sex), even when there are no visible sores or blisters, if a cold sore touches your genitals, by transferring the infection on fingers from someone else to your genitals or by sharing sex toys with someone who has herpes. It is therefore recommended that you do not have oral sex if you have cold sore. Symptoms: Small blisters around your genitals, anus, thighs or bottomTingling, burning or itching around your genitals Pain when you urinateIn women, vaginal discharge You should speak to your GP or go to a sexual health clinic if you see blisters, even if you haven’t had sex in a while, as blisters take months or years to appear. Treatment: There is no cure, symptoms will clear up by themselves, but the blisters can come back (outbreak or recurrence). You may be prescribed antiviral medicine (including as a cream) to stop the symptoms from getting worse. Always keep the areas of the outbreak clean to prevent infection. Genital herpes can be more serious for people living with HIV. If you are living with HIV, and have genital herpes, you will be referred to a GUM clinic. Women with herpes before pregnancy can usually expect to have a healthy baby and a vaginal delivery. If you have genital herpes during pregnancy, there is a risk your baby could develop a serious illness called neonatal herpes. Pubic lice Public lice, sometimes called crabs, are tiny insects that live on coarse human body hair, such as public hair. They may also be found in underarm and leg air, hair on the chest, abdomen and back, facial hair, such as beards and moustaches, eyelashes and eyebrows (occasionally). Unlike head lice, pubic lice don’t live in scalp hair. It is spread through close bodily contact, most commonly sexual contact. Symptoms: Itching in the affected areas, especially at nightInflammation and irritation caused by scratchingBlack powder in your underwearBlue spots or small spots of blood on your skin, such as your thighs or lower abdomen (caused by lice bites) Treatment: Can be treated at home with insecticide cream, lotion or shampoo Complications: Sometimes a pubic lice infestation can lead to minor complications, such as skin or eye problems.Can lead to skin infectionEye infection, like conjunctivitis, eye inflammationMild fever, feeling tired It is important to seek medical attention if you have severe skin irritation or sore eyes Scabies Scabies is very common and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop the spreading. One of the first symptoms is itching, especially at night. Scabies is very infectious, but can take up to 8 weeks for the rash to appear. During your treatment, you should not have sex or come into close contact with anyone. Scabies can spread easily. Complications: Scratching can cause infectionsScabies can make conditions like eczema and psoriasis worse. Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial infection that’s usually caught by close contact or having sex with someone who is infected. It is very important to get tested and treated as soon as possible. Syphilis can be cured with a course of antibiotics. That being said, you can get syphilis more than once. Symptoms: Small, painless sores and ulcers that typically appear on the penis, vagina, or around the anus, but can occur in other places (i.e.: the mouth)A blotchy red rash that often affects the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.Small skin growths (similar to genital warts) that may develop on the vulva in women or around the anus for both men and womenWhite patches in the mouthTiredness, headaches, joint pains, high temperature and swollen glands in your neck, groin, or armpits. If left untreated, syphilis can spread to the brain or other parts of the body and cause serious long-term problems. Treatment: Injection of antibiotics. Syphilis in pregnancy: If a woman is infected while pregnant, it can be very dangerous for her baby if not treated. Infection in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or serious infection in the baby. Screening for syphilis during pregnancy is offered to all pregnant women so the infection can be detected and treated before it causes any complications. Preventing STIs Use a male or female condom every time you have vaginal or anal sexUse a condom to cover the penis during oral sexUsing a dam (a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex ) to cover the female genitals during oral sex or when rubbing female genitals together. (Cool trick: you can cut a condom to create a dam! Cut the tip on the condom, then cut it lengthwise. You will see that it looks like a rectangle. It is ready to use. Keep good hygiene with this. Do not start flipping it over.) Not sharing sex toys. And if you do share them, use a condom (one for each person) to cover them or wash them after each person who uses them. I hope this article has help you better understand STIs and why it is important to keep good hygiene and use protection! Be kind to one another! Julia, Sexologist Julia, Sexologist BlogHelp us keep this blog going! We are here to educate you, give you the knowledge and content you need & want. If you have a special article request please contact us via email on depetrillojulia@gmail.com. £5.00
