Some further information on the common STDs:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common curable STI diagnosed in the UK. Often asymptomatic, anyone who is sexually active is considered to be at increased risk of chlamydia infection. It is the most commonly recognised, screened and treated of all STI’s.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhea, which multiplies easily in the mucous membranes of the male and female reproductive tract. It can cause serious and permanent health conditions if not treated.
Mycoplasma Genitalium (M.Gen)
M.gen is an important sexually transmitted pathogen
Macrolide Resistance Testing (M.gen)
Prevalence of M.gen in men and women in the general population is 1-2%. Mycoplasma genitalium has been implicated as a cause of acute and chronic non-chlamydial non-gonococcal urethritis in males and post coital bleeding, cervicitis, endrometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease in females.
Ureaplasma
It can lead to urinary tract infection and pelvic inflammation. Usually asymptomatic, it is part of the normal genital flora of both men and women. It is found in about 70% of sexually active humans. In males with lower sperm quality, ureaplasma infection could lead to a more pronounced decrease in some seminal parameters and compromise sperm motility.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis – and is one of the most common STI’s worldwide.
Gardnerella vaginalis
Gardnerella vaginalis is a bacterium rather than a sexually transmitted infection. It is part of the normal vaginal flora but, when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, it can flourish and overgrow leading to bacterial vaginosis. Does it matter if it's not an STI? Yes, because it can be characterised by a fishy smelling, white vaginal discharge, itching, burning, and irritation, and there are some known pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory conditions associated with Gardnerella as well as a higher risk of getting other STI’s.
Herpes/Herpes Simplex Virus I/II
Genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus lives in the nerves and when active it travels to the surface of the infected area and makes copies of itself – called shedding, because new virus cells can
at this time rub off onto another person. The virus travels back down the nerve to a ganglion usually at the base of the spine where it lies dormant for a while. It causes painful blisters on the genitalia and surrounding areas.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
LGV is a type of chlamydia bacteria that attacks the lymph nodes.
Nearly all LGV infections seen in the UK in recent years have been in the rectum. Within a few weeks of becoming infected, most people get painful inflammation in the rectum with bleeding, pus, constipation or ulcers, sometimes with fever, rash and groin, armpit or neck swelling.
Emergency contraception
Should you require emergency contraception it is advised that one seeks assistance as soon after unprotected intercourse as possible. Speak to our clinicians who can advise and prescribe emergency contraception.