Random fact 160
Chlamydia is the most common and curable STI.
Random fact 161
A lot of girls wont have any symptoms when infected with Chlamydia.
Random fact 162
Chlamydia CAN affect boys as well.
Random fact 163
You can get Chlamydia by having unprotected penetrative sex,(where the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus).
Random fact 164
A positive result can be treated with antibiotics.
Random fact 165
If left untreated Chlamydia can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, fertility problems, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.
Random fact 166
Chlamydia can affect your heart, joints and eyes.
Random fact 167
15-24 yr olds can be screened for Chlamydia at a variety of venues across the county, including colleges, community centres, young people’s services, and some GP practices
Random fact 168
AIDS is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Random fact 169
AIDS is a serious condition in which the bodys defences are broken down. It is caused by a virus called HIV, which is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Random fact 170
HIV can be passed on through infected blood, blood products and sexual fluids.
Random fact 171
You may get HIV by having penetrative sex with an infected person or by injecting drugs using a needle or syringe that has been used by someone who is infected.
Random fact 172
Some sexual activities put you at a higher risk of getting HIV, e.g. anal sex.
Random fact 173
The HIV test is a blood test that is checked for antibodies to HIV.
Random fact 174
It can take up to three months for your body to produce antibodies so if you think you have been at risk less than three months ago then you might need a repeat test.
Random fact 175
There is still no cure for HIV although new treatments have been developed which means some people can stay well for longer.
Random fact 176
In women with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), there is normally less of the normal vaginal bacteria, an overgrowth of other types of bacteria and a change in the pH, which becomes more alkaline.
Random fact 177
BV can occur if you: Use scented soaps or perfumed bubble bath; Put antiseptic liquids in the bath; Douche or use vaginal deodorant; Use strong detergents to wash your underwear; Smoke
Random fact 178
Around half of women with bacterial vaginosis will not have any signs or symptoms at all, or may not be aware of them.
Random fact 179
BV symptoms may include: A change in your usual vaginal discharge or an unpleasant smell to your discharge
Random fact 180
You can only be certain you have bacterial vaginosis if you have a test, which will involve taking a swab from the vaginal area during an internal examination.
Random fact 181
Treatment for BV is simple and involves taking antibiotic tablets or you may be given a cream or gel instead.
Random fact 182
Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is the most common bacterial, Sexually Transmitted Infection.
Random fact 183
Chlamydia is very easily treated and if found and treated early will not cause any long-term problems.
Random fact 184
Most often, women have no symptoms at all. But possible symptoms include: Increased vaginal discharge;Pain when passing urine; Pain during sex; Pain in the lower stomach (abdomen); Bleeding between periods.
Random fact 185
Men can also have chlamydia with no symptoms. However, they may show the following symptoms: A discharge (liquid) from the penis; Pain when passing urine; Chlamydia in the eyes can cause redness and irritation in the eyes; Chlamydia in the rectum rarely causes symptoms.
Random fact 186
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, which are free if you are under 25.
Random fact 187
Once Chlamydia has been treated it will not re-occur unless you have sex with someone who has got Chlamydia and has not been treated.
Random fact 188
When you go to an STI clinic, you will probably be asked for your name and some contact details. You don’t have to give your real name if you don’t want to, and if you do it will be kept confidential.
Random fact 189
Your GP won’t be told of your STI clinic visit without your permission.
Random fact 190
If test results are not available during your visit, the STI clinic will need to contact you with them, so give them the correct contact details.
Random fact 191
STI clinics will check how you want to receive your results: they can usually be given to you over the phone, in a text or in an unmarked letter.
Random fact 192
When you go to an STI clinic you will see a doctor or a nurse, and theyll ask you about your medical and sexual history. Be prepared to answer questions about your sex life, including when you last had sex, whether you have had unprotected sex, whether you have any symptoms and why you think you might have an infection.
Random fact 193
You can ask to see a female doctor or nurse at an STI clinic if you prefer, but you might have to wait longer than you usually would, until one becomes available.
Random fact 194
The doctor or nurse at an STI clinic will tell you which tests they think you need. They should explain to you what is going on and why they are suggesting these tests. If you are not sure about anything, ask them to explain.
Random fact 195
An STI test might involve: A urine sample; A blood sample; Swabs from the vagina (which you can usually do yourself) An examination of your genitals.
Random fact 196
Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea usually requires only a urine sample.
Random fact 197
Testing for HIV and syphilis needs a blood sample.
Random fact 198
Tests for herpes are not usually done unless you have sores on your genitals or anus. In this case, a swab will be taken from a sore. This will be uncomfortable for a moment.
Random fact 199
With some tests, you can get the results (and treatment if you need it) on the same day. For others, you might have to wait for a week or two. If this is the case, the clinic will check how you would prefer to receive your results.
Random fact 200
If you test positive for an STI, you will be asked to go back to the clinic to talk about your results and your treatment.
Random fact 201
Many STIs can be cured with antibiotics.
Random fact 202
Some infections, such as HIV, have no cure but there are treatments available. A clinic can advise you on these, and can put you in touch with a counsellor.
Random fact 203
If possible, tell your sexual partner and any ex-partners so that they can get tested and treated as well. If you dont want to do this, the clinic can usually do it for you (it’s called partner notification, and the clinic will not reveal who you are).
Random fact 204
If you have had an STI once this does not make you immune to it: you can get the same infection again.
Random fact 205
Many people with STIs don’t get symptoms, so its worth getting tested even if you feel healthy.
Random fact 206
An STI can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Random fact 207
You can get or pass on an STI whoever youre having sex with.
Random fact 208
Women can pass infections on to women, and men can pass infections on to men.
Random fact 209
You can’t tell by looking at someone (including yourself) whether they’ve got an infection, so it’s important to get a check-up if you’ve had unprotected sex.
Random fact 210
Many people don’t notice symptoms when they have an STI, including most women with Chlamydia. If you have any of the symptoms listed below, get tested. Pain when you pass urine (pee); Itching, burning or tingling around the genitals; Blisters, sores, spots or lumps around the genitals or anus; Black powder or tiny white dots in your underwear (this could be droppings or eggs from pubic lice)
Random fact 211
In women specifically other STI symptoms could be: Yellow or green vaginal discharge; Discharge that smells; Bleeding between periods or after sex; Pain during sex; Lower abdominal pain
Random fact 212
In men specifically, other STI symptoms could be: Discharge from the penis and Irritation of the urethra (the tube where urine comes out).
Random fact 213
Having symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have an STI, but its worth seeing a doctor so that you can find out whats causing the symptoms, and treat it. For example, it’s possible to get thrush without having sex, but it can cause STI-like symptoms, such as soreness, itching and discharge. Thrush is easily treated.