Contraception Hi Readers! Did you know that without the use of contraception, 85 women in every 100 will get pregnant in 1 year. (UCL) Contraception is a choice and a right. You need to choose the method that works best for you. We will go over multiple contraception choices in the article, but I highly suggest you speak to your doctor before making that choice, ensuring that the method you choose is appropriate for your body based on your medical history. You also need to remember that while most of these contraception methods help prevent pregnancy, they do not protect against STIs! Please be mindful of this. It is also suggested that you use these contraceptives in combination with the condom. Implant Fewer than 1% of women will get pregnant in one year. (UCL) The implant is a small piece of plastic that is put under the skin of the arm. It contains the hormone progestogen, which hormone is very similar to the oestrogen your body produces. It lasts for up to 3 years, but can be taken out at any time Benefits: It’s extremely good at preventing pregnancyVery convenient; it doesn’t interrupt sexMenstruation can be lighter and less frequentIt helps to make menstruation less painfulIt can help you deal with pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS)Often suitable for people who can’t take oestrogen Risks: A small injection of local anaesthetic is needed to put it under the skinIrregular bleeding can be a nuisance (1 in 5 women) (UCL)Some women get side effects like mood changes and changes in sex driveNo protection against STIs IUS Fewer than 1% of women will get pregnant in one year. (UCL) The hormonal coil (IUS) is made of plastic and releases a small amount of progestogen. It is inserted into the womb by a doctor or nurse and lasts up to 5 years. The IUS can be a great help for heavy or painful periods. Benefits: Lasts up to 5 years No need to remember pills or patchesIt doesn’t interrupt sexIt is extremely good at preventing pregnancyMenstruation is usually lighter and less painfulIt is a low level of a very safe hormoneOften suitable for people who can’t take oestrogenIt’s usually quick and easy to take outCan help with pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) Risks: The procedure can be painfulSome have irregular bleedingThe IUS can come out (1 in 20)STI check needed before putting it inNo protection against STIsCan cause mood changes, skin problems or breast tenderness Rare risks: Can go through the wall of the womb when it’s put in (fewer than 1 in 1000)Pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy) – possible but very rare Copper Coil (IUD) Fewer than 1 in 100 women will get pregnant in one year. The Copper Coil (IUD) is made of plastic and copper. It’s put into the womb by a doctor or a nurse and lasts 5 to 10 years. The method is popular as it has no hormones Benefits: It doesn’t interrupt sexIt doesn’t contain hormonesNo need to remember pills or patchesLasts 5 to 10 yearsIt is usually quick and easy to take outIt is extremely good at preventing pregnancyAlmost all women can use the IUD (speak to your GP) Risks: Can make menstruation heavier and more painfulHaving it fitted can be painfulThe IUD can come out (1 in 20) STI check needed before putting it inNo protection against STIs Rare risks: IUD can go through the wall of the womb when it is put in (fewer than 1 in 1000)Pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy) – possible but rare Injection 3 in 100 women can get pregnant in one year when using depo injections. The injection (or depo) is given as an injection into the buttocks or thigh every three months. It contains a hormone called progestogen. It is long-lasting and convenient, it can stop periods temporarily Benefits: It doesn’t interrupt sexIt helps to make periods lighter and less painfulMost women (7 in 10) have no periodsOften suitable for people who can’t take oestrogenIt’s extremely good at preventing pregnancyIt protects against cancer of the womb Risks: It’s an injection, which some people dislikeMay cause irregular bleedingWeight gain is fairly likely (3kg in 2 years)Possible changes in mood and sex driveNot suitable for someone who definitely wants a regular periodIt can take several months to wear offNo protection against STIs Combined Pill 8 in 100 women can get pregnant in one year while using the combined pill. The combined pill (“the pill” as most people call it) is taken daily and usually with a week off, once a month, to allow menstruation to happen. It contains 2 hormones, which are similar to women’s own hormones. Easy to start and stop, but can be difficult to remember to take Benefits: Easy to take; one pill a dayIt doesn’t interrupt sexThe pill is good at preventing pregnancyIt helps to make menstruation lighter and less painfulMenstruation will usually be very regularEasy to know and to control when menstruation will comeThe pill can help with acne and spotsSome users notice enlargement of their breastsIt protects against womb and ovarian cancerProtects against pelvic inflammatory disease Risks: Can be difficult to remember to take the pillNo protection against STIs Possible side effects: Spotting (bleeding in between periods)NauseaSore breastsChanges in mood or sex driveFeeling more hungryBlood clots in the legs or lungs (1 in 5,000 women) Mini Pill 8 in 100 women can get pregnant using the mini-pills. The progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) is taken every day without any breaks. It contains a hormone which is very similar to one of the hormones produced by a woman’s body. It needs to be taken at the same time every day. Benefits: Easy to take; one pill a day, every dayIt doesn’t interrupt sexIt’s good at preventing pregnancyUnder the user’s controlIt’s out of the system quickly once stoppedOften suitable for people who can’t take oestrogenIt can help with heavy or painful periodsIt may mean that periods stop (temporarily)Can be used when breastfeeding Risks: Can be difficult to remember No protection against STIs Possible side effects: Irregular bleedingHeadachesSore breasts Changes in moodChanges in sex drive Patch 8 in 100 women will get pregnant in one year while using patches. The patch is a square sticker like a thin plaster. It contains 2 hormones (oestrogen and progestogen) which are very similar to women’s own hormones. The patch is changed once a week Benefits: Easy to use; change once a weekIt doesn’t interrupt sexThe patch is good at preventing pregnancyIt helps make periods lighter and less painfulPeriods are usually very regularEasy to know and control when a period will comeThe patch can help with acneSome users notice some enlargement of their breastsIt protects against womb & ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease Risks: It can be hard to remember when to changeNo protection against STIsOnly available in a light colour making it visible on many women Possible side effects: Spotting (in between periods)NauseaSore breastsChanges in mood or sex driveIncreased appetite Blood clots in the legs or lungs (1 in 5,000) The Ring 9 in 100 women will get pregnant in a year while using vaginal rings The vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring put in the vagina. It releases oestrogen and progestogen, which are similar to the women’s own hormones. The ring must be changed every 3 weeks with a week off Benefits: Easy to use; one ring lasts 3 weeksIt doesn’t interrupt sexThe ring is good at preventing pregnancyIt helps to make periods lighter and less painfulPeriods will usually be very regularEasy to know and to control when a period will comeThe ring can help acneSome users notice some enlargement of their breastsIt protects against womb & ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease Risks: Need to remember to change it once a monthNo protection against STIs Possible side effect Spotting NauseaSore breastsChange in mood or sex driveFeeling more hungryBlood clots in the legs or lungs (1 in 5,000) Condoms 15 in 100 women will get pregnant in one year when using a condom during sexual activity There are two different types of condoms, male condoms that are worn on the penis and female condoms which are placed inside the vagina. Condoms are made from very thin latex, synthetic nitrile, polyisoprene or polyurethane and can be used for vaginal, oral and anal sex. For men, the size and fit of condoms are important so that they are comfortable and don’t break or slip off. That being said, condoms are very stretchy and can expand. Benefits: Easy to obtain; clinics provide them for freeAvailable without the need to see a doctor, nurse or healthcare professional Protect against STIsGives men and women control over whether and when to have a babyThey may it easier to clean up after sex Risks: Condoms can interrupt sexCondoms may reduce pleasure for either or both partiesIt can be difficult to ask men to wear condomsSome men worry about condoms and erectionsCondoms need some skill; knowing how to stop condoms breaking or slipping off Diaphragm 16 in 100 women will get pregnant in one year while using the diaphragm. Diaphragms and cervical caps are cups made of silicone. It is put at the top of the vagina, to cover the cervix (neck of the womb). It’s used with spermicide (a cream that kills sperm). It is necessary to check if it’s in the right place before sex Benefits: Most women can use a diaphragm or capThey are hormone-freeThey can be put in up to 3 hours before sexThey offer some protection against STIsCan have sex more than once with a diaphragm or cap in place (with extra spermicide) Skin to skin contact Risks: Diaphragms and caps are less effective than other methodsTechnique needs a bit of practiceNeed to be put in before intercourseThey need to be left in for 6 hours after sexThe spermicide can be messySome spermicides can increase the risk of HIV transmission Fertility Awareness 25 in 100 women will get pregnant in one year using natural methods. Fertility Awareness (natural family planning) is a way of predicting ovulation to work out when pregnancy is more likely. This method involves recording signs of fertility such as body temperature, thickness of fluid in the vagina and calculating fertility from menstrual cycle dates. Fertility awareness can be very effective (with daily monitoring). Benefits: Non-hormonal methodThere are no side effectsThe method involves learning how the body worksSkin to skin contactAcceptable in most religions and culturesCan be useful when trying to become pregnant Risks: It can be tricky to learn and takes a few months to monitor patternsMay have a higher risk of pregnancyDaily monitoring is needed (temperature, thickness of fluid in the vagina)Illness, stress or travel can make it hard to interpret signsUnprotected sex must be avoided on the most fertile daysNo protection from STIsTo work best, it should be thought by a qualified fertility awareness teacher, nurse, GP Withdrawal 27 in 100 women will get pregnant in one year when using the withdrawal method. The withdrawal method (pulling out) is when a man pulls out before he ejaculates. Benefits: No need to see a doctor, nurse or healthcare professional Free No hormonesAcceptable for women whose religion or culture forbids other methods Risks: Requires extreme self control and body awareness of the manIt’s not a very reliable way of preventing pregnancyThere can be small deposits of sperm before orgasm (ejaculation)Some people find withdrawal unsatisfying for sexual pleasureDifficult to do it every time Now that I have peaked your curiosity in this subject, I strongly recommend you read on the different methods in more detail on public health websites (NHS, etc.) to learn more about side effects, how they work, etc. You should also consult your GP as some methods may not be the right fit for you depending on your medical history. If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your decision making process and the side effects of these methods please email me at depetrillojulia@gmail.com Be kind to one another! Julia, Sexologist Julia, Sexologist BlogWe are here to help you grow. To improve, maintain and restore your sexual health. To help keep this blog going, any contribution will be helpful. £5.00